play therapy Archive
Latest Posts
20 Ways for Play Therapists to Increase the Experience of Effective Moments in Play Therapy
on: by Laura Hutchison
The following is a culmination of the results from my dissertation research, “The Therapist’s Experience of Effective Moments in Play Therapy.” I believe it is helpful for all play therapists, beginners or veterans, to review often to remember the great influence
How I Get Kids to Leave My Office … a transition activity
on: by Laura Hutchison
One-on-one time with an adult in a room filled with toys and very little restrictions? What kid would want to leave!! Ending a play therapy session can be a bit tricky at times, but I have found that consistency and ritual can
Books to Help Children Understand Divorce
on: by Laura Hutchison
Here’s a list of books for kids about divorce. I use these in play therapy and recommend them to parents when the family is going through a divorce. If you have some to add, please leave a comment below! The Family
Using Water Beads in Play Therapy
on: by Laura Hutchison
When I entered into the blogging world in the summer of 2011 I was first introduced to the world of water beads. An amazing substance of gel-like beads that grow or shrink depending how much water they are with … wonderful
Utilizing the Books of Julia Donaldson as Parenting and Therapeutic Resources
on: by Laura Hutchison
One of the things I have really enjoyed about being part of the Virtual Book Club for Kids is finding authors I haven’t read before and discovering how I can incorporate sharing these books with the kids I work with in
Wanting to Make Others Happy … “When I was younger I tried …” FTSF #4
on: by Laura Hutchison
This post is written in response to the “Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF #4) hosted by Janine @ Janine’s Confessions of a Mommyaholic and Kate @ Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine with My Morning Quiet Time. I plan to “finish the sentence” each
Why Kids Should Play with Baby Dolls (yes, even boys!) – a collaborative post with Mama OT and Playing with Words 365
on: by Laura Hutchison
I’m very excited to share that I have a collaborative post up today over at Mama OT! Christie (Mama OT) who is a pediatric Occupational Therapist, Katie (Playing with Words 365) who is a speech therapist, and I wrote about the
PlayDrMom’s Favorite books to help Kids Build Self-Esteem
on: by Laura Hutchison
Spoon, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal … Is a nice way to talk to children about jealousy and, in turn, being thankful for our own uniqueness and personal gifts. Check out this great activity from Coffee Cups and Crayons. Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes …
Utilizing the books of Amy Krouse Rosenthal as Parenting & Therapeutic resources
on: by Laura Hutchison
I wasn’t familiar with the Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s books before exploring her work during the Virtual Book Club for Kids this month. After reading through every title by her that I could get at my public library I recognized that many
Playful Activities to Help Kids Learn about Feelings
on: by Laura Hutchison
I feel that one of my most important tasks as a play therapist (and a mom) is to help children understand, cope with, and express their feelings. In my 13 years of working therapeutically with children I have come across a
Dot Art in Play Therapy
on: by Laura Hutchison
This is a piece of cardboard that is hung above the couch in my play therapy room. It started as a plain, white piece of cardboard. But slowly it is developing into a piece of art. I am using it as
Using Spin Art in Play Therapy
on: by Laura Hutchison
SPIN ART and PLAY THERAPY are two of my favorite things. I was so happy when I started using spin art in session and realized what a great technique it could be therapeutically. Originally I just thought my own kids LOVE