Episode 133: Understanding Play Therapy for Children: Interview with Lindsey Epstein Webster

Thank you so much for listening. Today we are talking about play therapy, a treatment modality for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or adjustment issues. We discuss the benefits of play therapy, how to find a play therapist, and when it might be appropriate for your child. Our guest is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Doctor of Educational Psychology (EDD),  Lindsey Epstein Webster. Lindsey is a therapist who has been in practice now for 12 years. She specializes in working with children and families and has been trained in attachment based non-directive play therapy. She is also the parent to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. Prior to the pandemic Lindsey did play therapy in office and now predominantly works with parents on offering dyadic strategies to help improve their children's ability to identify and express emotions and improve overall behavior in both the home and academic setting.

In this episode we discussed:

• Definition and explanation of play therapy
• First session expectations for parents and children
• Age recommendations for beginning play therapy
• Explanation of various terms: non-directive play therapy, dyadic therapy, and adjustment disorder
• Duration of play therapy for children
• Signs that a child might benefit from play therapy
• The role of parents in the play therapy process
• Finding a play therapist
• Challenges of play therapy during the pandemic and alternative options
• Importance of play therapy techniques for parenting

Key Points:

• Play therapy is a primary modality for treating emotional, behavioral, and adjustment issues in nonverbal to early elementary age children.
• Non-directive play therapy allows the child to guide the session while the therapist observes and interprets their play.
• Dyadic therapy involves the parent and child working together with the therapist.
• Adjustment disorder is a general diagnosis used when a change in a child's life is causing emotional or behavioral problems.
• The length of play therapy can vary depending on the child's needs and external factors.
• Parents can find play therapists through the National Association for Registered Play Therapists, insurance providers, or word of mouth.
• Play therapy techniques can be beneficial for both the child and parent in navigating emotional challenges.

How to follow Lindsey:

• Website

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