What is Virtual Play Therapy?
Post by: Grant Gear
Let's Talk Play Therapy & AutPlay Therapy!
Play Therapy is a psychotherapy approach where play is used to express or communicate feelings. Play is broad and may include almost anything and everything - puppets, art, dance, games, toys, beading, cartoons, anime - you name it, and it may be blended within the therapy process. Play Therapy may be used by anyone across the lifespan. Grant is working towards certification of becoming a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT).
AutPlay Therapy has been developed by Robert Jason Grant. AutPlay Therapy is an integrative, family play therapy approach designed to address mental health needs of neurodivergent children (autistic, ADHD, learning differences, sensory differences, developmental disabilities, etc.) The parents and/or caregivers and family are agents of change with the child and are highly valued in the therapy process. Grant is a Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider.
Play Therapy & AutPlay Therapy may be paired with other models of practice. Other integrated models Grant is trained in include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP); Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT); Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT).
The Powers of Play
The benefits of Play Therapy are plenty. These benefits are referred to as the Powers of Play (there are 20). The four main Powers of Play include: Facilitates Communication; Fosters Emotional Wellness; Increases Personal Strengths; Enhances Social Relationships. The other 16 are subcategories of each of the main 4 domains. We begin with play, play then provides the window to the child and/or families inner world.
Why Play Therapy at Our Landing Place?
At Our Landing Place, we believe that everyone deserves to live authentically, whether that's out loud or within the boundaries you choose to set for yourself. This includes your play, your play is just that - yours. The play you use in therapy is decided by you (or if you need help deciding your play we can figure that out together). Barbies are non-binary? Great! The puppets are in a same-sex family? Super! Your art is something that you are processing within, and when you're ready you will share? Love it! Make this virtual space your own. Meeting new people may come with many feelings, Play Therapy has the playful magic to make these feelings more bearable for you.
Play Therapy and Indigenous Peoples
As I open my heart and mind to the past, I commit myself to working in a spirit of truth and reconciliation. I acknowledge not all children, adults, and families were able to play - for many different reasons. This may include a result from residential schools, 60s scoop, assimilation, and colonialism (and so many more events). These events may have caused multi-generational impacts. I offer to walk beside you, when you are ready. (<- this is meant to be an orange heart.)
How Do We Do This Virtually?
We will meet over Zoom, talk, and get to know one another. I am interested in knowing your interests: What's your favourite cartoon? Movie? Action hero? Toy? Do you like legos? Art? Ever try a puppet? Play Fortnite or Roblox? Have you ever heard about Sandtray? The possibilities are endless. We may bring any toy or item to our virtual space (I usually have a fidget toy in my hands). We can draw, complete a sandtray, a dollhouse, storytell...basically anything in-person we can do virtually (technology is amazing!).
Reach Out When You Are Ready
If anything here sparks an interest, please feel free to reach out for a free consultation. Play Therapy has changed my life and I enjoy sharing the Powers of Play with others. Pinnguagumaven? (Would you like to play?)
Interested in working with Grant? Book a free consultation online here.
