By Yaffa Novograd, LMSW
Play is something many adults may think of as childish and meaningless. If you are not aware of the power of play, don’t worry—you are not alone! Play is not only the language that children speak, but it also has the power to help kids make sense of their experiences, identify their feelings, solve problems, gain a sense of autonomy, and connect with others. Play is so vital for children that a lack of play can have lasting impacts on their ability to understand and engage with the world around them.
Children often don’t have the words to explain everything they’re feeling. This is why play therapy is such a valuable tool for supporting children as they navigate social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. A play therapy room, like the ones at Jewish Community Services, is a safe, supportive space that usually includes age-appropriate toys, games, art supplies, dolls, costumes, sand trays, and other creative materials they can use to explore their feelings and experiences. Rather than sitting and talking about problems, children communicate through activities that feel comfortable and familiar to them. As trust develops between the child and therapist, children begin to feel more confident, understood, and supported. The playroom becomes a place where children can safely express worries, practice new skills, and gain a better understanding of themselves and others. These positive effects extend beyond therapy, leading to meaningful changes at home and at school.
Although play therapy is most commonly used with elementary and middle-school-aged children, the power of play does not stop when we grow up! We all have an inner child who benefits from curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of fun. When we let ourselves play, it is an opportunity to express ourselves, and that can help us manage the daily stressors of adulthood.
For children, play is much more than entertainment. It is how they communicate, learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them. Through play therapy, children can find a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, develop new skills, and gain the support they need to thrive both now and in the future.
JCS has dedicated play therapy spaces at our Park Heights and Owings Mills offices because “Play is the work of the child.”
Yaffa Novograd, LMSW, is a Clinical Outpatient Therapist at JCS.
Jewish Community Services provides programs and services for people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths helping them achieve their goals, enhance their well-being, and maximize their independence.
To learn more, visit jcsbalt.org or 410-466-9200.
