Child Development: Play Therapy in Dubai

This article has been researched and written by Nayla Daou. AI has not been used in producing this article.

Every child deserves to feel safe, empowered, understood, connected, and loved. Play therapy is based on the foundation of providing a safe environment for children to process their emotions and develop the social, emotional, and coping skills they need to overcome trauma and thrive in life. 

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a counseling method that uses play to communicate with children to help resolve psychological challenges. Play therapy allows children to naturally express their emotions and relate to the world through play. It has been theorized play therapy benefits social integrations, emotional modulation, trauma recovery, and standard growth and development.

In 1909 Sigmund Freud was the first to publish a documented case on the therapeutic use of play, focusing on a five-year-old boy demonstrating a phobia of horses entitled “Little Hans.” Subsequently, Freud’s student, Melanie Klein, and his daughter, Anna Freud, asserted the theoretical premise for the use of play. In particular, Klein theorized a child’s spontaneous play, was a substitute for the free association used within adult psychoanalysis.

What are Common Play Therapy Techniques?

For your child, their play therapy sessions won’t feel like a “session” at all. During their therapy, a child psychologist will “play” with your child using puppets, games, coloring, books, and other creative activities to help them engage. This allows children to work through their challenges, feelings, and memories through symbolic expression, using their toys as a medium to express their experiences.

Play therapy can be directive or non-directive. In the direct approach, the therapist will suggest specific toys or activities for use during a play therapy session. The non-directive approach is less structured and allows the child to choose any toy or game they wish to interact with. During both directive and non-directive therapy sessions, the child psychologist will observe and participate as needed.

Play therapists in Dubai may use techniques that involve:

• storytelling
• role playing
• toy phones
• puppets, dolls, or action figures
• arts and crafts
• books and coloring
• sand and water play
• blocks or other building toys
• musical instruments
• dance and creative movement
• creative visualization
• and more

What Can Play Therapy Treat?

Play therapy is recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 12, experiencing a wide range of symptoms, including:

• aggressive behaviors
• challenges with impulsivity, self-control, and boundaries
• trauma, neglect, or abuse
• bullying or social anxiety
• low self-esteem
• anxiety
• depression
• bedwetting, night terrors, or nightmares
• ADHD & ADD
• challenges with academic success and motivation
• grief or bereavement
• and more

What are The Benefits of Play Therapy?

According to Play Therapy International, up to 71 percent of children referred to play therapy experience a positive change. As the trust between a child and their therapist grows, children become more comfortable with their child psychologist, and they play more freely. This opens the lines of communication to empower growth, development, and healing (when applicable).

Potential benefits of play therapy include:

• taking responsibility for actions and behaviors
• developing coping strategies and a positive mindset
• increased self-esteem
• increased empathy and respect for others
• decreased anxiety
• learning how to communicate and express feelings in a productive manner
• stronger social skills
• stronger relationships with friends and family

What are The Qualifications for a Play Therapist?

Child psychologists who specialize in play therapy receive post-Graduate level training and have extensive experience working with children. Additionally, play therapists meet the following professional, educational, and work experience requirements:

• Academic qualifications: a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Early Child Development, Education, Social Work, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, or an MA in Play Therapy.
• Professional qualifications: teaching children, nursing, social work, art, drama, visual arts, occupational therapy, etc.
• Work experience: at least five years working with children in a relevant field.

Clearminds Play Therapy

Play therapy services help parents raise confident and capable children by empowering children with the essential skills they need to navigate their challenging worlds. At Clearminds, our team of child development psychologists believes that with compassionate care, and the right tools and solutions, your child can develop the coping skills and positive mindset they need to achieve positive change and developmental growth. If you and your significant other could benefit from couples therapy, we are here to help also.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your consultation today. 

Nayla Daou

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Nayla Daou is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of ClearMinds Center for Emotional Health in Dubai. Holding a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from Nova Southeastern University, she is licensed by both the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health, Washington State, USA. Dr. Nayla specializes in child and adolescent psychology, trauma therapy, and EMDR, and has been featured in Gulf News and KHDA panels on digital wellbeing and cyberbullying. She writes about child development, emotional wellbeing, and family psychology.