Play Therapy & Social Skills
A therapy program that develops the child's emotional world and social skills with the healing power of play.
Play Therapy and Social Skills Training is a therapeutic approach focusing on developing children's emotional expression, social interaction, problem-solving, and communication skills through play. Play is the natural language of children and their most powerful learning tool. Children express their emotions, try out social roles, learn rules, and develop conflict resolution strategies through play. As Önce Special Education, we enrich children's emotional and social worlds with play therapy and social skills training programs run by our expert therapists at our center in Pendik, Istanbul.
Our play therapy program offered at our Pendik center offers a combination of directive and non-directive play therapy techniques, structured social skills training, and group studies. In individual play therapy sessions, emotional expression, the child's inner world, and emotional regulation skills are supported through the therapeutic relationship. Under social skills training, basic social competencies such as waiting in line, sharing, cooperating, understanding and expressing emotions, establishing empathy, and conflict resolution are taught with structured activities.
At our center located in the Pendik district of Istanbul, play therapy and social skills training are offered in individual and group formats. Small group studies allow children to practice the social skills they have learned in a natural environment with their peers. Any child experiencing autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, behavior problems, emotional difficulties, and struggling in peer relationships can benefit from our program. Strategies and play suggestions that can support the child's social-emotional development in the home environment are offered to our families.
Who Is It For?
- Children experiencing difficulties in peer relationships and unable to make friends
- Autism spectrum disorder diagnosed individuals showing social skill deficits
- Children experiencing emotional expression and regulation difficulties
- Individuals showing social anxiety and shyness
- Children with behavior problems and conflict resolution difficulties
- Children experiencing trauma, loss, or adaptation difficulties
How Does It Work?
The process starts with a social-emotional development assessment and family interview.
Individual therapy and/or group program is planned according to the child's social-emotional needs.
Emotional expression and regulation are worked on in a safe therapeutic environment in individual play therapy sessions.
Role-playing, social stories, video modeling, and play activities are applied in structured social skills groups.
Generalization studies of social skills are conducted in natural environments (park, playground).
Strategies supporting social-emotional development and home activities are suggested to families.
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is play therapy and how does it work?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that allows children to express and resolve their emotional problems, anxieties, and difficulties through play. Children project their inner worlds through toys, art materials, and drama, experiencing emotional healing under the guidance of the therapist.
How are social skills groups formed?
Social skills groups consist of 4-6 children of similar age and developmental level. Groups provide a safe environment where children can learn from each other and practice together. Separate social skills groups are organized for different age groups in our Pendik center.
My child is very shy, will social skills training be beneficial?
Yes, social skills training is very beneficial especially for shy and socially anxious children. In a safe and supportive group environment, children gradually experience social interaction and their self-confidence increases.
In which problems is play therapy effective?
Scientific research supports that play therapy is effective in many situations such as anxiety, depression, trauma, family problems, separation anxiety, aggression, adaptation difficulties, social withdrawal, and emotional regulation difficulties.
Free Assessment Appointment
Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.
Free Assessment Appointment
Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.
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