What is play therapy at Pesach Tikvah? 

Growing up today is a tall order. Children are under pressure from many directions. Whether the issue is long school days or a large family, children often don’t express themselves verbally but rather act out in age-appropriate or not age-appropriate manners. Whether it is fighting with siblings or being defiant with parents, this could be the child communicating for help. Play therapy is one of the foremost evidence-based modalities for helping children to come out of their shells. 

For over 40 years, Pesach Tikvah have been the pioneers of play therapy for the Chasidishe, Yeshivish, and Orthodox Jewish demographics. For children navigating difficult experiences, such as childhood trauma, emotional and behavioral diagnoses, or family dissolution, play therapy can be an entry point for healing. Pesach Tikvah’s play therapy takes place in the presence of a licensed and trained mental health professional who combines play, art, and a tailored approach that helps children to develop coping skills.  

An introduction to modes of child-centric therapy: 

Art therapy: Art Therapy is an experiential form of treatment and has a special position in the treatment of children. Art therapy is used to improve self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, enhance social skills, and reduce distress.  

Theraplay: Theraplay is a modality of therapy for children that uses play to facilitate a stronger attachment between parent and child. The therapist guides the parent and child to strengthen their bond and the child’s regulation through play and games, that focus on nurture, safety, structure, and developmentally appropriate challenges. 

Sandtray Therapy: In Sandtray therapy, children express their understanding of themselves and their world through figurines and miniatures in a small sandbox. It can be used to help children communicate, giving the therapist insight that she can use to guide the parent.