We're all feeling the Zoom fatigue - the last year has been full of countless hours staring at a screen. Not just for adults, but for our little ones, too! How can we find the joy in play therapy in this connected-but-not, screen-filled reality we're in? It's time to get creative.
Zoom offers us a way to connect in a disconnected time, and though it presents it's fair share of challenges, it's important to remember that the core of play therapy is in the connection. We can still achieve that! We may not have access to our sand trays, dollhouses, and bop bags, but what we do have is a new and unique perspective into our clients' homes and worlds.
So, let's explore 3 creative ways to enhance your remote play therapy practice!
1. Video Games
If you told me a year ago, I'd be spending much of my session time with clients playing video games - I'd probably call you a liar. However, I've learned over the last year that many games can provide rich and vibrant insight into a child's inner world. Video games still allow for symbolic play and present a great tool for rapport building.
Minecraft is a great tool for remote play therapy - players can quite literally create their world! In "survival" mode, enemy mobs spawn up which presents a fantastic metaphor for discussing challenges that "pop up" in life.
2. Sensory Additions
Zoom therapy doesn't have to mean an hour sitting in front of a screen. Play therapy is meant to be an richly active and sensory experience - we can still bring the senses to life through a screen! Scavenger hunts, physical activity breaks, and dance parties can keep a child engaged while providing the counselor with new and varied clinical insight.
Need some ideas? Try the Party Freeze Game with a clinical twist - for every "freeze" name a feeling or coping strategy! This song gets both you and the child up out of the chair and moving in a way that enhances the clinical work and builds rapport!
3. Give Up Control!
Okay, so maybe not so literally, but let the child be the "host". Give the child hosting privileges & let them explore being "in charge" of the Zoom. This type of play enhances autonomy and allows for power exploration.
Though this type of activity involves calling attention to the realities of remote play therapy, it twists the experience and allows the child to sit in the driver's seat in a way that is new and engaging. Even-ing out the power differential in the counseling relationship also builds trust and enhances the therapeutic relationship.
What remote play therapy tools have you been trying? We'd love to hear your ideas for bringing play and engagement to Zoom in the comments!
When we play, we thrive.