Erin Briggs received her bachelor’s at College of Charleston in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling at Webster University. Erin is currently a case manager at Crisis Ministries specializing in substance abuse counseling and play therapy.  For more than 10 years, Erin has seen the benefits of play therapy for children involved in major trauma, abuse and natural disasters. 

Experiencing homelessness and living in a shelter is a frightening experience for children as well as adults.  However, unlike adults, children struggle with finding words to express their emotions.  Frustration can lead to behavioral problems and problems in school.  Through weekly play therapy sessions, Erin can begin to understand a child’s emotions and feelings about their current situation.  These sessions shed light on the best ways to validate a child’s feelings of safety and self-worth as well as help them feel comfortable with the toys, games and other children that are part of their new surroundings. 

Erin is quick to point out that the most important aspect of play therapy is simply giving a child a chance to play.  Through the child’s eyes, the sessions are about having fun.  Sessions are child-directed.  Each child chooses which toys and games to play and for how long.  A second benefit to play therapy is giving the child an opportunity to express emotions and feelings that are hard to articulate. 

A recent play session with Steven, a 5-year old boy, started with his choosing a barnyard and farm animals as toys.  He fenced the animals in and then gradually let each one out, except for the chicken.  “The chicken is bad,” he said.  “Nobody likes the chicken.”  He went on to explain that the chicken was different, not like everyone else and “stupid.”  In this instance, Erin was able to help the child name good traits about the chicken and discuss how his unique qualities made him special. 

To learn more about play therapy click on the links below.

http://www.a4pt.org/

http://www.play-therapy.com/

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