Play Therapy

[Anonymous]

Has anyone ever had there child in play therapy? I’m looking into it for Kayleigh. Her father has left us for the third time and because of her age this time she’s not dealing well with it. We’ve regressed with pottying, fear of everything under the sun, no longer playing alone in her room, doesn’t want to play with other children at school, she’s hitting, kicking and biting me and night wakings. I repeatedly tell her how much I love her and how I will always be here for her. We have a great support system with my family so they’ve been helping with extra calls and visits but I’m thinking it’s time for professional help. I was just wondering if anyone has dealt with a play therapist or if I should skip the play and go for something else. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Lynn, I’m so sorry you and Kayleigh are going through this. I don’t know much about play therapy but do work in a school with a lot of families who go through similar situations in their lives. I’ve seen great improvements in kids who were engaged in some kind of a counseling or therapy. I’d say that it doesn’t hurt for you to try it out. Hope it helps and everyone feels better soon. Tight hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

We don’t do play therapy but we do go to Kindermusik (music/movement) and I know they go up to 5-6yrolds where we are. It is only once a week but Cooper loves it, gives him time to be with other kids. I know that probably isn’t much help. I also want to give you a big HUG!!!!! Sorry you are going through such a tough time right now.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys ….I’ve kept all of her activites the same. She goes to preschool and gymnastics all so she can play with other children and all reports are that she does great. No outbursts or violent type of behavior. Which is great…although it tells me that her anger (or whatever it is) is directed at me. Thanks again

[Anonymous]

So sorry for your situation. Kayleigh’s picture is beautiful in your ticker!!!

Hang in there and vent to us whenever you need to. I know it is not much comfort, but my sister got divorced when her children were one and three. They directed a lot of their anger towards her, but that is because they felt safe and that her love was unconditional that they could direct their anger towards her and she would continue to love them the same. I am not sure they felt safe in their love with their father the same. She took the brunt of it, and it was not easy, but she has an amazing relationship with them now (13 and 15 years old now).

I know it is not much comfort, but know that you have done an amazing job if Kayleigh knows it is unconditional with you!!

Big hugs and hang in there!

Ann Marie

[hellbennt]

I’m so sorry to read your news!!

I think counseling would be great. As an elementary school counselor, I would tell you to look into finding a well respected therapist- most of them would do some sort of play therapy with a child of her age, but I’m not so certain that you need to find an ‘official’ play therapist- just a GOOD therapist/counselor/psychologist, if I’m making sense…

I would ask around to find someone who comes highly recommended…

also, a good therapist should involve you a bit, too, of course as her mother and help you with how to work/talk/etc with her.

I hope this helps…

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ann Marie~ It helps to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Laura~ Thanks that helps alot I had thought that I needed to find a specific therapist. I will have to start asking around for recommendations then say prayers they accept our insurance! I hadn’t thought about it involving me but it makes total sense now.

He said the most hair raising, anger provoking thing tonight! He asked if we had already applied for welfare when I replied yes, he began yelling about how horrible it was going to be for HIM! Didn’t I care that now the D.A.’s office was going to be sending him a letter asking for child support. UH duh don’t you think it’s your responsibility to pay it anyhow without the letter? He proceeded to tell me that because I won’t let her go to his house that he doesn’t need to give me a dime! Hmm…. well I just smiled and let him walk out. He didn’t even say good bye to her. Snake! Thanks for letting me vent it’s hard to not show my anger at him but I know that it wouldn’t be productuve for her and she’s my number one concern.

[hellbennt]

hugs to you!!!

I am so sorry you (both of you) are dealing with this!!

Having a therapist should help you in court, too…someone else, aside from you, to speak for Kaleigh…

[Anonymous]

No experience here but wanted to send you some big HUGS

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear you and Kayleigh are going through this. I’m not sure how it works in the US but people have to be registered as psychologists in Aus. That means there is a government body overseeing qualifications and the like. Perhaps that might be something else to add to your list when looking for someone. But I also agree that reccomendations from people are a good place to start. Hugs.

[Anonymous]

A friend at work is going through the exact same situation and her daughter is about the same age will be 5 in May. She is seeing a “behavior” therapist? Don’t know what it is, but I could ask next time I see her? Maybe give you some direction as to where to look when calling around! It sure does suck also that you have to be dictated by what ins. will pay for! Your daug and you need this!

Her daugh was upset b/c she moved to a new town when they divorced and when the girl was with her she would say “you took me away from my dad” and she was having almost the exact same list of issues you mentioned.
I think the behavior therapist improved things- maybe not solved, but that would be a start!

Hugs to you!!!! You just need to continue to love and support her as only a mother can!!

[Author]

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