Play-based therapy offers a powerful medium to teach emotional identification and social skills. In this video of a therapy session, a therapist worked with Leo, a five-year-old boy, using a modified version of Candy Land to introduce emotions like anger, fear, and happiness. This structured yet playful approach allows children to express feelings they may not yet have words for while also building their understanding of emotions.
During the session, the therapist modeled emotional concepts through relatable examples. For instance, when Leo drew the “worried” card, the therapist explained worry by sharing a personal anecdote, such as feeling nervous when meeting new friends. This not only normalized emotions for Leo but also provided a safe environment to explore his feelings.
Leo showed promising signs of emotional understanding by mimicking facial expressions, like covering his face to demonstrate fear. These small but significant milestones highlight his potential for identifying and expressing emotions. While his challenges included maintaining focus and following structured activities, the therapist skillfully redirected him with calm guidance and positive reinforcement. Not every moment in therapy is perfect, and this session was no exception. The therapist noted opportunities for improvement, such as offering more verbal praise during moments of appropriate play.
By integrating play, emotional education, and structure, this session exemplifies how therapists can creatively engage children, fostering emotional growth and social skills in a supportive setting.
