Older Children and Teens
How can older children and teens benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy offers creative ways for older children to explore complex emotions and life experiences. This time of life is often marked with considerable changes in both social and emotional development. There are also significant physical and neural changes happening simultaneously. It can be a confusing time for parents as their children begin to strive towards a greater sense of independence.
Children may themselves be confused about their shifting identities, heightened emotions and changes to social groups. Amongst such confusion, purely talk-based therapy may feel intimidating and limiting. It can be hard to find words for something one does not understand. Play therapy offers creative mediums to help older children to process and understand changes in ways that do not rely solely on talking.
Older child and adolescent development
Emotional Development
Self-Identity and Autonomy
Older children may start to form a stronger sense of self and may question their values, interests, and goals. They often experience a growing desire for independence which can sometimes lead to conflict.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation continues to develop, but older children may experience intense feelings due to the hormonal and neuronal changes accompanying puberty.
Self-Esteem
As they prepare for the transition to secondary school, children’s self-esteem becomes more influenced by their peer relationships and social interactions. This can lead to a heightened sensitivity to criticism and the desire for acceptance, it can be difficult for parents to know how to help and offer support.
Social Development
Peer Relationships
Peer relationships become increasingly important, and children begin to form deeper friendships based on shared interests, trust, and emotional closeness. Friendships can influence children’s shifting sense of identity and contribute to social development.
Relationships
This period can be marked by curiosity about relationships and the beginning of romantic interests, especially for those on the older end of the primary school age group.
“The adolescent period of life is in reality the one with the most power for courage and creativity. Life is on fire when we hit our teens. And these changes are not something to avoid or just get through, but to encourage.”
— Dr. Dan Siegel, Brainstorm: The power and purpose of the teenage brain