Do You Need Play Therapy? To answer that question, you must ask yourself the following: Do I have a stressful problem or a situation that I have not been able to fix? Do I have someone to help me find a solution to the problem? In our day-to-day life, there are many issues that need to be resolved. Usually our concerns can be resolved after thinking through the situation and developing a plan. Other times, just talking to a friend or family member makes the problem seem a little better. Sometimes, time can heal. However, there are other situations that are not so easily handled. Typically there are lots of people ready to give advice but only you can decide what will work in your situation. Maybe the problem is caused from something that happened long ago which has not been fully addressed. Maybe you have tried everything you can think of. Maybe there is no one you can trust enough to talk about it. Perhaps you have “hit the wall” and need someone to listen and provide positive feedback. If this sounds like you, play therapy may be helpful. Sometimes, people think that play therapy is only for those who have BIG problems or for those who are “crazy”. But play therapy can benefit just about everyone at some point in his or her life. Who has the better chance of success? The person who needs help and does nothing. The person who needs help and gets it? When you are ready to make changes, keep the following ideas in mind and see if they work for you: Remember nobody is perfect - including you. Things will change. Be open to change opportunities. Choose your thoughts wisely - self defeating thoughts will never help you. Accept people for the way they are, not the way you want them to be. Recognize when you can’t control something, you must do your best to “let it go.” Talk less and listen more. If possible, avoid negative people and places. Know your limitations. It is OK to say “no”. Learn to identify your own needs. Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better day. Make today better. Believe that good things can happen too. Give yourself and others a break and take time to play. If your efforts aren't working, remember that help is a call away. It is important to seek help before problems escalate.