“I am so worried about my child and I don’t know what to do.”

The previous statement is a concern expressed by more and more parents whose child is being bullied in school or in the neighborhood.

Many times, their child has difficulty expressing his or her feelings and will begin to manifest somatic complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, school refusal, and/or acting out in school. Although guidance counselors are a resource, many times the child being bullied feels vulnerable in the school setting and has fear of increased bullying for “tattling” on others.

This leaves parents in a helpless situation and many times they are desperate to help their child who is increasingly withdrawing and becoming more irritable and angry from stress.

Often, parents express concerns that their child’s grades are negatively being affected. With younger children, the bullying doesn’t necessarily include cyber-bullying, which is even more intense, relentless, and very hurtful to those being bullied.

Play therapy is one way to address bullying. Play therapy provides a vehicle for communication that is non-threatening, non-intrusive, and sensitive to the developmental needs of children.

Play therapy is also used for children who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused. Bullying is a form of abuse and can leave an emotional scar if not compassionately and therapeutically addressed. Play therapy is one way to help your child.

You can learn more about play therapy on Innovative Counseling Services website. You can also read my blog on All Things Healing, Life As One Big Checklist.

We offer a FREE 15 minute session to new clients. Contact Us to schedule it today. These sessions are only available via phone, email, text and Skype.

Copyright* Jean Pollack