Play therapy for toddler

[helpconfused]

Posting for traffic mostly but also as I am not sure if necessary.

Has anyone ever had this for their child?

No. But i know people desperate to get it for theirchild. Don't turn it down if it's on offer. It might help and it won't do any harm.

I'm definitely not turning it down.
I don't know what benefit he might get. He is two. I don't know what to expect.

Is it the heath visitor who has suggested it? Honestly I would do it, it’s a fantastic resource and if it’s been made available to you then take it.

No it's social services. I asked for help and that's what they said they would refer for. I've never heard of it before.
Backstory is my partner (now ex) recently assaulted me when DS was in my arms. He started talking about it after a few days and has sleep walked a few times, which is new since this happened. He isn't talking about it now but SS rang yesterday to ask if we still agreed to be referred. Of course I said yes but wondered if anyone else has experience of this

Its the right referral to make. Play therapy is used with very young children as due to their limited language skills they can't communicate and process traumatic events verbally. Play is the 'language' of young chilren and this is why it is used. Its generally what is known as 'non directive' meaning wholly led by the child, if you have questions the therapist should be able to meet with you and discuss the process in general.

Deff take it. They will explain how and why they do things. But your son won't even realise he's being helped. They'll do it in a way that is fun and non invasive way.

I'm sorry youv had to deal with this but you sound lovely and v strong.

My lo has had play therapy for very similar reasons to yours. I had to fight to get it for lo but from my experience it is worth it. It's subtle changes in behaviour (opening up, admitting fear, thinking of behaviour etc) it also means you have someone to ask how to handle things (my lo was extremely violent and I had no idea how to stop this, without stressing us both out). Play therapy works by giving a child the tools to express themselves where they haven't the vocabulary to do so yet. Good luck, it's not an overnight "fix" but it has made a difference here for the positive.

So i have been on a day course about play therapy so i can do it at home - but not had a full set of sessions.
Basically they're going to teach you how to play games that inspire trust, connection, confidence, attachment. It's easy peasy stuff that all seems very simple - until you reflect how much you weren't doing of it or doing it in a slightly different way.
Eg rolling a ball to each other.
Sounds obvious right? But it's hard for me to explain how there's ways you do it and it's therapeutic and ways in which it isn't.
But just wanted to reassure there's nothing weird to fear!