Ever get the sense that life's veering off course? Caught in an unfamiliar, maybe even unsettling, landscape? Those moments when your surroundings don't feel safe or comfortable? You're not alone. We all hit seasons that just don't click. Choices, both ours and others', can throw us off with emotional speed bumps and detours around life's potholes. Disappointments, losses, and anxiety can seep into our very beings, altering and alerting us to life's challenges.
Speaking of challenges, when our most cherished treasures—our children—encounter difficulties, it hits us parents and caregivers deep. We hurry to their assistance, attempting to understand their often enigmatic needs, only to realize that they communicate in a distinct language—the language of play. For them, healing unfolds through the joy of playtime. As a formally trained Play Therapist, I can affirm that the work achieved in the Playroom is unparalleled. Through play, we externalize what is internal, liberating ourselves from the weight of shame, guilt, and heaviness that comes from closely guarding our emotions.
So, if your life's road feels twisted and you suddenly find yourself lost, maybe it's time to reach out. Work with someone who can navigate life's journey alongside you. Having weathered some of life's toughest moments, both independently and with others, there's something truly special about having someone rise up from the shadows with you.
Gail Snowbarger
MAC, MEd, LPC