What We Do
Play Therapy
Providing games, crafts, and story times so children feel loved and cared for
Many Children with Disabilities Feel Rejected
Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, marginalized groups in the world. They are often isolated and hidden away, facing rejection and even abuse. And they come to CURE feeling unwanted and unloved, plagued by physical and spiritual burdens. Through play and art therapy, CURE provides a fun, safe environment for children with disabilities to feel respected, loved, and treated with dignity.
Healing and Belonging Through Play
Play therapy unleashes kids’ natural play instincts, helping them safely explore their environment and process hard feelings. During play therapy, children and their caregivers can explore God’s love through activities that include:
"Just as children undergo surgery for their physical disabilities, play therapy is one way to treat and heal their emotional wounds.”
—Temesgen Tesfaye, CURE Ethiopia Child Mentor
More About Play Therapy
If you peek into a CURE playroom, you might see a child mentor reading a story to the kids and their families, or you might catch a glimpse of children playing games like catch, coloring with crayons and markers, or enjoying a variety of toys. Through play, crafts, singing, dancing, and stories, our trained counselors and mentors reinforce that every child is important, resilient, and strong—and, most importantly, loved by God! Play activities help them adjust to the hospital and ease underlying anxieties by providing a creative outlet to express their feelings and a place to bond with other children who share similar experiences.
Every CURE hospital has a comfortable designated playroom with various games, toys, art/craft supplies, and spaces for learning, exploring, gathering, and having fun. Because we understand the importance of free play and physical activity, most of our hospitals also include outdoor play areas with safe and accessible playground equipment. Using playground equipment for therapy helps kids strengthen their muscles and practice their fine and gross motor skills.
The playrooms at all our hospitals are open for children to use during their stays, Monday through Friday. And our playgrounds are open seven days a week.
Play therapy is facilitated through CURE’s spiritual ministry department. Every CURE hospital has a team of trained counselors and mentors who coordinate and are involved in the children’s play activities. Our physical therapists also use games and toys in the playrooms as part of physical therapy to help kids as they heal.
Every child who receives treatment at CURE is welcome to participate in play therapy, no matter their disability or stage of treatment. Our team of trained counselors and mentors adapts activities according to each child’s needs so they are always able to participate, ensuring they feel included and valued.