Play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used with children. It utilizes play as a natural form of communication to help children express feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Through various play activities, therapists can assess, understand, and address psychological and social issues.
The therapy room is a safe space where children can explore feelings and behaviors without fear of consequences. The child generally leads the play, with the therapist following and reflecting, and play allows children to symbolically express and work through difficult experiences.
How Play Therapy works
How Play Becomes Therapy
For young children, play is the language. The therapist is trained to read it and respond in it.
- 1
Safety first
The child leads. The therapist follows their play and builds trust before anything else.
- 2
Expression
Sand tray, puppets, drawing, and games let the child show what they cannot yet say.
- 3
Working through
Themes repeat and shift. The therapist reflects, names feelings, and gently adds new options.
- 4
Carrying it home
New endings in play become new skills. Parents are coached so the gains hold at home and school.
The playroom toolkit
What to expect
The process begins with an intake meeting where the therapist meets with parents or caregivers to gather information and set goals. Initial sessions focus on building trust between the child and therapist, followed by regular play sessions where the child engages in free play or structured activities. Parents receive regular check-ins to discuss progress and strategies for supporting the child.
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