Play Therapy

Play therapy is a structured approach that builds on the natural communicative and learning processes of children.

Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings.

In play therapy, toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language. Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits.

The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing.

Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child.

Communication: Play therapy helps children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings.
Adaptive Behaviors: Therapists help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits.
Healing: The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing.
Cognitive Development: Play therapy is used to promote cognitive development.
Insight and Resolution: It provides insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child.