What Is Play Therapy?

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As a Registered Play Therapist, I’m trained to use play as a powerful tool for connection, emotional expression, and healing—especially with children who may not yet have the words to describe what they’re feeling.

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According to the Association for Play Therapy (APT), play therapy is

“...the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

 

Why Play?

Children naturally process the world through play. In play therapy, they are given a safe, accepting space to explore thoughts, emotions, and challenges using toys, games, and creative expression that are appropriate for their age and development.

Through play, children can:

• Learn healthy coping skills

• Work through emotional or behavioral difficulties

• Practice communication and problem-solving

• Build self-confidence and resilience

 

Play therapy is helpful for a variety of concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• ADHD and hyperactivity

• Autism spectrum-related challenges

• Social skill difficulties

• Behavioral concerns

• Trauma or major life changes

• Grief, loss, and family transitions

 

What Makes It Different?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy meets children where they are—using play as their language and toys as their words. The therapist’s role is to create a space of warmth, safety, and acceptance, where the child feels free to express without fear of judgment or punishment.

 

There is no blame or shame in the playroom—just the opportunity to learn, grow, and be understood.

 

Play therapy is appropriate for a wide range of ages. While most commonly used with children, teens and even adults can benefit from play-based techniques when words alone aren’t enough.