Understanding Play Therapy

More Than "Just Playing Games" ​The therapeutic value of play.

​Why play in therapy?

To adults, play therapy can sometimes look like "just playing games." drawing, building, or engaging in imaginative activities.  However, for children, play is their primary language of communication and learning.  Just as adults often process emotions through conversation, children process experiences, emotions, relationships, and stress through play. 

In play therapy, games and activities are intentionally selected and therapeutically guided to help children build skills, process emotions, and practice healthier behaviors in a developmentally appropriate way.  The therapist is not simply entertaining the child; they are continuously observing, assessing, modeling, teaching, reflecting, and intervening throughout the interaction.  ​
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​What is learned in play?

A board game may appear simple on the surface, but therapeutically it may be used to help a child practice: 

• Managing frustration after losing
• Taking turns and perspective-taking
• Following directions and impulse control
• Identifying emotions in real time
• Practicing coping strategies when dysregulated
• Building trust and rapport with the therapist

Similarly, pretend play, art, movement, activities, or sensory interventions can help children express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have the language or developmental ability to verbalize directly. 

​Play-based interventions

During play-based sessions, a therapist may be working on:

• Emotional identification and expression​
• Coping skills and self-regulation
• Problem-solving and flexible thinking
• Social skills and communication
• Frustration tolerance and impulse control
• Trauma processing and safety
• Self-esteem and positive self-talk
• Attachment and relationship building
• Executive functioning skills such as attention, planning, and transitions

What is happening?

While sessions may appear playful externally, therapeutic work is occurring continuously beneath the surface.  The relationship, reflections, interventions, observations, and skill-building embedded within play are what make play therapy clinically meaningful and effective.

​Why play therapy works

Research consistently supports play therapy as an evidence-based intervention for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, and trauma-related difficulties.  Children are often more engaged and responsive when interventions are presented through play because it matches their developmental level and natural way of learning.

​Learn more about play therapy

The Association for Play Therapy (APT)
​Association for Play Therapy

Child Mind Institute 
Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children's Lives