What is Play Therapy and How Does It Help Children?
What is Play Therapy and How Does It Help Children?
For children, play is a natural language, and that’s exactly what play therapy taps into. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach that helps children process emotions, improve behavior, and build healthier relationships—one toy at a time.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed especially for children. Instead of relying on verbal communication, it uses play—such as toys, games, art, and storytelling—as a for way of expression and healing. It allows children to safely explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences under the guidance of a trained therapist.
According to the Association for Play Therapy (APT), “play therapy is to children what talk therapy is to adults” (APT, 2023). It's typically used with children between the ages of 3 and 12, though it can benefit teens and families as well.
How Does Play Therapy Help?
Play therapy has been shown to support children in a variety of ways:
1. Emotional Expression
Children may not have the vocabulary to talk about grief, anxiety, trauma, or confusion. Through play—like using dolls, puppets, or drawings—children can express what they’re feeling in a way that feels safe and natural (Landreth, 2012).
2. Improved Behavior
Play therapy can help reduce symptoms of aggression, shutting down, and defiance. By working through difficult experiences in the playroom, children learn healthier ways to cope and regulate their emotions (Bratton et al., 2005).
3. Stronger Social Skills
During therapy, children often role-play social scenarios and problem-solve with the therapist. This helps them develop empathy, cooperation, and better communication skills.
4. Healing from Trauma
Play therapy is particularly helpful for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, medical trauma, or family changes. It allows them to process experiences at their own pace and regain a sense of control.
Evidence of Effectiveness
A major review of 93 studies found that play therapy had a moderate to large positive effect on children’s emotional and behavioral functioning. Outcomes were even stronger when parents were involved in the therapeutic process (Bratton et al., 2005).
Final Thoughts
Play therapy is more than just fun and games—it’s a powerful tool for helping children heal, grow, and thrive. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or life changes like divorce or loss, play therapy provides a safe and supportive path toward emotional well-being.
If you're concerned about your child, consider reaching out to a licensed play therapist or child mental health professional. Sometimes, a little play can lead to big breakthroughs.
References
Association for Play Therapy (APT). (2023). What Is Play Therapy? https://www.a4pt.org/
Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376–390.
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.