Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidenced-based approach that helps children

communicate and resolve emotional challenges through play. Because play is the natural

language for children, traditional talk therapy used with adults is often ineffective. By using their

natural way of communication, a therapist is able to guide a child into understanding their

emotions as well as working on behavioral and attachment issues. Play therapy allows a child to

express their thoughts and feelings in a natural way. On the outside, a play therapy session looks

like a therapist and child are simply playing with toys, but on the inside, real healing work is

being done.

Benefits of Play Therapy

1. Children are able to have a voice.

 Play therapy allows children to express feelings they may not have the words for.

 Children are able to lead the session by choosing what they want to play with, rather

than the therapist always making the decisions.

2. A safe space is created for children that promotes healing.

 Children feel accepted and understood in the playroom.

 Play therapy helps children process difficult experiences and reduce emotional

distress.

 Play therapy helps children work through trauma, stress, and big emotions in an age-

appropriate way without being judged.

3. Children are able to learn valuable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

 Play therapy supports emotional regulation, problem-solving, and healthy decision-

making.

 Children learn positive behavior changes and healthy coping strategies.

 Play therapy encourages healthy self-expression, confidence, and a stronger self-

esteem.

 Children learn how to build resilience and thrive through life’s challenges.

4. Children learn to have better relationships.

 Play therapy helps children improve their communication, social skills, and

connection with others.

Process of Play Therapy

The process begins in the initial intake. A therapist certified in play therapy will meet with either

one or both of the parents for the intake session without the child present. This allows the parents

to speak freely about the reason for starting their child in therapy. Once the intake is complete,

the therapist will then schedule play sessions with the child, in which the therapist and child will

begin play therapy sessions. Throughout the course of treatment, the therapist will keep the

parents involved by meeting with them before sessions in order to gain updates from both

parties. The therapist will often teach parents the same skills the child is learning in play therapy

in order for the skills to be reinforced at home. Therapists trained in play therapy believe that the

real healing is done outside of the playroom as parents are with their kids every day whereas the

therapist has roughly 45 minutes a week with the kid. Due to this belief, parents are heavily

involved throughout the course of therapy, even though they may not always be in the room

during sessions.

What is Sandtray Therapy?

Sandtray therapy is an additional form of expressive therapy used with teens and adults. Sandtray

therapy allows the client to visually express themselves using various miniatures placed

strategically within a sand tray. This form of therapy is often utilized to help a client process past

traumas, explore family dynamics, or work through various presenting concerns. A therapist will

help the client work through these issues at the client’s pace and will help guide them through

this journey.