Play therapy is to children, what counseling is to adults. Toys are their words, and play is their language.  The process of spontaneous play allows children to express the psychological tensions created by stressful events in their life.   Children are able to face difficult events because they are using familiar language and reactions where they have control of the play.   Play therapists believe it is their job to understand children in their language, not the child’s job to articulate his or her struggle in the language of the adult.

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Developmentally, young children lack the cognitive ability to meaningfully communicate their deepest thoughts and feelings through verbal language.  The concrete objects (toys, art, music, etc.) and other play-based experiences provided in play therapy, afford children an age-appropriate means to make sense of their thoughts, feelings and life experiences, in a way that is comfortable, safe, and non-threatening. 

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In the process, children learn to develop greater trust in themselves, their abilities and their relationships. Typically, play therapy for a child can last between 16 to 20 visits.  Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach for preventing and resolving children’s psychosocial difficulties.  Studies have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness with a broad range of emotional problems.

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If you’re seeking a child therapist, observe their space carefully.  A truly experienced child therapist office won’t feel like a formal business office with a few silly set of token toys or puzzle in the corner.  Instead, their space will spell fun inviting spontaneity and creativity, signaling to the child: I can be myself here.