Play Therapy: A Child's Way of Communicating

One of the most common—and often most difficult—questions I’m asked is: “What is play therapy?”

The Association for Play Therapy defines it as “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” (Association for Play Therapy, 2014).

Let’s break that down.

Why Play? 

Play is essential to a child’s brain development. Research shows that play supports growth in several areas—cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and motor skills. As adults, we rely on language to express ourselves. We often encourage children to “use their words,” which is important—but it's also important to remember that not all communication is verbal. As renowned play therapy expert Dr. Gary Landreth explains, “Toys are children’s words, and play is their language.”

In play therapy, we meet children at their developmental level. Rather than asking children to adapt to adult ways of communicating, play therapists tune into the child's world and help them express themselves in the way that feels most natural to them—through play.

How is Play Therapeutic? 

Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children heal and grow by using their natural language—play. Play activities may include creative arts (painting, clay, collage), music, storytelling, role play, sand play, movement, games, dolls, and puppets. 

Play therapy is commonly used with children aged four and up, since play skills typically begin to develop more fully by age five. However, therapeutic play can be beneficial for people of all ages—including adolescents and adults, as they may feel more comfortable expressing themselves through art, sand tray, or movement rather than traditional talk therapy.

Play therapy can help address a wide range of challenges, including:

• Emotional regulation

• Life transitions or changes in family dynamics

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• Chronic illness

• Behavioral issues

• Mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD)

• Social difficulties

According to Landreth (2024), “Children express themselves more fully and more directly through self-initiated play than they do verbally because they are comfortable with play.” Toys and activities often become an extension of the child, allowing them to express their feelings, needs, thoughts, and sense of self.

Sometimes, emotions and experiences are too overwhelming or complex for children to express with words. Toys and activities create a safe distance for children and youth to act, re-enact, and explore abstract concepts in the here and now. Through symbolic play—like acting out an army battle or disciplining a doll—children can process difficult experiences in a safe and manageable way.

Play also gives children a sense of control. When a child re-enacts a traumatic or stressful experience through play, they have the chance to take control of the narrative, which can help them build mastery, develop coping strategies, and experience emotional resolution.

Therapeutic Benefits of Play 

• Facilitates communication 

• Encourages self-expression

• Helps process emotionally heavy experiences

• Creates learning opportunities (both direct and indirect)

• Fosters emotional wellness 

• Helps children identify, express, and manage emotions

• Supports positive emotional experiences and stress relief

• Enhances social relationships 

• Encourages empathy and connection

• Strengthens interpersonal skills and attachment

• Increases personal strengths 

• Boosts self-esteem

• Builds self-regulation skills

• Strengthen problem-solving skills 

• Enhance moral development

Role of a Play Therapist

At the heart of play therapy is the therapeutic relationship. A play therapist:

• Builds a safe, accepting, and supportive environment

• Believes in the child’s ability to solve problems and heal

• Understands that growth is a gradual process

• Follows the child’s lead while gently guiding progress

Therapists vary in how much they direct the play. Some take a more hands-on approach, while others observe and interpret themes, patterns, and emotional cues that arise during play. A skilled therapist will adjust their approach based on the child’s state of awareness and will use different tools and activities depending on what the child needs. Progress is tracked through these observations.

What to Expect

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in a child’s healing process. Most therapists start with a session just for parents or caregivers to gather background information and set goals. Ongoing 1:1 sessions are held with the child, with many therapists schedule parent check-ins every 4–5 sessions to discuss progress and support strategies at home.

In Summary:

Play therapy allows children to express, explore, and process their world in a way that feels natural and safe. With the guidance of a trained therapist and the support of engaged caregivers, play becomes a powerful tool for healing and growth.

Author: Emily Dulong, Registered Social Worker

References: 

Association for Play Therapy. (2014). About play therapy. Retrieved from https://www.a4pt.org/page/AboutAPT

Landreth, G.L. (2024). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.

Panksepp, J. (2013). How primary-process emotional systems guide child development. In Evolution, early experience and human development: From research to practice and policy (pp. 74-94).

Parson, J. (2017). Puppet play therapy: Integrating theory, evidence, and action (ITEA) [Presentation]. International Play Therapy Study Group. Adapted from C. E. Schaefer & A. A. Drewes (2014). The therapeutic powers of play: 20 core agents of change (2nd ed.). Wiley.

Yasenik, L., & Gardner, K. (2024). Play Therapy Dimensions Model: New Insights for Integrative Play Therapists. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.