Play Therapy

“Toys are children’s words, and play is their language.”                                          -Garry Landreth

What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a variety of treatment methods that use the therapeutic benefits of play. It helps children address and resolve their own challenges while building on the natural ways children learn about themselves and their relationships with the world around them.

The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy 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.”

What does Play Therapy Look Like?
Play therapy sessions may include games, toys, art, and crafts, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to express their thoughts and emotions. These activities help children explore feelings, practice emotional regulation, build problem-solving skills, and develop healthier ways to cope with challenges, all guided by a trained therapist.

What Does Play Therapy Help?
Play therapy helps children:

• Take greater responsibility for their behaviors and develop successful coping strategies

• Discover creative solutions to problems

• Build respect and acceptance for themselves and others

• Experience and express emotions in healthy ways

• Cultivate empathy and understanding of others’ thoughts and feelings

• Learn social and relational skills within family and peer contexts

• Develop self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities

Play therapy is designed to support a child’s growth, development, and emotional well-being. As a Registered Play Therapist, I have extensive specialized training and experience to guide children through this healing process in a compassionate, evidence-based manner.