The Association for Play Therapy website reports that trained therapists “use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.” Play is the language of children, and play therapy allows children to express themselves through developmentally appropriate means. Therapists using play techniques engage children in using toys, art and craft materials, games, sand tray, and active outdoor play in their counseling sessions. Through playful and expressive activities, therapists teach children about thoughts and feelings, emotional expression and coping skills, behavioral regulation strategies, social skills, and other skills to help them resolve difficulties and utilize their strengths. Therapists work closely with the child’s caregivers during the therapeutic process.
Play therapy research has found this form of treatment to be helpful with the following issues: internalizing behaviors such as anxiety and depression; externalizing behaviors such as aggression, disruptive behaviors, and self-control; attachment issues; loss and bereavement, self-concept/self-esteem, ADHD, and trauma, among others (https://www.a4pt.org/page/PublicResearchResource). Play techniques, sand tray, and expressive arts techniques are useful in therapy with teenagers and adults as well, allowing clients to express themselves in ways that often go beyond words. If you are interested in learning more about play therapy, please visit the Association for Play Therapy website at https://www.a4pt.org/.
