Meant to utilize a child’s favorite way of expressing themselves, playing, to help learn how to express their feelings

Creates a safe relationship between the child and the therapist so they are better able to “prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development”, according to the Association for Play Therapy (APT)

Gives insight to what a child is feeling or dealing with that would normally not be recognized or told through conversation

Examples of play therapy range from asking a child to tell a story; “once upon a time...”; or using different toys/games to see if anything is brought to light that the child may have found stressful or uncomfortable

Helps children learn helpful behaviors and work through their emotions that are sometimes too big for their age while also learning how to resolve conflicts whether it be internal or with another individual

Parents are able to incorporate some of the techniques at home to continue the idea of a safe space for their children to express themselves without being made to feel as if what they have to say or what they are going through “doesn’t matter”