What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is typically used with children ages 2-12.  Through play, children communicate thoughts and feelings using symbols and metaphors to make sense of past experiences, work through current circumstances, and try out solutions for the future.  As the child interacts with the play materials throughout the room, the therapist tracks the child’s movements and helps the child process and make sense of their feelings and reach their treatment goals.  In essence, play therapy helps them to play out what they may otherwise find difficult to put into words.

What Are the Benefits of Play Therapy?

• Enhances imagination and creativity;

• Bridges the gap between concrete experiences and abstract thoughts;

• Is a natural form of communication for children;

• Fosters cognitive growth and brain development;

• Is the way children explore themselves and their environment;

• Provides opportunities to act out conflicts;

• Discharges energy;

• Has a natural self-healing capacity.