Play Therapy utilizes play, as a children's natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily with toys instead of words. Play Therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist is trained to asses and understand the child's play. Then the therapist supports and helps the child to address & resolve her own problems. Using Play Therapy, children may learn to express and regulate feelings, build relationships and communicate with others. During play children may develop and practice age appropriate problem-solving and coping skills. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.

​

APT 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."

​

Play therapy helps children:

• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.

• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.

• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.

• Learn to experience and express emotion.

• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.

• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.

• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better absurdness about their abilities.

visit a4pt.org for more info

​