Play Therapy

Play therapy is a term used to define a type of therapy that is typically employed when working with children as young as about 3 through 11. Since younger children have yet to develop sophisticated cognitive and language skills, it provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a more natural process (through playing). During sessions, the child is provided with specially selected materials to choose from. With guidance of a trained professional, the goal is to foster an environment wherein the child plays out his/her thoughts, feelings, and reactions. The objects and patterns of play, as well as the willingness to interact with the therapist, can be used to understand the underlying rationale for behavior and, subsequently work on more effective coping skills and expression.