Play therapy is a systematic and evidence-based approach to counselling children. It is based on the understanding that play is a child’s primary language, offering a non-verbal tools for children to communicate and process their experiences. (1) This form of play therapy has been in use for over 60 years and has a long history of effectiveness  in therapeutic work with children. It is well supported by extensive research. The American Association of Play Therapy has produced an Evidence Based Practice Statement that summaries the evidence for play therapy (up to 2016). (13)

In play therapy, a trained therapist provides a secure and supportive environment, often equipped with toys, games, art materials, and other creative tools. Through these activities, children can express emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve problem-solving skills, often leading to better relationships with others and enhanced emotional well-being. (14) This approach is particularly effective for addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioral problems, and social difficulties, especially in younger children, though it can be adapted for older children and adolescents as well. (14)

Similar to traditional talk therapy, play therapy can be applied in various formats. For instance, as mentioned before child-centered play therapists use individual sessions where the child is given the freedom to express themselves with minimal direction from the therapist. (9) The therapist's role is to support the child's appropriate expression of emotions and help them feel a sense of control over the therapeutic relationship. In filial therapy, parents are trained to act as co-therapists, implementing the therapeutic process through interactions with their child. Filial therapy sessions came from client-centered play therapy but focus on fostering positive parent-child interactions that extend beyond the therapy room. (9)

The play itself is what drives the change. Based on a review of the literature and the clinical experiences of play therapists, there are 20 core therapeutic powers of play. Some of them are change agents that improve a child’s attachment formation, self-expression, emotion regulation, resiliency, self-esteem, and stress management. (10)

Benefits of Play Therapy

The ultimate goal of play therapy is to help children gain insight into their emotions and behaviours, facilitating positive change and improving overall functioning. In play therapy, children use play to work through their difficult or traumatic experiences. This approach helps build skills within the child, leading to improvements in behaviour. As these improvements take place, symptoms such as acting out, aggression, physical complaints, fears, worries, withdrawal, and regression often decrease. (9)

Play therapy can assist children with various issues, including impulsivity, friendship problems, anxiety, depression, loss, sensory overload, sibling rivalry, and fears. Research shows that this method is effective for a wide range of emotional, developmental, and behavioural concerns. (13)

Play therapy helps children develop resilience and coping skills appropriate for their age and stage of development. These skills include:

• Gaining insight and learning to express thoughts and feelings

• Managing a range of emotions while controlling actions

• Making appropriate choices and decisions

• Taking responsibility for their behaviour

• Feeling more in control of troubling situations

• Reducing anxiety

• Changing negative self-talk

• Building a positive sense of self and others

• Increasing self-confidence and self-reliance

• Enhancing empathy and connections with others

This video is a great example why play therapy is the best fit for kids under the age of 12.