When children face big emotions, trauma, anxiety, or loss, they often lack the words to express how they feel. Traditional talk-based methods may not always work for them. That’s where play therapy, a child-centred and transformative approach, steps in—using play as a pathway to healing, growth, and communication.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help children process their emotions and experiences through play. Just as adults use words to navigate their feelings, children naturally turn to play. In a therapeutic setting, trained therapists use tools like toys, art, stories, and imaginative play to help children explore their emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier coping strategies.
There are two main approaches: non-directive (child-led) therapy, where children lead the play at their own pace, and directive therapy, where therapists guide the process with specific activities.
Who Benefits from Play Therapy?
Play therapy supports children dealing with:
- Anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Loss or grief
- Behavioural issues
- Family separation
- Social challenges or bullying
- Developmental delays or neurodivergence (e.g., ASD, ADHD)
Why Play Therapy Works
Play therapy meets children where they are, allowing them to symbolise or act out emotions they can’t verbalise. It helps them process feelings, build confidence, solve problems, and reduce anxiety. The key lies in the therapeutic relationship—a safe, accepting space created by a trained therapist where children feel understood.
Conclusion
Play therapy is more than play—it’s a lifeline for children navigating difficult emotions. By using play as a language, therapists help children rediscover safety, resilience, and joy, one game, drawing, or story at a time.
Headteachers Looking at Play therapy in Schools