Benefits of Play Therapy

Play therapy is a great way for children to express feelings and thoughts. Children are able to use play materials, games, sand tray and art materials to understand and process their emotions and navigate difficult situations. There are many benefits to play therapy and each client will have unique goals for play therapy. Below are some common benefits.

During child centered play, children are able to engage in their desired play while the therapist follows the their lead. The therapist’s role is to ensure that the child is seen, heard and supported. A directive play therapy approach is when the therapist takes an active role in guiding the session. This can include addressing specific goals, areas of concern or guiding the play.

Engaging in play therapy will support the child in building trust and a therapeutic relationship with the therapist. These learned skills will increase the child’s relationship skills, increase communication skills, decision making abilities and increase self-esteem.

Throughout play the child will learn to problem solve. Children are invited to play which uses creativity and critical thinking skills. Children can play out challenging situations in a safe space.

Children are encouraged to show up authentically. Throughout play, the therapist will reflect feelings within the play. This will support children to communicate and express feelings in other ways than traditional talk therapy.

Written by Madison Sikking, MACP

Ray, D. C., & Landreth, G. L. (2015). Child-centered play therapy. In D. A. Crenshaw & A. L. Stewart (Eds.), Play therapy: A comprehensive guide to theory and practice (pp. 3–16). The Guilford Press.