Play is the true language of children. Through play therapy, children can communicate their thoughts, feelings, needs, and even trauma they have experienced. Play therapy can take several forms—sand tray therapy, experiential play, directed play art, projects, story-telling, plus more. The hope in play therapy is to allow children to work through their pain, grief, trauma, and behavioral issues in ways that are understandable and reassuring.
A play therapist understands and works with the symbolism of the child’s play and designs the play therapy session to meet the needs that have been expressed through play. Play therapy is generally effective for children ages two through eleven but is used with even younger or older children depending on the child’s preferences and emotional development. Play therapy provides safe opportunities for the child to search for and experiment with solutions for their problems.