Play in therapy
Play therapy is a treatment method in which play is used as a way for children to express their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Children are not yet able to put into words what is going on inside them. Through play, they are given the space to show what they are experiencing and the challenges they face.
Play is in line with the natural way in which children discover, process and communicate. By playing and observing together, we gain a better understanding of what a child needs.
When can play be helpful in therapy?
Play therapy can help when a child struggles to put feelings or experiences into words, or when emotions and behaviour are affecting their daily life. Play offers a safe way to explore what is going on.
Play therapy may, for example, be suitable for:
- anxiety, anger or feelings of gloom;
- profound or traumatic experiences;
- behavioural problems, such as withdrawn or hyperactive behaviour;
- difficulty making contact or with social skills;
- changes at home, at school or in the local area;
- loss or other significant events;
- situations in which emotions are primarily expressed through behaviour.
