What is Play Therapy?

What is play therapy? 

To put it simply, play therapy gives children another way to express themselves. Instead of relying only on words, children can use play to explore their feelings and experiences. As Garry Landreth (2024) writes, “Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language” (p. 12). Play therapy is a well-researched therapeutic approach, and research supports specific play therapy models for a range of children's concerns.

Even children with strong verbal skills may process their emotions and experiences through play. Play therapy is designed for children, with the primary therapeutic tool being toys. I specialize in seeing children, teens and their families. Two broad approaches to play therapy that I use are directive and non-directive. Both can be powerful to help kids cope, heal and learn about their emotions. 

Non-Directive Play Therapy

Non-directive play therapy is child-led. The child will bring up feelings and experiences in real time, during their session. In child-centered play therapy, children have the opportunity to lead their play and explore at their own pace. Sometimes, a child may revisit an experience or explore a feeling through play. Other times, the session may look less obviously connected to what brought them to therapy. The therapist's role is to create a safe, accepting relationship, observing the child and reflecting their feelings, words, and experiences when appropriate. Don’t worry, there are boundaries in place to help your child have a therapeutic experience.

In non-directive play therapy, the therapist arranges the playroom to support the therapeutic process. The child chooses what they want to play with, while the therapist observes and reflects the child’s feelings, words, and experiences when appropriate. These reflections can help children recognize and process their feelings as they arise.

I have found  non-directive play therapy helpful for young children, children who struggle with anxiety, and children who have experienced trauma. Think talking things out with a trusted person to figure out your next move or really understand your experience. A non-directive approach gives children their own space to make sense of their inner world, using toys to express it. 

Directive Play Therapy

Another approach is directive play therapy. Directive approaches can still use toys and be playful, however, the therapist guides the child toward a particular topic, skill, or goal. Children who do well in this setting often need more structure or are building a specific skill. Directive approaches can be useful when therapy involves practicing a particular skill, learning coping strategies, or working toward a specific goal. A therapist may use games, stories, art, or structured activities to support that process.

In a directive session, the therapist might introduce an activity, game, art project, or curriculum to help a child develop a particular skill. The child will engage and learn a skill in a way that makes sense to them. 

Both approaches can be used with the same child and at different parts of their treatment plan. I consider your child's needs, goals, developmental level, and the therapeutic approach that best fits their situation when developing a personalized treatment plan.

Parents Are Important

Parents are important partners in play therapy. While the child's sessions provide a space for exploration and growth, the therapist also works with parents to understand the child's needs and discuss ways to support progress at home. The specific level and type of parent involvement depend on the child's needs and the treatment approach.

If you're wondering whether play therapy might be a good fit for your child, I'd love to talk with you about their needs and how I may be able to help. You can reach out by phone, email, or the contact form on my website. To learn more about my approach to play therapy and how parents are involved in the process, you can also explore my other articles.

(281)-826-6898

kirby@kirbylunacounseling.com

References:

Landreth, G. L. (2024). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.