Children often don’t have the language skills to talk about their experiences. Play is used as a form of communication for the child to express and process their experiences and emotions.

Play therapy is child lead. The child is able to use a variety of toys, art supplies, sand trays, music, dance, etc. to express themselves. As the child plays the therapist listens and reflects back to the child any feelings and thoughts that could help the child learn about themselves.

Play therapy is suitable for children with all types of difficulties including:

• • Anxiety
• • Behavior problems
• • Difficulties with friendships
• • Developmental delays
• • Those who have experienced traumatic events
• • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• • Depression
• • Family issues such as divorce or death

While play therapy is primarily used with children ages 3-12 it may be beneficial to teens and adults who have:

• • Intellectual disabilities
• • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• • Unresolved childhood issues
• • Dementia