Play Therapy

Play is children’s natural way of expression. When children experience traumatic events like illness, parents getting divorced, loss, violence or abuse in the family, they can be very stressed but don’t have the language to express their feelings. Instead of expressing feelings and experiences with words, children can process their feelings and process trauma much easier through playing with a play therapist. Play can reduce negative emotions, increase creativity and problem-solving skills, and improve behavioural issues. Play therapy can also help children who have AD(H)D and who are on the autism spectrum.

Sand tray is a classical play therapy modality. Clients choose from a large variety of toys as they like – animals, people, trees, buildings, cars, and so on. Clients arrange the toy on a sand tray to create a world or a story. A therapist can invite the client to tell the story, ask them why they arrange the toys in a certain way, and inquire what specific object represents. The world created with toys can reflect the client’s inner conflicts. The therapist can get a picture of the client’s inner world and help talk about any negative beliefs. It’s easier for clients to process any trauma when the trauma is represented in front of them. They can view it from a third-person perspective, so the trauma gets less “sticky.” During the play process, the therapist also interacts with the client to observe and correct any maladaptive social behaviours. The therapist may set rules and boundaries in a loving, gentle way to help the client learn appropriate social behaviours.

Other play therapy formats include arts and crafts, music, dancing, role-playing, puppets, etc. Even though children are the majority of the client population that use play therapy, play can also be used with adults.