Benefits of Play Therapy
What can Play Therapy be used for?
Behavioural Challenges
Addressing issues like aggression, acting out, or school refusal by helping the child develop healthier problem-solving skills.
Neurodivergence & Developmental Needs
Supporting children with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities in building emotional regulation and relational skills.
Family Transitions
Helping children navigate divorce, separation, relocation, or changing family dynamics.
A typical play therapy session lasts 45 minutes in a room equipped with specialized toys, art supplies, and sensory mediums.
How a Session Unfolds
Check-in & Transition (5 minutes): The child enters the playroom and transitions away from the caregiver. The therapist establishes basic safety boundaries.
The Core Play Phase (30–40 minutes): The child engages in self-directed play or a therapist-guided exercise. Rather than asking leading questions, the therapist tracks the child’s actions, reflects emotional states out loud (e.g., "You're working really hard to stack those, and it's frustrating when they fall"), and maintains a supportive environment.
Wrap-up (5 minutes): The therapist provides a clear time warning to teach predictability, before returning the child to their parent or caregiver.What Kids Actually Do
Play therapy materials are chosen intentionally to encourage different types of expression:
● Sandtray & Miniatures: Children select small figures (people, animals, mythical creatures, buildings) and arrange them in a tray of sand. This lets them construct scenes that reflect their inner life, family dynamics, or fears without needing to speak.
● Roleplay & Pretend Play: Using dollhouses, dress-up clothes, puppets, or action figures, children re-enact real-world scenarios, test out solutions to conflicts, or explore their feelings.
● Expressive Arts: Clay, finger paint, drawing, or tearing paper allow children to process heavy emotions or release sensory tension.
● Aggressive & Emotional Outlets: Foam swords, bop bags, or bubble wrap offer a safe way to discharge physical anger, fight-or-flight energy, or frustration.
● Therapeutic Games: Board games, card games, or therapeutic activities (like "Emotion Jenga") help older children practice self-regulation, turn-taking, and emotion recognition.The Two Main Approaches
● Child-Centered (Non-directive): The child leads entirely. The therapist follows their choices, trusting the child to naturally bring up and resolve what they need to process at their own pace.
● Directive: The therapist plans specific activities, games, or stories aimed at targeted goals, such as learning anxiety management techniques or working through a specific traumatic event.