What is Play Therapy and How Will It Help My Child?

A parents’ guide to Play Therapy By Zhanna Goldfine, M.A., MFTI
(Adopted from a San Francisco Family Service Agency brochure)


What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy or helping usually used with young children. Play is the child’s natural language, and children are able to express feelings and concerns using play and art materials which they may not be able to express through words. The trained Play Therapist provides a safe and contained environment in which children can express themselves and the therapist can better understand what will help them.

How can playing help?

When children behave “badly” or strangely they are usually expressing their fears, conflicts and concerns. Since they can not tell us with the right words what is bothering them, they act it out, often in negative ways. During play therapy, the Play Therapist can help children work through their problems and progress in their development using toys, art supplies and other play material. Since children begin playing from early infancy and use play to
communicate long before they use language, play is their first and primary language.

Will Play Therapy make my child “better”?

Oftentimes children are brought to therapy because they are having difficulties in preschool, kindergarten or home, and parents may be anxious to see them improve. Play therapy can often bring to light emotional problems the child is having, which can cause a child’s behavior to temporarily look worse than before. With cooperation from parents the Play Therapist can help a child’s behavior to improve over time. Play therapy can last from several weeks to several years, depending on the age of the child and the nature of the problem. But as with most complex problems, there is usually not a “quick fix”, and both parents and children will need to be patient.

What happens in the playroom?

The playroom is a safe and consistent place stocked with many different types of toys, a sand tray, and art materials. Children are given the choice of what to play with, and usually pick out toys and games that have to do with something in their own lives. The Play Therapist helps the child through the process of play, makes him feel understood and provides him with tools that help the child develop and better handle the challenges of his life and his growing process. Sometimes the therapist also helps the child give words to their feelings and learn skills to communicate in a more positive and effective way. Sometimes it may look like a child is getting a reward for “acting out” by getting to play in the playroom. Actually, working things out in the playroom is how the child can figure out
how to solve problems without “acting out” in the future. Although it is true that the playroom is seen by children as a fun and special place, it is also a place where children learn to deal with their problems in a different, more socially acceptable way.

As a Parent, what can I do?

Parent involvement is an important aspect of working with children in Play Therapy. The therapist may invite you to meet with them for a first meeting and ask you questions about the child’s history, including pregnancy and birth. You may then be asked to meet with the therapist on a regular basis to check in on how the child is doing at home and to discuss any concerns you may have. You may also be asked to follow through on recommendations and suggestions from the therapist to help your child progress. Therapists encourage parents' input and involvement as they know the parent knows the child the best and has the greatest influence on their lives. Feel free to ask questions and express your concerns. You are a vital part of helping the therapist help your child.


Please, contact me if you have more questions about Play Therapy.