What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy therapy is a skill that some therapists use to observe and understand children’s problems. Different types of therapists use play with other therapy approaches. Play therapy techniques may use:

When using play, therapists will often follow the child’s lead to learn about a problem. Therapists can also use a more direct approach to help children learn tools.

Some providers are Registered Play Therapists, with extra training and credentials, but most providers who work with children will use elements of play in therapy. When interviewing a provider, it is a good idea to ask how they will use play to help your child.

You can find therapists who use play-based techniques in our directory by selecting “Child Counseling” in the first column. You can also contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for help.

To learn more:

• CFK Podcast: How Play Therapy Helps Anxiety and Behavior
• Healthline: How Play Therapy Treats and benefits Children and Some Adults
  

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