It’s officially International Play Therapy Week! While we play therapists worldwide are enjoying celebrating and sharing what we do during this time, this week also raises many questions for those not familiar with play therapy. Very often when explaining Play Therapy to new or potential clients, there is some pushback. I often hear, “So they just come in here and play with toys,” or “We need a therapist to talk to them about coping skills not play,” or my favorite “They are too old to play.” The fact of the matter is that Play Therapy is not the same as “playing in therapy.”
So What is Play Therapy, you ask?
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines Play Therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
Play therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses play as a medium to help children communicate, express their emotions, and work through psychological issues. Children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their feelings and experiences, especially when dealing with trauma, grief, or anxiety. Play allows them to process these emotions in a safe and controlled environment. As Play Therapists, we observe the child’s play, which can include art, toys, storytelling, role-playing, and other forms of creative expression. Through this process, kiddos can explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and even work on social interactions.
Gary Landreth, a leading authority in the Play Therapy field, stated that “Play is a child’s first language.” For Play Therapists, this implies that we engage with the child’s world by using their primary language to assist them in overcoming their challenges. Play Therapy is grounded in research and has been empirically proven to effectively address childhood mental health issues. Additionally, studies indicate that Play Therapy is also beneficial for adults, particularly older adults.
Very often parents wonder if play therapy works, and why it works.
The short answer is YES, it works! As to why it works, well this means understanding the Therapeutic Powers of Play.
Therapeutic Powers of Play
There are 4 therapeutic powers of play that are the core focus of the work we do in a Play Therapy session: Foster Emotional Wellness, Facilitate Communication, Increase Personal Strengths, and Enhance Social Relationships.

So yes, in a session we may be playing with the dollhouse or playing restaurant, but we are exploring relationship patterns, problem-solving, and increasing our self-esteem by trying new things. This type of play also gives the Play Therapist more information regarding how the child sees themselves and the world around them. This information may not be easily communicated in a traditional “talk” therapy session. As an Adlerian Play Therapist, I’m watching and listening to what story the play is telling them that helps me understand the child’s “private logic” (their own beliefs and patterns that are informed by their view of the world) and offers insight into their “lifestyle communication” (more information on how they navigate the world in different life tasks such school, home, and friendships).
Depending on the presenting problem, during a session, we are focused on creating a space where a child can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to provide the tools and space needed to facilitate growth, healing, and positive change in the child's life.
So Who Provides Play Therapy?
The Association for Play Therapy provides credentialing for therapists who have completed the required training and is the only authority that gives the distinction of Registered Play Therapist (RPT or RPT-S for those who also provide supervision). To become a Play Therapist, one must be independently licensed and complete an additional 150 hours of training specific to Play Therapy and an additional 50 hours of supervision with a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). This credential must be maintained and renewed annually. Many Play Therapists also seek additional certification in their particular therapeutic modality.
To use a real-world example, on my road to becoming an RPT I completed 3200 hours of supervised clinical experience (both direct-client facing and indirect) plus 100 hours of supervision to become independently licensed in the state of Arizona (LCSW) in addition to 150 hours of Play Therapy-specific training and 50 hours of additional supervision with a second supervisor who was an RPT-S. To become a certified Adlerian Play Therapist, this also included an additional 94 hours of Adlerian-specific training, completing 50 sessions focused solely on using Adlerian techniques, an additional 10 hours of group supervision, and 10 hours of consultation.
All that to say, Play Therapists spend a lot of time honing their craft and training routinely to provide the best, most updated, and research-backed services to their clients.
Registered Play Therapists are highly trained individuals who are:
Experts in Child Development
RPTs are experts in child development and the intricacies of how children process emotions. They understand the developmental stages that children go through and how to tailor therapeutic interventions that are age-appropriate. This expertise is essential for helping children understand and manage their emotions in a healthy productive way.
Have Specialized Knowledge of Play Therapy Techniques
Registered Play Therapists use scientifically validated therapeutic techniques and approaches, making their work more effective than untrained practitioners. They are skilled in using different types of play (e.g., art, sand play, role play) to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. They can assess what play materials will be most beneficial for each child and help facilitate healing in the sessions. There are different approaches a Play Therapist can specialize in (Directive, Child-Centered, Filial, and even Group Play Therapy) as well as different therapeutic orientations.
Utilize A Holistic, Client-Centered Approach
A Registered Play Therapist understands that each child is unique. They don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach but instead customize therapy to fit the individual needs of the child. They consider the child’s family environment, cultural background, and any other external factors when creating a treatment plan, ensuring that it resonates with the child’s experiences and provides the necessary support.
Most importantly, Play Therapists are clinicians who understand the power of play when it comes to growth and healing and are dedicated clinicians focused on providing the best research-backed care for their clients.
Play Therapists are also a ton of fun!
For more information on Play Therapy and finding a Play Therapist near you, visit www.a4pt.org.
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