Play Therapy

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“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.” - Association for Play Therapy (2001)

• Communicate about their experiences through symbols & metaphors
• Re-enact or play-out difficult experiences to gain mastery
• Re-organize and make sense of themselves and their world
• Strengthen their sense of self, reduce anxiety and improve relational capacity

• Play is essential for children to develop physically, emotionally and socially.
• It fosters imagination and creativity
• It encourages confidence and concentration. 
• It helps children to make friends and learn about their ever expanding world.
• It allows them to learn from mistakes safely
• Play can be used to establish a relationship
• Children “play out” experiences or feelings that can’t be accessed through words

Source: Rocky Mountain Play Therapy institute