A child’s primary language is play. During play therapy, children work one-on-one with a therapist who supports their ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through play, the primary mode of communication. While the therapist is an active participant, the child is directing the play. The therapist utilizes a variety of toys, such as action figures, sand trays, animals, modeling clay, art supplies, etc., to appeal to a variety of interests, and comments during the session on the ways in which the child utilizes various objects during the play.

Through this relationship with the therapist, the child learns to express themselves in a supportive, empathic, safe, and accepting environment. This ultimately brings greater awareness of their feeling states and interpersonal needs. While parents often work with their child’s therapist in adjunct meetings, play sessions are individual sessions for the child.