When we think of therapy, we often imagine quiet offices and serious conversations. But for children, especially those too young to express themselves fully in words, therapy often looks quite different. Play therapy researcher and author Garry Landreth explains, “In the play therapy experience, toys are like the child’s words, and play is the child’s language.” Despite misconceptions that it isn’t “real” therapy, experts emphasize that play therapy is a deeply meaningful and effective approach to helping children, teens, and even adults heal. What may look like simple play, stacking blocks, drawing pictures, or arranging toys, is actually serious therapeutic work that gives children a voice, helps them heal at their own pace, and equips them with skills to thrive beyond the therapy room.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is much more than simply “playing with toys.” According to the American Counseling Association, play therapy is “the use of play as a means of establishing rapport, uncovering what is troubling a person (often a child), and bringing about a resolution.”
Specially trained play therapists use this process to help clients express emotions, work through experiences, and build coping skills. Under their guidance, children can safely explore feelings, test limits, and discover solutions in a supportive environment.
Directive and Nondirective Approaches
Two basic forms of play therapy are directive and nondirective.
- Directive play therapy is structured and guided by the therapist. The counselor might suggest specific activities or role-play scenarios designed to help the child process particular issues, such as anxiety or trauma. This approach can be especially helpful when a child needs support addressing a specific problem.
- Nondirective play therapy, often called child-centered play therapy, gives children full control over the session. The therapist provides a safe space and observes as the child chooses toys, activities, and storylines. The counselor offers empathy and gentle narration, but the child sets the pace and direction. This helps build trust, encourages independence, and allows children to express themselves in the way that feels most natural.
Many therapists use a blend of both approaches, depending on the child’s needs and how the sessions progress.
How Play Therapy Works
The process of play therapy usually begins with observation. Counselors watch how children interact with toys, caregivers, and the therapist themselves. Small details, like whether a child clings to a parent, organizes toys into strict categories, or invites the therapist to join in, can provide powerful insights.
Over time, patterns emerge. A child who repeatedly acts out scenes with a “bad guy” may be working through trauma. Another who sorts toys instead of playing might be struggling with anxiety. The therapist then gently guides the process with reflections such as, “I wonder why this toy is doing that?” or “What do you wish had gone differently?” This encourages children to process emotions and gain new perspectives.
Why Is Play Therapy Effective?
The strength of play therapy lies in its ability to meet children where they are. Through either directive or nondirective methods, children are given a safe, supportive environment to explore emotions, practice problem-solving, and learn self-regulation. For kids who have experienced loss, trauma, or instability, play therapy also provides something essential: the chance to feel in control.
When to Consider Play Therapy
Play therapy is particularly helpful for children who:
- Exhibit behavioral challenges at home or school, such as aggression or withdrawal.
- Have experienced trauma or difficult life events, including abuse, loss, or displacement.
- Struggle to express feelings verbally.
- Show signs of anxiety, control issues, or difficulty managing emotions.
- Need a safe space to practice social and emotional skills with guidance from a trained therapist.
Play therapy provides children a safe, supportive environment where they can express emotions, explore challenges, and gradually work toward understanding and resolving difficult experiences.
To see if play therapy might be a good option for your child or to speak with a professional counselor about any mental health concerns, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167th St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477, offering in-person and telehealth appointments. It is our pleasure to be of service to you.
Molly V.
Graduate Intern, 2025
Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.
References
Bray, B. (2018, August). The therapy behind play therapy. Counseling Today. American Counseling Association. https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/legacy/the-therapy-behind-play-therapy
Kenney-Noziska, S. G., Schaefer, C. E., & Homeyer, L. E. (2012). Beyond directive or nondirective: Moving the conversation forward. International Journal of Play Therapy, 21(4), 244–252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028910
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