Therapeutic play, which encompasses play therapy, is a powerful approach to supporting children’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Unlike traditional forms of therapy, it uses play as a medium to help children process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This practice is rooted in various psychological theories and has evolved over decades to become a recognised discipline for fostering healing and growth. One of the key features of therapeutic play is its ability to tap into the unconscious mind through creativity and play. This natural process helps children explore and express emotions that may be difficult to articulate in words.
Play therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ their feelings and problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual ‘talks out’ their difficulties. Play therapy builds on the dynamic interaction between the child and the therapist, creating a safe space where the child can express what they cannot verbalise, work through emotional pain, and ultimately find solutions within themselves.
By creating an environment where children can play with minimal restrictions—except for necessary safety boundaries—therapists provide a space where healing can happen organically. The impact of therapeutic play is supported by research. According to findings by Play Therapy UK (PTUK), 71% of children referred for play therapy exhibit noticeable positive changes. This demonstrates the effectiveness of play therapy in helping children cope with challenges and build resilience.
At its core, therapeutic play is about offering children “special time”—a period where they are the focus of care, attention, and support. This focused interaction, often missing in busy modern life, helps children feel seen and valued. During this time, therapists may observe the child’s play and, when appropriate, reflect on these observations to help the child process their emotions or experiences. The techniques used in therapeutic play are diverse and tailored to each child’s needs. Practitioners often draw from a “Play Therapy Toolkit,” which includes art, storytelling, role-playing, sandplay, and more. Sessions, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes, can be conducted one-on-one or in groups. The therapist adjusts their approach, blending directive and non-directive methods to suit the child’s preferences and the situation.
Therapeutic play has a rich history, with its earliest recorded use dating back to 1919. Influential figures like Virginia Axline and Violet Oaklander have shaped modern practices, introducing methods that remain central to the field today. Beyond individual sessions, organisations such as Play Therapy International (PTI) and PTUK have worked to professionalize the discipline, developing competency frameworks to standardise practices and enhance outcomes.
Ultimately, therapeutic play offers children not only a path to healing but also strategies to navigate the challenges of life with greater confidence and hope for the future. It is a gentle yet profound way to support children in building a positive, resilient foundation for their lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can support your child’s well-being, here are three trusted resources to explore:
Play Therapy UK (PTUK)
Association for Play Therapy (APT)
British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT)
