What is Play Therapy?

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.
-- The Association for Play Therapy

The importance of play:

Play is a natural means of communication and expression for children. Play therapists are licensed professionals trained in play therapy. They use play to:

• build a positive relationship with the child
• help the child learn to express and regulate emotions
• enhance the child's self-esteem
• allow the child to release and manage stress
• let the child role play real life situations and rehearse new behaviors.

Children's play is not mere sport. It is full of meaning and import.
-- F. Froebel

Play, in this meaning, furnishes the child with the opportunities to "act out" situations which are disturbing, conflicting and confusing to him.
-- Woltmann

Feelings and attitudes which may be too threatening for the child to express directly can be safely projected through self-chosen toys.
-- Gary Landreth