Play therapy has been around since the beginning of the 1900's. By establishing a therapeutic relationship through play with the counselor the child learns to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem solving skills, and learn new ways of relating to others. The play therapy environment provides a safe emotional distance from the child's problems so that he or she can begin to develop appropriate expressions of thoughts and feelings.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as "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."
(This information was adapted from the Association for Play Therapy's brochure, "Why Play Therapy".)
