Play therapy for children is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach that builds on children’s normal communicative and learning processes. Our therapists use play’s curative powers in many ways. They strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they lack verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings. Toys are children’s words, and play is their language.

Play therapy creates a safe atmosphere in which children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works and the restrictions it imposes, and work through their problems. Play therapy allows children to explore and open up more than usual.

We can understand our children better if we understand their play. By watching children play, we often learn more about their thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles than by talking with them! Play has been called the “language of childhood,” and if we learn (or relearn) that language, we can build more satisfying relationships with our children.