Benefits of Play Therapy

1. Emotional Expression and Regulation:

Play therapy provides a space where children can freely express their emotions through play. By engaging in imaginative play, using role play, puppets, sand tray or art materials, children can symbolically act out their inner thoughts and feelings that may be challenging to express verbally. This process helps children regulate their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.

2: Improved Communication and Social Skills:

Play therapy helps children enhance their communication and social skills. By engaging in Play Therapy sessions with a trained Play Therapist, children learn to articulate their thoughts, needs, and desires more effectively. They also have the opportunity to practice social interactions, such as sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving, which can improve their relationships with peers and adults.

3. Behavioural and Emotional Regulation:

Play therapy offers a space for children to explore and understand their emotions and behaviours. By engaging in play, they can learn how to self-regulate and develop appropriate coping strategies to manage challenging situations. This newfound emotional regulation often leads to a decrease in problematic behaviours.

4. Increased Self-Esteem and Self-awareness: 

Play therapy fosters a sense of empowerment and promotes self-esteem in children. Through the therapeutic play process, children can develop a better understanding of their strengths and challenges. They gain confidence as they discover new ways of coping with difficulties and achieve positive outcomes, which translates into improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of self.

5. Healing from Trauma or Loss:

Play therapy offers a gentle and sensitive approach to help children heal from traumatic experiences or cope with significant losses. Through play, children can revisit and reenact distressing events at their own pace, allowing them to process and make sense of what has happened. This process facilitates emotional healing, promoting resilience and growth.

6. Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills:

Through play therapy, children develop problem-solving skills that can be applied to various life situations. During play sessions, they encounter challenges, make decisions, and explore different solutions, promoting critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. These skills transfer to real-life scenarios, empowering children to overcome difficulties and make positive choices. 

Source: Irish Play Therapy Community Association, 2024

Confidentiality and  Communication

Play therapy sessions are on a one-to-one basis with the child and the therapist present. Play therapy sessions with children are confidential just like counseling sessions with adults. In order for play therapy to be effective, it is important for the child to know that the playroom is a private space for them to play and say whatever they want without having to report back to parents or guardians. Children are told that their therapist won't tell anyone what they play or talk about unless the therapist is worried that the child or someone else is being harmed.

The child is free to tell whomever they wish what happens in the playroom. During parental consultations the therapist will share general impressions of the child's behavior and progress along with any themes that may be apparent in their play. However, the therapist will not go into the specifics of what the child says or does in the playroom. Sometimes the child wishes for the therapist to tell their parents or guardians what they play and say, and in that instance the therapist can give more specific feedback about what happens in the playroom.