Play Therapy
What Play Therapy is and how trauma-informed therapists may use it.
Play Therapy
What this modality focuses on
Play Therapy is an approach where play is used as the main way to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many children naturally express themselves through toys, stories, art, and imagination, and this modality makes space for that kind of communication. Some therapists also adapt play-based approaches for teens and, in certain cases, for adults.
Instead of relying mainly on talking, Play Therapy focuses on what someone may be communicating through how they play, the roles they choose, the themes that show up, and the way they interact with the play materials. It can give people another way to express things that may feel confusing, scary, or hard to put into words.
This modality often pays attention to:
- Emotional expression through symbols, stories, and characters
- How someone manages big feelings like anger, fear, or sadness in play
- Patterns in relationships, such as trust, distance, or closeness, shown in games or pretend scenarios
- Strengths, creativity, and problem-solving that appear during play
- A sense of safety, choice, and control within a playful environment
How it may support trauma survivors
For many trauma survivors, especially children, talking directly about what happened can feel overwhelming or confusing. Play Therapy offers another possible pathway to explore emotions and experiences at a pace that may feel more manageable. Instead of describing events in detail, someone might work with themes like protection, danger, rescue, loss, or rebuilding, using toys, art, or stories.
Some ways this modality may support people with trauma histories include:
- Offering non-verbal ways to express fear, anger, confusion, or grief
- Creating predictable routines and structures that may help with a sense of safety
- Allowing choice and control, such as what to play with and how to engage
- Exploring new ways of responding to stress or conflict through pretend scenarios
- Highlighting resilience, strengths, and coping skills that show up in play
For survivors of domestic or relationship abuse, play can sometimes reflect experiences at home, even without naming them directly. This may open space for understanding feelings like fear, loyalty, confusion, or divided loyalties between caregivers or partners. If you are exploring support related to domestic violence or relationship abuse, you may also find it helpful to learn more from resources such as https://www.dv.support, which focus specifically on these issues.
What sessions may typically include (neutral, gentle)
Play Therapy sessions often take place in a room with a variety of toys and creative materials. These may include items like dolls or figures, blocks, art supplies, sand trays, puppets, games, or dress-up materials. The specific setup can vary widely depending on the therapist’s training and the age and needs of the person attending.
During sessions, a person may:
- Choose toys or materials that feel interesting or comforting
- Create scenes or stories using figures, dolls, or drawings
- Act out pretend situations, such as family life, school, or fantasy worlds
- Use games or activities that involve cooperation, problem-solving, or turn-taking
- Engage in quieter, more reflective play or more active, energetic play, depending on what feels right in the moment
For children, caregivers may sometimes be involved in parts of the process, depending on the therapist’s approach and what feels supportive. For teens and adults, play-based work might look more like expressive arts, role-play, or guided imagery rather than traditional children’s toys.
How people can decide if this approach fits their needs
Deciding whether Play Therapy is a good fit can involve looking at age, communication style, and comfort with creative or symbolic activities. Some people, especially younger children, may find it easier to engage through play than through talking. Others, including some teens or adults, may feel unsure about play-based approaches or may prefer more conversation-focused modalities.
People considering Play Therapy may find it helpful to reflect on questions like:
- Does the child (or person seeking support) naturally use play, art, or stories to express feelings?
- Does talking directly about difficult experiences feel overwhelming or confusing right now?
- Would a more indirect, creative approach to exploring emotions feel safer or more approachable?
- Are there cultural or family values around play, creativity, or emotional expression that feel important to honor?
- Is there openness to trying something that may look different from traditional “talk therapy”?
It may also be helpful to ask potential therapists how they integrate play into their work, how they think about trauma and safety, and how they include caregivers or family members when appropriate. Reading about different modalities and noticing what feels comforting, respectful, and aligned with personal values can also support this decision.