play therapy

Play therapy utilizes a child's natural means of expression (play) to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. Play therapy allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale demonstrating ideas and messages they may not have words to articulate. Playing with specially selected materials, and with the guidance of a therapist, the child plays out issues, bringing hidden emotions to the surface where s/he can face them and cope with them in a safe and accepting environment.