What is play therapy?

Play Therapy is a form of healing that enables children (3 -12 years) to identify and overcome their barriers to happiness.

The Play Therapy Relationship

 Through self-directed play and the care of a gentle and nurturing Play therapist, children are provided the optimal environment to express their feelings.Trust develops between the Play Therapist and the child, allowing the child to openly express their feelings, which the therapist will gently and gradually reflect to the child such that the child gains insights into their own emotional state.
The Play Therapist maintains deep respect for the child’s ability to solve their problems and does not attempt to control the process, outcome or timeline.
The Play Therapist supports a sense of reality which grounds the child and teaches responsibility, independence and self-regulation
Ultimately the process of self-discovery through play leads to a child’s deep understanding of the cause of their unhappiness.  Play Therapy supports a long-term outcome as children take responsibility for understanding and solving their own problems. 
For detailed Play Therapy outcome research 1995 to present refer:
​http://evidencebasedchildtherapy.com/

The Play Therapy Relationship is focussed on feelings rather than thoughts and acts.

Dr Garry L Landreth 
Professor of Play Therapist at the University of North Texas