What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a credentialed, evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed specifically for children. It leverages play, special interests, and relationship (children’s natural mode of expression) to help them communicate feelings, process experiences, build coping skills, and work through emotional or behavioral challenges in a developmentally appropriate way. Unlike ordinary play, play therapy uses structured therapeutic models delivered by trained clinicians to support healthy emotional and psychological development. At The Real Work, we describe play therapy as creating a trusting therapeutic relationship that gives your child another language the language of play so they can express what might be hard to say with words.

Play therapy works by creating a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship in which your child leads through play and the therapist reflects, supports, and sometimes gently guides the process. The therapist observes your child’s play behaviors and themes to understand their inner experience, unmet needs, and areas of stress or conflict. Over time, children learn to regulate emotions, solve problems, and develop healthier ways of relating to others. Your child might use toys, art materials, puppets, sand, or symbolic games as tools for expression. Each medium is an avenue for communicating thoughts and feelings that may not be easily verbalized.

Play therapy should be delivered by licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in play therapy. Many therapists pursue additional credentials such as the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) designation through the Association for Play Therapy to demonstrate competency and adherence to ethical standards. At The Real Work, multiple clinicians in our collective are trained in child-centered and evidence-based play therapy approaches and often hold advanced certifications in attachment science, interpersonal neurobiology, and developmentally informed practice

Play therapy has been shown to support children experiencing a wide range of social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety, fears, and overwhelm

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Trauma and stressful life experiences

• Behavioral difficulties and social challenges

• Sensory sensitivities and neurodevelopmental differences

• Adjustment to transitions or family stressors

Research indicates play therapy can help children build resilience, improve peer and caregiver relationships, and reduce symptoms of distress

A play therapy session is child-centered, meaning your child chooses what to do and how to express themselves with the therapeutic materials available. The therapist observes and engages in ways that help support emotional processing, relational experiences, and skill development. Over time, patterns in play can offer insight into your child’s internal world and help the therapist co-create goals with your family.

At The Real Work, our clinic spaces are intentionally designed to be inviting and comfortable for children, respecting sensory differences and helping your child feel safe from the moment they walk in.

Parent involvement is a key component of effective play therapy. Therapists typically:

• Collaborate with caregivers to understand stressors and strengths in the family system

• Provide updates (as clinically appropriate) about goals and progress

• Offer parent guidance and coaching to reinforce skills and insights between sessions

Some models of play therapy include periodic parent-therapist meetings to bridge the work done in the playroom with daily life at home.

The duration of play therapy varies by child, concern, and goals. Some children may show meaningful changes in a few months, while others—especially those navigating complex trauma or longer-standing challenges—may benefit from longer engagement. A therapist will discuss expectations and milestones with you during initial assessment and ongoing review.

Yes. The Association for Play Therapy is an international professional society dedicated to promoting research, education, and ethical practice in play therapy. Play therapy has a substantive evidence base demonstrating its effectiveness across developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges when delivered by trained clinicians. Clinical journals such as the International Journal of Play Therapy publish peer-reviewed research on mechanisms, outcomes, and best practices in the field.

Play therapy may be a strong fit if your child:

• Struggles to talk about feelings or experiences

• Exhibits emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or behavioral shifts

• Faces ongoing anxiety, trauma, or relational stressors

• Has difficulty expressing needs with words alone

A consultation with a trained play therapist is the best way to answer your questions, clarify your goals, and determine a tailored plan for your family.

During the first session, the therapist will gather developmental, relational, and behavioral history to understand what brings you to therapy. The therapist will also explain the play therapy process, answer questions, and orient your child to the playroom space and materials in a way that fosters safety and curiosity.

If helpful, you can share pictures or talk with your child beforehand about the playroom to reduce anxiety before the first visit.