According to Association for Play Therapy (2021), play therapy is defined as
“The systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
Children can find it easier in expressing themselves through play and art. Using play activities and materials such as clay, water, blocks, dolls, puppets, and finger paint can assist the child to become aware of internal conflicts. Children learn from observation yet may not know how to express what they are going through in their daily lives. Trained therapist are able to use play to complete assessments and are able to assist children to process their emotions. Unresolved trauma can cause relationship and behavioural problems. Therefore, helping the child to learn adequate coping mechanisms and replacing inappropriate behaviours are intertwined within the intervention.
Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development (APT, 2021).
