Play Therapy has been accepted as a developmentally appropriate intervention for children experiencing a broad range of problems since the groundbreaking work of Virginia Axline in the 1940s. Play Therapy is "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." (Association of Play Therapy, Inc.)

Therapists use the curative powers inherent in play in many ways. They may employ the language of play to help children express what is troubling, when they cannot say their thoughts and feelings in words. Through play, therapists may teach children more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits. The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play sessions may provide a corrective emotional experience or serve to release the natural healing resources that lie with in the child. Play may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child.

Play Therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all of which make use of one or more of the natural benefits of play. All Play Therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children systematically address and resolve their own problems. Play allows them a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows them to express their true thoughts and feelings in ways that best suit their development level.

Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems, including: Post Traumatic Stress, Conduct Disorder, aggression, anxiety/fearfulness, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, impulsivity, low self-concept, reading difficulties, and social withdrawal. Play therapy has been used successfully with children whose problems are related to life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters.

Research suggests that it takes an average of twenty Play Therapy visits to resolve the problems of the typical child coming to treatment. Some children may improve much faster, while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve.

This information was excerpted from "Why Play Therapy?" and other materials of the Association for Play Therapy, Inc. For further information about play therapy click this link http://www.a4pt.org for the Association for Play Therapy, Inc. website. Then go to "Research and Practice", then "MetaAnalysis Summary" and "Research Compilation".