Play Therapy

For centuries, individuals have observed that play is important to reducing stress, building self-esteem, learning skills, and promoting creative problem solving. Play therapy is a theoretical approach that uses play for the treatment of emotional problems. Play therapy is especially indicated for children and others who may not have the language capacity to process feelings and experiences verbally. Play therapy has been clinically indicated to teach adaptive behaviors, model a corrective emotional experience, and provide insight about dysfunctional thinking or traumatic experiences. At the Christian Psychological Center, we use toys, art, books, and other imaginative activities in a structured way to further therapeutic goals for children, adolescents, and some adults. For more information about play therapy and its benefits, please visit the Association for Play Therapy website at www.a4pt.org.