Although sometimes used with adults, play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to help children ages 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play. Therapeutic play normally takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.( Psychology Today, 2019)

Play Therapy responds to the unique developmental needs of young children. Children often express themselves better through play activities than through verbal communication. I use play and other creative activities to communicate with my child clients, observing how he/she uses these activities to express thoughts and feelings that are not expressed in words. There are two approaches to play therapy:

Nondirective play therapy is based on the principle that children can resolve their own issues given the right conditions and the freedom to play with limited instruction and supervision.
Directive play therapy uses more input from the therapist to help speed up results.

I use both of these approaches to play therapy with clients based on the particular issue and situation. Want more information on play therapy? Consult me at ( 720) 795-4914.

Natalie Teeters, Psychotherapist, MS