A child can spend hours focused in this play world by themselves and with others. It is an activity that provides fun and enjoyment, often defined with children in mind but has recently gained popularity with people of all ages. On a deeper level though, the meaning of play takes on a crucial, more developmental aspect because it is within that safe place that children process the mental and emotional stress of the day, act out the concerns they have, and often reveal their thoughts and feelings toward life issues.
Through play therapy, the counselor joins the child clients and not only assesses their worries and issues, but also is able to help them make sense of what they are going through. Sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes. It is most often done individually or especially with a young child, with a parent or caregiver.
The therapy can be directive or nondirective as the therapist encourages the play with specific goals in mind. Play therapy may include toys, such as dolls, puppets, doll houses, trucks, and or figures depicting family, school, and community members. Creative expression is fostered through but not limited to drawing, painting and Play-Doh use.