Play is a way for children to explore, communicate, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, children express their thoughts and emotions, test boundaries, and develop crucial skills for life. It is no surprise that play is also a powerful therapeutic tool, helping children heal, learn, and grow.
Therapeutic play takes different forms, including play therapy and play-based therapy. While both centre around play, they serve distinct purposes. Here’s how they differ:
Play-based Therapy
Play-based therapy helps children learn and grow by using structured play as a developmental tool. Often used in settings like speech or occupational therapy, it transforms play into a fun way to:
- Build communication and problem-solving skills.
- Develop motor and social skills.
- Make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Goal
The primary goal is to equip children with practical skills for everyday life, such as:
- Speaking more clearly or confidently.
- Improving coordination for activities like writing or playing sports.
- Learning to share and play with others.
For example, a speech therapist might use a naming game to help a child practice vocabulary in an enjoyable and stress-free way.
Therapist’s Role
Therapists in play-based therapy act as teachers or guides, creating activities tailored to the child’s needs. They:
- Create games or activities that match the child’s developmental goals.
- Provide feedback and encouragement during play to reinforce learning.
- Monitor progress to adjust the activities as needed.
For instance, an occupational therapist might use stacking blocks to help a child improve hand coordination while teaching patience and problem-solving.
Techniques
Therapists use structured play activities designed to build skills, such as:
- Interactive Games: Activities like playing a board game to teach taking turns and teamwork.
- Sensory Activities: Using materials like playdough to enhance focus and sensory awareness.
- Role-Playing: Pretending to shop or cook to build communication and decision-making skills.
Play Therapy
Play therapy supports children facing emotional or behavioural challenges. It creates a safe space where children can express feelings and process experiences without needing words. This approach focuses on understanding and resolving emotions, which often leads to improvements in behaviour and development.
Goal
The primary goal of play therapy is emotional awareness and healing before addressing behaviours. It helps children with issues such as:
- Overcoming trauma or grief (which may be externalised as withdrawal or disconnection).
- Building self-confidence and resilience.
- Managing fears, anxiety, or anger that might show up as aggression or defiance.
For instance, a grieving child might use toys to act out their feelings. Through observation and gentle guidance, a play therapist helps the child process emotions and fosters emotional healing.
Therapist’s Role
Play therapists act as supporters or facilitators, gently guiding them to uncover their own solutions rather than imposing external fixes. They:
- Observe the child’s play to understand their emotional world.
- Create a trusting, judgment-free environment to encourage exploration.
- Use reflective techniques to validate and guide the child’s emotional journey.
- Help children develop healthy coping mechanisms by addressing the root causes of emotional struggles.
By addressing the root causes of emotional challenges, play therapy indirectly supports behavioural improvements and developmental growth.
Techniques
Instead of following rules, play therapy adapts to what the child needs. Techniques include:
- Child-Led Play: Letting the child take the lead in choosing what and how to play, enabling them to express themselves naturally and at their own pace.
- Guided Play: Introducing specific activities or games to help the child address emotions like anger, sadness, or fear.
- Symbolic Play: Using toys like dolls or figures to act out situations the child finds difficult to talk about.
Conclusion
From these two therapeutic approaches, we can see the incredible versatility of play. While they share the common foundation of play, their goals and methods differ — play-based therapy emphasises skill-building and developmental milestones, while play therapy focuses on emotional healing and behavioural growth.
Importantly, play is not confined to therapy rooms or classrooms. It is a universal language that extends into everyday life. Parents can harness the power of play at home to nurture their child’s growth. Simple activities like pretend play, building blocks, or sensory games can support emotional and cognitive development while strengthening the parent-child bond. By engaging in play, parents can gain valuable insights into their child’s emotions, thoughts, and needs.
Whether guided by a professional or encouraged at home, play builds connections, fosters growth, and helps children navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Its ability to heal, teach, and connect makes it an indispensable part of childhood.
References
Bundy, A. C., Lane, S. J., & Murray, E. A. (2002). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice. F.A. Davis.
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. Routledge.
Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. The American Academy of Pediatrics, 119 (1), pp. 182-191. Available from:
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/119/1/182/70699/The-Importance-of-Play-in-Promoting-Healthy-Child/
O’Neill, S. If Your Child Has Been Referred for Play Therapy You May Have Questions or Concerns, or You May Feel Relieved That More Support Is On Its Way. Available from:
https://playtherapy.org.uk/for-parents/
