Play is the child's language
Through play, children can say what is hard to say in words
Play therapy is a structured and therapeutically informed approach for children (typically ages 3–16) that uses play as the primary means of communication and emotional processing. It allows children to express complex feelings and traumas in a safe environment.
Through play, a child can discover and practice different ways of understanding difficult emotions, which leads to a healthier and happier life.
Expressing oneself through play feels safer for children — they can work through difficult experiences and develop a better understanding of themselves.
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When play therapy may help
Life-changing events or trauma (divorce, moving, school change, loss of a loved one)
Low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, defiant or fearful behaviour
Being a bully or being bullied
Experienced emotional or physical violence
Seriously ill and requiring long-term treatment
Difficult relationships with friends or siblings
When your child is in play therapy
Individual — the therapist's time is exclusively for the child
Everything that happens in a session is fully confidential
The process is child-led and moves at the child's pace — there are no quick fixes
After sessions, behaviour may temporarily intensify — this is a normal part of the process
In play therapy, everything is playful — but very real.
You can read more on the Estonian Play Therapy Association website.