ABSTRACT
Play therapy is an evidenced-based practice and is shown to be effective with children with varying presenting problems and concerns, and also as a tool for wellness and prevention. In play, children are able to recreate, re-enact, and re-experience problematic and traumatic circumstances while gaining a sense of power and control over those experiences. Play therapists teach and help children practice stress management skills. In other words, play therapists work to redirect inappropriate, problematic, or unacceptable behaviors. Play strengthens and promotes the positive emotional bond between child and caregiver. Because play therapists use unconditional positive regard and foster the development of the therapeutic relationship, children learn vicariously how to be in relation with another person. Children are able to experience feelings of both power and control while in the playroom, thus promoting their ability to create their own and model problem-solving skills.
