ABSTRACT
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate mental health intervention for children ages 3–10 years old who are experiencing emotional distress or demonstrating behavioral problems. In play therapy, the therapist facilitates a relationship with the child in which the child feels free to explore their inner experiences and develop new coping skills. Although play therapy is currently accepted as a mental health intervention used in community and private practice counseling settings, the roots of play therapy are still grounded in schools. In play therapy, there are two main factors at work: the therapeutic relationship and the powers of play. In child-centered play therapy, the therapist believes in the child’s capacity to lead and move toward self- and other-enhancing behaviors.
