Play therapy uses the client's internal self-healing mechanisms to access unconscious and conscious experiences. The therapist forms a relationship with the client and encourages him or her to explore life events that affect his or her current life experience.

During play therapy, the therapist works at the client's pace. Talking is secondary to play in this form of therapy, and as such the client is encouraged to play while the therapist observes.

Play Therapy is suitable for adults too, as it helps them to relearn self-exploration, which enhances physical and cognitive behaviours. Play therapy gives children and adults freedom, increased creativity and life experience.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Play Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Similar in some ways and based on the Emotion-Focused Therapy model from Greenberg and colleagues, EFFT is an evidence-based family therapy approach in which the therapist offers support to caregivers/parents.  This equips caregivers/parents with skills, tasks, and emotion basics in order to better support their loved ones who may be struggling with mental health.