Play is children’s primary form of communication. Children tell us about their inner world through play long before they are able to link words to their experiences through language. Through play, children can experiment with, process and master different skills and experiences. They form a sense of who they are, whilst learning to understand that other people can be different from them. Relationship skills, such as being able to trust, respect, empathise, share and co-operate with people, can be developed through play.
Play Therapy is an effective therapy based on the belief that children have an innate tendency to engage in play and that play is a natural way for them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, experiences and trauma, process and master painful or fearful experiences through the safety and psychological distance of play.
Rather than children having to explain what is troubling them, as adult therapy usually expects, children use play to communicate at their own level and at their own pace, without feeling interrogated or threatened.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is an therapeutic approach that uses the power of play to support healing and growth in children and young people. Through play, children can express themselves, process emotions, and develop important skills.
Find a Play Therapist
Use our Find a Play Therapist page to locate a BAPT Registered Play Therapist near you. You can also find details of Play Therapy supervisors and Trainers.
Information for children
Have you been referred for Play Therapy? This page will tell you all about what Play Therapy is and what to expect in the playroom.
Information for parents and carers
This page contains the information parents and carers need to know about their child attending Play Therapy, how the Play Therapist and you can help the process.
Information for professionals
Play Therapy is an evidence-based, child-led therapeutic process. Find out more about the benefits of Play Therapy or using a BAPT Registered Play Therapist® in your organisation.
Register of Play Therapists
All qualified BAPT Registered Play Therapists® are included on the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) register. Use this page to search our PSA accredited register of members.
