Play Therapy

Play with a Purpose: Understanding Play Therapy in Early Childhood

 

Play is more than just fun—it’s how young children make sense of their world. When a child struggles with big emotions, social challenges, or traumatic experiences, play can also be a powerful tool for healing. That’s where play therapy comes in.

 

Play therapy is a specialized approach that helps children express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. While play therapists are trained professionals, early childhood educators play a vital role in identifying when a child may benefit from therapy and integrating play-based strategies into their classroom to support emotional growth.

 

Imagine a preschooler who has recently moved to a new city. He struggles with separation anxiety and often acts out during transitions. Through structured, therapeutic play, a trained professional can help him explore his feelings in a way that makes sense to him—through dolls, storytelling, or sensory activities. At the same time, his teacher can incorporate small, play-based strategies to ease transitions and support his emotional regulation.

 

By understanding play therapy and its applications, educators can become key allies in a child's emotional and social development.

 

What is Play Therapy?

 

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate intervention that allows children to express and explore their thoughts and emotions through play rather than words. Since young children are developing verbal skills to make sense of their feelings and experiences, play provides a natural point of access.

 

A trained play therapist uses toys, art, storytelling, and other forms of creative expression to help children process their experiences. There are a variety of approaches to play therapy. It may be structured or non-directive, depending on the child’s needs. Some common techniques include:

 

1. Child-directed play – Allowing the child to lead the session with minimal adult interference, giving them control over their expression.

 

1. Role-playing – Helping children act out emotions or situations they may be struggling with. Dolls, puppets, or other materials can be used to support role-playing.

 

1. Sand tray therapy – Using small figurines and sensory materials to create symbolic representations of feelings or experiences.

 

1. Art and music therapy – Encouraging expression through drawing, painting, or musical activities.

 

Play therapy is often used for children experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral challenges, or social difficulties. It provides them with a safe space to explore their emotions, practice problem-solving, and build confidence in their interactions with others.

 

The Role of a Play Therapist

 

A registered play therapist (RPT) is a licensed professional—typically a counselor, social worker, or psychologist—who has undergone specialized training in child-centered play therapy techniques. Their role is to assess, support, and guide children through emotional and behavioral challenges in a way that feels natural and safe.

 

Play therapists work closely with families, and often with educators, to create a consistent support system for the child. They may:

 

1. Observe and assess a child's emotional and social development.

 

1. Provide individualized therapy sessions tailored to the child’s needs.

 

1. Collaborate with parents and teachers to reinforce coping strategies at home and in the classroom.

 

1. Offer guidance to help adults maintain consistent and developmentally appropriate responses to children’s emotional needs.

 

For children experiencing significant emotional distress—whether from changes in their family structure, trauma, sensory processing issues, or other challenges—play therapy can be a crucial intervention that promotes healing and growth.

 

When to Consider a Play Therapy Collaboration?

 

Early childhood educators have unique perspectives on a child’s daily behaviors and interactions. While occasional emotional outbursts or social struggles are developmentally typical, there are times when additional support may be needed. Teachers may consider recommending a play therapy consultation if a child consistently:

 

1. Withdraws from peers and avoids social interactions.

 

1. Displays extreme emotional outbursts that do not improve with classroom interventions.

 

1. Engages in repetitive or symbolic play that suggests underlying distress (e.g., reenacting the same conflict over and over).

 

1. Has difficulty forming attachments with caregivers or peers.

 

1. Exhibits sudden behavioral changes, such as regression in toileting or speech.

 

When concerns arise, educators can document behaviors and patterns to share with families in a non-judgmental way. Open and empathetic conversations with caregivers can help determine if a referral to a play therapist might be beneficial. Every program will have an intentional approach for discussing potential clinical support with families. Touch base with your program leaders to learn protocols specific to your setting.

 

Play Therapy Strategies for the Classroom

 

Even if a child is not working directly with a play therapist, educators can incorporate play-based strategies that support emotional well-being in the classroom. These approaches foster a sense of security, self-expression, and regulation:

 

1. Create Place-Based Supports – Offer a soft, cozy space with pillows, sensory toys, and books or other materials to support co- and self-regulation.

 

1. Encourage Open-Ended Play – Helping children act out emotions or situations they may be struggling with. Dolls, puppets, or other materials can be used to support role-playing.

 

1. Use Storytelling and Puppetry – Model problem-solving and emotional expression through interactive storytelling and role-playing.

 

1. Integrate Sensory Play – Activities like playdough, water play, and kinetic sand help children self-soothe and process emotions.

 

1. Validate Feelings Through Play – If a child expresses a difficult emotion through play (e.g., making a doll cry), reflect their feelings back: “It looks like the doll is feeling sad. What can we do to help her feel better?”

 

By embedding these strategies into daily routines, educators create a classroom environment that nurtures social-emotional growth and builds a foundation for resilience.

 

Play is Powerful!

 

Play therapy is a valuable tool for helping children process emotions, build self-regulation skills, and navigate life’s challenges in a developmentally appropriate way. While play therapists are trained specialists who provide targeted interventions, educators play an essential role in supporting children’s emotional well-being in the classroom.

 

By recognizing when a child may benefit from play therapy, collaborating with families and professionals, and integrating play-based strategies into the learning environment, educators can create a space where all children feel safe, understood, and empowered.

 

Resources

 

WEBINAR: Supporting Children’s Social-Emotional Learning Through Play

 

Recommended Products

 

Cozy Corner Solution

 

 

 

Christine Murray is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with Becker’s Education Team.
As an educator, coach and leader, Christine is inspired by the curiosity, joy and wonder that children so generously model for us. She earned her M.A. in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver and loves collaborating with and supporting others in the field. Grounded in relationships and guided by empathy, Christine is always learning, connecting and creating.