Play is how kids explore the world, express their emotions, and make sense of their experiences. But what happens when a child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally and doesn’t yet have the words to describe what’s going on? This is where play therapy comes in. It’s a developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach that uses the power of play to help children heal and understand themselves better. Let’s explore what play therapy is, how it works, common techniques, and why it can be so effective.

In a world where children are often expected to communicate like little adults, it can be easy to forget that language is something they’re still learning. Here are five key ways that play therapy helps children develop communication skills.