Can I Use Play Therapy for Trauma?

Play therapy has been recognized for its effectiveness, particularly with traumatized children. How can play therapy be used to address trauma? This article covers the applicability of play therapy for children who have experienced trauma, its effectiveness, and whom it best serves.

Quick Look

Play therapy offers a unique approach to trauma intervention, especially for children who may not have the verbal skills to communicate their experiences. By allowing trauma survivors to express themselves in a safe, nurturing environment, play therapy can be a cornerstone in trauma recovery. However, as with all therapeutic methods, individual responses can vary. It is essential to consult with a qualified therapist to determine if play therapy is the right fit for a child with specific trauma on a case-by-case basis.

by Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT RPT-S

Director, Play Strong Institute

Play
Therapy
Certificate

Start Now

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used with children to help them express their feelings, process events, and address various social and emotional issues. Given that children often have difficulty articulating their feelings and experiences through words, play therapy utilizes toys, games, and activities as mediums of expression. By engaging in play, children can work through their thoughts, anxieties, and even traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled environment.

Play Therapy and Trauma

Trauma can have profound effects on an individual's psychological well-being, particularly in children. Whether it is a result of abuse, an accident, unexpected loss, or any other distressing event, trauma can leave lasting effects that interfere with daily life.

Using play therapy to address trauma can have several benefits:

Safety: The therapeutic space is designed to make children feel safe and protected. With toys and games available, children can confront traumatic events at their own pace without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
Expression without Words: Not every child can articulate traumatic experiences verbally. Play allows them to depict what they've gone through using toys and scenarios.
Symbolic Representation: Children can use toys to represent people, events, or emotions. For instance, a protective toy figure might signify a protective figure in their life.

Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy for Trauma?

While play therapy is predominantly utilized with children aged 3 to 12, its principles can be adapted for teenagers and even adults. This therapeutic method is beneficial for those who:

Have experienced physical or sexual abuse.
Have witnessed or been a victim of domestic violence.
Have experienced loss (e.g., death of a loved one).
Have undergone medical procedures or accidents that were traumatic.
Show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Selecting a Qualified Play Therapist

If considering play therapy for trauma, it is imperative to seek a qualified play therapist, preferably one who specializes in trauma care. The therapist should be credentialed by professional bodies, such as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) approved by the Association for Play Therapy. A good therapist will extensive training in at least one trauma-informed approach, ensure that the environment is safe and supportive, and they will guide the child towards healing at a pace comfortable for the child.

There are many recognized and research-supported forms of play therapy geared specifically for the treatment of trauma in children. They include:

TraumaPlay
Child-centered play therapy (CCPT)
Child parent psychotherapy (CPP)
EMDR and play therapy
Theraplay