Play therapy allows children to express their emotions and problems through play. It is through play that they learn to cope with the world around them. Play therapy uses of a variety of activities such as art and painting, dress up, games, doll house play, and sandplay.

Children communicate differently than adults. Often they do not have the words or have a difficult time expressing themselves verbally. Sometimes thoughts and feelings are too threatening to express directly. Through their play they release those thoughts and feelings they have been trying to get out. When children play them out, in ways that they choose, they are better able to cope.