Because children have not fully developed their communication and cognitive skills, they have a harder time articulating their inner experiences. Simultaneously, adults often misinterpret what children are attempting to express. 

Play therapy can bridge the communication gap between adults and children. As such, the intervention is most commonly used with children ages two to 12, but all ages, from infants to elderly adults, can benefit from play therapy. 

Play, defined as any fun, enjoyable experience, is fundamental to learning, development, and overall happiness for all ages. Play encourages participation in pressure-free experiences for the sake of joy while allowing individuals to entirely embrace their personalities, brightening their outlook, and fostering personal growth. 

Play is a child’s language and toys are often their words. For adults, play can offer relief from having to find the right words. When implemented in a therapeutic setting, play can help individuals resolve trauma, process thoughts and emotions, and discover and integrate effective coping strategies. 

A play therapist is typically a mental, behavioral, or occupational health professional with specialized training in play therapy and/or one of various play therapy credentials . In play therapy, clinicians create a safe space that allows clients to play out their experiences and express themselves using a wide variety of toys. 

Through the casual, open means of play, children can access and express their thoughts and emotions in their natural language of play. They may use play to communicate their experiences, cultivate solutions to problems, soothe any distress, and act out their fears or worries. 

Related: Art Therapy: Harness Creativity to Promote Mental and Behavioral Health

Using a child’s preferred style of communication, a play therapist understands and reflects a child’s behaviors and emotions during play to understand their struggles and facilitate their healing. While the benefits of play therapy depend on each client’s unique issues and goals, those attending play therapy may:

Based on a person’s specific needs, play therapy may be used on its own or implemented alongside other treatment interventions such as talk therapy or medication management.

A play therapist will generally begin treatment by interviewing a child’s caregivers as well as observing the child at play to conduct an assessment of the child’s psychological well-being.

Therapists may take either a directive approach in which they have a specific goal in mind and structure the type of play accordingly. Alternatively, they may use a non-directive approach which allows the child to choose their preferred method of play while the therapist observes the child’s behavior. 

With children older than two, sessions are generally held individually with just the therapist and the client. Play therapy may involve parents when the child is younger than two. In these sessions, clinicians may coach parents on ways to play with their children. Play therapy for families can also be beneficial as it can encourage better communication and collaboration between family members. 

Sessions may last from 30 to 50 minutes and are typically held weekly. A resolution to the clients’ problems generally occurs after about twenty play therapy sessions, according to the Association for Play Therapy . However, depending on the severity of the problem, it may take clients fewer or more sessions to improve. 

Teenagers and adults may also find it challenging to convey their thoughts and feelings to others. Play therapy can help them explore and express their authentic inner selves. The modality may be used to help those struggling with:

As with children, play therapy can help adults express otherwise overwhelming emotions, gain a deeper understanding of how their challenges are affecting their well-being, and develop strategies for dealing with their concerns more effectively. 

At Thrive Wellness, we embrace the power of play for its ability to bring about expression, inspiration, healing, and joy. Open to children, adults, and families, our play therapy program includes trained play therapists as well as playrooms with an array of play materials for a breadth of exploration possibilities. Based on your needs, our team of collaboratives can integrate the modality into your overall treatment plan or implement it as a stand-alone intervention. If you think that you, your child, or your family may benefit from play therapy, reach out . 

Before relocating to Reno, Nevada, Dr. Jill Packman earned a bachelor’s degree at Tulane University, a master’s degree in education in counseling at the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in counseling at the University of North Texas, specializing in counselor education and supervision, play therapy, and family therapy.

Upon arrival in “The Biggest Little City” in 2002, Dr. Packman joined the counseling department at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where she served as coordinator of school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and the overall counseling program. Inspired by the desire to identify and close gaps in communication and care, she transferred to UNR’s school of medicine, where she directed interprofessional education. During her time at UNR, she also taught physician assistant students about behavioral medicine.

Dr. Packman has a passion for supporting underserved and marginalized populations and enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a holistic and integrated care approach. As the executive director of Thrive Wellness Reno, she intends to further pursue these passions alongside a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and colleagues who are wholeheartedly committed to serving the Northern Nevada community.

Dr. Packman grew up in Texas and now resides in Minden, Nevada, where she, her husband, and son enjoy skiing, rock climbing, hiking, electric biking, and spending time at Lake Tahoe. Her son is a nationally ranked rock climber who, alongside his father, also develops recreational rock climbing areas for others to enjoy.

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