Play is a child's way to get feelings out and begin to put words on the feelings that are most problematic. Play is one way to allow the therapist to continually evaluate and interact with a child. Play therapy is not merely having fun with the child, nor is it similar to "day care."

Developmentally, young children (ages 2-12) are rarely able to explain their world verbally. Robert Waelder said "children's . . . play can often be viewed as fantasy woven around play objects." Play is the child's way of trying to understand and master his or her world.

Play therapists are licensed mental health professionals (Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors) who have received specialized education and training for working with children. Play therapists encourage interventions that allow children to confront what is bothering them and resolve their own prolblems. Children can learn to express emotions successfully, learn appropriate social skills, or resolve traumatic life experiences.

Parents and families play the most important role in helping the troubled child. Thus parents need to be active participants in their child's therapy. Frequently, family therapy, along with parenting tips, play an intregal part in the successful outcome of child play therapy.