PLAY/EXPRESSIVE ART THERAPY
What Is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that uses play as a medium for children to express feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It is grounded in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language and way of communicating.
Purpose of Play Therapy
To help children express and process emotions they may not be able to verbalize.
To support the development of healthy coping mechanisms, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills.
To assist in healing from trauma, grief, behavioral issues, or developmental challenges.
How can Play Therapy Help?
Play therapy is widely used to address:
Emotional and behavioral disorders
Anxiety, depression
Trauma and abuse
Grief and loss
Divorce or family separation
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Bullying or social issues
What is expressive art therapy?
Expressive Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses creative processes—such as art, music, dance, drama, and writing—to help individuals explore and express emotions, gain insight, and promote healing.
Purpose of Expressive Art Therapy
The central purpose of Expressive Art Therapy is to help individuals explore, express, and process inner thoughts and emotions through creative activities, especially when words alone are not enough.
Benefits from expressive art therapy help?
Emotional Expression: Helps when words aren’t enough or are too difficult.
Trauma Integration: Accesses non-verbal memory and helps process experiences.
Self-Awareness: Deepens understanding of thoughts, feelings, and patterns.
Stress Relief: Promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
Empowerment: Increases agency, creativity, and resilience.
Improved Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Who Can Benefit?
Children (ages 3–12) are the most common recipients.
Adolescents and even adults can benefit through adapted expressive play methods.
Also used with families and in school settings.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Increases emotional awareness and expression
Improves self-esteem and self-efficacy
Enhances problem-solving and social skills
Strengthens parent-child relationships
Reduces behavioral problems
Who can Benefit?
Children, teens, and adults
People who have experienced:
Trauma or abuse
Grief or loss
Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
Chronic illness or disability
Life transitions (e.g. divorce, identity changes)
Those seeking personal growth or creative exploration
Goals of Expressive Art Therapy
Express and process emotions in a safe, creative way
Increase self-awareness and insight
Heal from trauma, grief, or loss
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve self-esteem and empowerment
Enhance mind-body connection