Toys are children’s words and play is children’s communication. It is the child’s natural medium of self-expression and gives them the opportunity to express their innermost thoughts and feelings. It enables children to explore their world- first through their senses and then by thinking and reasoning.
Play helps establish the therapeutic relationship, assists children in communicating their concerns, aids in assessment, and promotes healing and growth. It enables the therapist to understand the child’s needs, emotions, conflicts and fears, while at the same time identifying the strengths the child brings to therapy.