Children often have difficulty expressing in words what they feel or how experiences have affected them. Through the use of toys and art materials, they can show their inner feelings through play. The play therapy room becomes a safe place and a relationship of trust develops between the child and the play therapist. 

In the playroom, the child can express his feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviors through play. Toys are used like words and become the child’s natural language. As the child plays, the play therapist begins to recognise themes and patterns or ways of using the materials that are important to the child. Over time, the play therapist helps the child begin to make meaning out of the play. This is important because the play reflects issues, which are important to the child and typically relevant to their difficulties.  Limits are set as and when needed. This is done in a way that helps children make choices and develop responsibility for themselves. Play therapy is designed to help children develop into as happy and well-adjusted individuals as possible.

Play therapy is very effective with adolescents. Sessions focus on creative techniques to help adolescents become aware of and understand their feelings and thoughts. An example would be to ask the adolescent to draw a situation, feeling or dream or model it in clay. Play therapy is an effective means to assist adolescents in learning about themselves, clear up their many thoughts or emotions, learn to accept themselves and to become more mature and self-confident.

- Adjusting to family changes such as separation and divorce 
- Excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry & shyness 
- Aggression & acting out 
- School difficulties
- ADD  & ADHD
- Abuse & neglect
- Sleeping and eating difficulties
- Self concept & self esteem
- Trauma
- Grief & loss