The Power of Toys in Play Therapy: How Therapeutic Play Heals by Jennifer Eubank LPC-Associate

In play therapy, toys are more than just playthings; they are tools that provide children with a way to express themselves, communicate their emotions, and process their experiences. According to Gary Landreth, a renowned figure in child-centered play therapy, toys are the "child’s words," and play is their "language." This perspective helps us understand that for children who may not yet have the vocabulary or emotional capacity to verbalize their feelings, toys become vital instruments for self-expression.

Landreth emphasizes that the selection of toys in the playroom should encourage creativity, emotional exploration, and problem-solving. The toys chosen often reflect categories like nurturing (such as dolls or stuffed animals), aggression (toy soldiers or rubber knives), and real-life scenarios (kitchen sets or telephones). These options allow children to explore different emotions and situations in a safe, controlled environment.

For example, a child might use a doll to reenact nurturing behaviors or express fears by playing out a scene with a monster figure. Through these interactions, therapists can observe and better understand the child’s inner world, their struggles, and their strengths. However, the therapist’s role is not to direct the play but to create a safe space where the child feels free to explore.

Ultimately, the toys in the playroom are carefully selected to give children the freedom to express themselves and feel understood while fostering an environment of growth and healing. As Landreth states, "Toys are to children what words are to adults." These simple objects become powerful tools for emotional development and self-discovery in the therapeutic process.