Just as adults use words to communicate, children use play to communicate. Play is their natural way to express themselves. Play therapy allows a child to work through issues which are currently affecting them in a safe, non-directive environment. The child engaged in play therapy is allowed to choose the direction of their play therapy session.

It is through play that children often express their feelings, explore themselves and their relationships, and attempt to understand their experiences. Children may be able to transfer their anxieties, fears, and guilt through toys rather than adults.

Through play therapy, children may be able to increase their feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance with the help of a caring relationship with an adult. Play therapy also promotes the exploration of feelings and behaviors associated with past events and issues outside of the playroom.

Play therapy generally takes place in a play room with a trained play therapist. The play room is furnished with toys and equipment to encourage a child's symbolic play. It is very important that a play room include materials to allow the child to express a wide range of emotions, such as anger, dependency, and nuturance.