play therapy

American  

noun

1. a form of psychotherapy used chiefly with children, in which patients act out situations in play that are expressive of their emotional problems, conflicts, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of play therapy

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

She continued: "Near the chapel is the children's hospital. There are staff here who specialise in play therapy, softening the anxiety of a hospital stay, and speeding up recovery."

From BBC

"The homes provide accommodation, psycho-social, bereavement support, play therapy, remedial education and anything they need in order for them to access care," he told the BBC.

From BBC

One other important solution to help kids cope is play therapy.

From Seattle Times

I got this little cottage set back from the Main Street on Long Island and decorated three separate play therapy rooms with expressive arts therapy and sand play therapy.

From New York Times

So they’ll do play therapy, allowing the child to lead the therapist in games and plays, with secondary goals in mind: building social skills, working on communication, raising frustration tolerance.

From Seattle Times