It’s International Play Therapy Week; a week to bring  play therapy into the spotlight! The Association for Play Therapy says “Our goal for the week is to increase awareness of the transformative power of play, highlight the field of play therapy, and honor the dedicated play therapists and credentialed registrants who make a difference.”

This week, I find myself reflecting on the reasons why I'm deeply passionate about being a play therapist. It’s not just my job, it's a calling filled with purpose and fulfillment; and I get warm and fuzzy when I think about the power of play therapy. 

On Instagram this week so many play therapists have been sharing why they love play therapy and I feel so grateful to be in community with the amazing, creative, dedicated play therapists of the world.

Without further ado, here are five reasons why I love being a play therapist:

1. Connection:

At the heart of play therapy is connection. My job is to connect with children on their level, in their language. The toys are the words and play is their language. Facilitating a play therapy session with children isn't just about having fun (although play CAN be fun in play therapy); it's about building trust, establishing rapport, and creating a safe space where they feel heard, understood, and accepted. The joy of joining a child in their world of play is a privilege I cherish. 

2. Fun:

So I just mentioned that play therapy isn’t JUST about having fun, but joy and fun are  important parts of play therapy. One of the therapeutic powers of play is stress reduction; play therapy helps children reduce stress, in part,  because it’s fun. Being invited into children’s play, whether it’s building tall towers, battling farm animals vs. snakes, or being the robber in handcuffs, playing with kids is FUN. I sometimes *metaphorically* pinch myself after play therapy sessions as I think to myself, “This is my job?!!”

Yes, the play in play therapy sessions can be heavy when kids are going through something tough or processing their trauma. Yet, I’m often amazed at how children can process deep hurts through their play in a way that can give them some distance from the intensity of the trauma. 

3. Growth:

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a play therapist is witnessing the remarkable growth and resilience of the children and families I work with. Through the therapeutic process, children learn to navigate challenges, express their emotions, and develop essential coping skills. They learn to trust themselves and accept themselves just as they are. Seeing kids overcome obstacles, build self-confidence, and discover their inner strength fills me with profound admiration and hope. Children are incredibly resilient! In the context of the accepting and safe therapeutic relationship, children can work through incredibly tough stuff. 

4. Relationships:

As a play therapist, I have the privilege of forming meaningful relationships not only with the children I work with but also with their families and caregivers. Building trust and collaboration with families is a big part of my work. I believe parent’s involvement in the therapy journey has such a big impact on their children's emotional well-being and in creating positive outcomes in therapy. I feel deeply honored that families trust me to walk alongside them on their journey towards healing and growth.

In my practice, relationships are the change-maker. So getting to build relationships with children and encourage the development of stronger bonds between children and their caregivers is what play therapy is all about! Also, if your child becomes my client I am guaranteed to ADORE them. One of my biggest strengths as a play therapist is having unconditional positive regard for each child that walks into my office. 

5. Creativity:

I'm constantly inspired by the endless possibilities for creative expression in play therapy. Children will use counting bears as people, hats as baskets, sand as food, etc. etc. In the playroom children can let their imagination lead the way. I love seeing children make sense of their world and process big feelings through creative expression, whether it’s art-making or playing with toys.

As a creative individual myself, I often use the art supplies or sand to process and/or regulate myself in between sessions. I love having these materials on hand in my therapy room to reset my own nervous system.

It was hard not to end every paragraph with “I’m so grateful and honored this is my job.” Because it’s true!

I have the best job in the world and I’m so grateful and honored to be invited into children’s lives to support their mental health.

Do you have a sensitive, anxious kid who loves to play?

Play Therapy might be just the right fit. Reach out to chat about your child’s needs and how play therapy can help! You can schedule a free phone consultation on my website, or email me at brightdaystherapy@gmail.com.

Bright Days Ahead: Counseling and Play Therapy is located in Clayton, MO.Rachel Zahniser, LPC specializes in anxiety and trauma therapy for kids and teens (ages 3-17) who are big feelers and sensitive souls. I work with families throughout the St. Louis area including: University City, Ladue, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.