Adults usually use words within therapy and young children use play. The play therapy room gives the child neutral play materials, which do not suggest specific play themes, and are therefore conductive to the therapeutic exploration of a child’s individual issues. The therapist then has an opportunity to observe the child’s verbal and non verbal responses, thinking and decision making processes, observe the child’s interaction within the play, as well as the child’s interaction with the therapist, and all of this gives data as to the child’s cognitive, social, and emotional functioning and concerns.

 “Play therapy” is as broad a term as “talk therapy”.  There are many types of play therapy; directive, and non-directive, expressive, educational, etc.

Art Therapy can also be an effective tool for helping assess children. It is also a useful counselling tool for individuals of all ages.  As with play therapy, there are many different types. Free flowing, directive, etc.