Children learn to play before they learn to walk or talk - play is a child's first language and it is their most natural form of communication. Young children who have experienced upsetting events and trauma often do not have the maturity to communicate their uncomfortable feelings and negative beliefs through words. In the play therapy experience, toys are the child’s words, and play is the language. 

Through the use of art, puppetry, sandtray, therapeutic stories, and games, children can often show metaphorically what they cannot communicate with words and thus experience healing. Play also provides emotional distance from distressing topics and builds a safe and enjoyable therapeutic relationship. Play therapy is effective for children as young as three years old and can continue to be helpful with older children and occasionally up into the teen years.