play therapy

noun

: psychotherapy in which a child is encouraged to reveal feelings and conflicts in play rather than by verbalization

Examples of play therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The recording captured young girls, some of whom received therapy services from Toews, including, among other methods, play therapy, according to the agreement. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The Center for Play Therapy explains that play therapy uses play to help children express their feelings through toys rather than words. — Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026

The practice has a total of 21 counselors for children and adults and offers family counseling, individual counseling, couples counseling, trauma counseling, play therapy, and group workshops. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

In pediatric hospitals, play therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and post-operative pain. — Cas Holman, Time, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for play therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

Medical Definition

play therapy

noun

ˈplā-ˌ 

: psychotherapy in which a child is encouraged to reveal feelings and conflicts in play rather than by verbalization