Playing is one of the methods by which society show their innermost desires and explore some of the most vital concepts of individual and social interaction. However children might not be afforded the understanding or encouragement to express themselves though this means or to learn lessons from their playtime. In the modern administration of therapy, accepted forms of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy may seem to pass the importance and possibilities of play altogether, but there are some emerging types of therapy that work closely with the concept of play to allow for the incorporation of the many advantages of creative exploration and expression. Play therapy in particular helps children to establish and develop a meaningful relationship with a therapist, wherein they are able to relate effectively without the use of tiring dialog or questioning.

Play therapy addresses the fundamental instinctive needs and abilities of children to communicate in creative ways, by employing verbal, physical, and artistic methods to transmit thoughts and emotions about life's events and situations. While talking about a difficult circumstance or shocking event in a child's past may result in confusion or difficulty in feeling comfortable, playing games, acting out scenarios, creating visual representations, and other hands-on activities can prove much more rewarding and in many cases are able to assist the child in feeling safe and secure when in the therapeutic environment.

As well as using various techniques to divulge key info about the child's past and present experiences and outlook, play therapy is often used to help children develop healthy habits and techniques for communicating with other people and paying attention themselves and the world. benefit to children for whom talking about life may not be the best avenue of treatment.