Purpose of Play Therapy

Play therapy serves as a purposeful and uplifting approach to support the well-being of young
patients facing medical challenges. The primary goals are to provide comfort, promote emotional
expression, and enhance the overall hospital experience for children. Here are the key purposes:
Emotional Expression and Understanding:
• Objective: Encourage children to express their feelings in a safe and playful environment.
• How: Through various play activities, children can communicate their emotions, fears, and
concerns, promoting a better understanding of their emotional state.
Distraction and Anxiety Reduction:
• Objective: Provide a positive and enjoyable distraction from medical procedures and the
hospital environment.
• How: Engaging in play helps alleviate anxiety by creating moments of joy and fostering a
sense of normalcy in an otherwise unfamiliar setting.
Normalization of the Hospital Environment:
• Objective: Make the hospital environment more familiar and less intimidating.
• How: Play therapy transforms hospital spaces into colorful, interactive areas, helping
children feel more at ease and reducing the stress associated with medical care.
Social Interaction and Peer Support:
• Objective: Facilitate social interactions and peer support among hospitalized children.
• How: Group play activities promote socialization, allowing children to share experiences,
make friends, and provide mutual support, creating a sense of community.
Empowerment and Autonomy:
• Objective: Empower children by giving them choices and a sense of control.
• How: Play therapy allows children to make decisions within the play environment,
fostering a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy.
Support for Family Connection:
• Objective: Strengthen family bonds and involvement in the healing process.
• How: Inclusive play activities involve family members, providing opportunities for shared
experiences and reinforcing emotional connections during a challenging time.
Promotion of Physical Recovery:
• Objective: Contribute to the overall healing process through positive emotional
experiences.
• How: Play therapy can indirectly support physical recovery by promoting a positive
mindset, reducing stress, and potentially enhancing the overall well-being of the child.