A Play Therapy technique: Trauma-Focused Play Therapy. It supports therapeutic play by protecting the child's lead, reflecting action or feeling, and maintaining only the limits needed for safety.
Step-by-step guide
- Notice the play moment where trauma-focused play therapy is relevant.
- Follow the child's lead before intervening.
- Use short, concrete language that reflects action, feeling or choice.
- Set a calm limit only when safety or preservation requires it.
- Record the process theme after the session without imposing interpretation on the child.
When to use
- When the child communicates through play more than direct explanation.
- When symbolic material needs safety and respect.
- When a parent or therapist needs to observe without taking over.
Key phrases
You choose what happens here; I will stay with you and keep it safe.
Follow-up questions
What did you notice in the moment?
What would be the smallest useful next step?
Alternative phrasings
We can use Trauma-Focused Play Therapy here without rushing the process.
Let us keep this concrete enough to review next time.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not ask why during symbolic play.
- ⚠️ Do not interpret the child's symbols aloud prematurely.
- ⚠️ Do not replace play therapy with adult-directed questioning.
Source: Axline (1947); Landreth (2012); Bratton & Landreth (2006)
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.