Basics of Play Therapy

Experienced family therapist Timothy Kovacs obtained his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Since 2005, Timothy Kovacs has worked as a licensed private practice therapist. He uses play therapy to help his young patients.

Play therapy is an approach normally used with young children. It is often recommended for children with behavior problems or who have gone through adverse life experiences. In a play therapy session, the therapist allows the children to interact with the environment as they please.

Play therapists often fill their offices with toys, art supplies, and musical instruments to give children a choice and appeal to their interests. The lack of restraints, limits, or expectations in the session helps children feel safe with the therapist. The therapist can observe and analyze the children’s play behaviors to gain insight into their experience.