Play therapy is a form of therapy primarily used for children, which utilizes play, childrens natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. Play therapy is defined by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development".

Play therapy is a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors) through play, the childs natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development.

Play therapy is practiced by a variety of licensed mental health professionals, like psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as behavioral and occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers. Play therapy can be used to treat an array of social, emotional, educational, and behavioral concerns including anxiety, depression, aggression, post-traumatic stress, ADHD, reading difficulties, social withdrawal, low self-esteem/confidence, and more.

Play therapy is also helpful to children experiencing difficult life situations such as divorce, grief, relocation, illness/hospitalization, etc. . Play therapy can be used as a complement to other types of therapy and medications for adults as well.