A Look into the Importance of Play
This year, International Play Therapy Week was celebrated the week of February 2nd, and we at Seattle Play Therapy took the opportunity to highlight the importance of play in child development. If you missed our series on Instagram, here are some highlights on the power of play and why it is fundamental to human development. In honor of International Play Therapy Week, we’re diving into how play shapes our brains, relationships, and emotional well-being.
The Power of Play
“71% of the children referred to play therapy will show a positive change”
~ Study by Play Therapy International
Play is the foundation of brain development, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. It’s not just about having fun—it’s essential for growth. Through play, children develop cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and the ability to interact with the world around them.
The Science Behind Play
Play activates brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and cognitive growth. Research has shown that it is easier to process trauma and emotions through symbolic play. When words aren’t enough, play becomes the bridge to healing.
Additionally, play can help improve memory, attention, and executive function. Activities like pretend play and role-playing enhance problem-solving skills and encourage adaptive thinking.
Play Builds Skills for Life
There are all different types of play, each serving a different purpose in helping ones’ critical thinking, emotional understanding and cooperative behavior. For example, sorting shapes helps with organizational skills and motor planning while building blocks target problem-solving and cause-effect learning.
Here are some of our favorites:
Follow us on Instagram @seattleplaytherapy to see more helpful infographics like this one!
Therapeutic Play in Action
Play therapy provides children with a safe space to express emotions and develop coping skills. While each session looks different, here is an example in which play is used to help develop emotional understanding and problem-solving skills:
Through this kind of play, children practice problem-solving, build flexibility, and learn to handle challenges in a way that strengthens their ability to adapt and cope with changes in their world.
Social Benefits of Play
Play is how children learn to connect with others, forming the foundation for social skills that will support them throughout their lives. It fosters friendships, emotional expression, and an understanding of social norms. Through play, children learn to navigate relationships, healthily express emotions, and develop empathy for others.
Play is also a powerful teacher of communication skills. From taking turns to expressing feelings, play encourages children to listen, respond, and collaborate effectively. Engaging in group play activities, such as board games or pretend play, helps children practice verbal and non-verbal communication, strengthening their ability to connect with others.
Play is for Everyone
Play isn’t just for kids! It’s a lifelong tool for learning, connection, and well-being. Play therapy can help individuals of all ages express emotions, build resilience, and strengthen relationships.
For Children:
- Helps express emotions & process experiences when words are difficult to find.
- Builds communication skills, emotional intelligence, and friendships.
- Examples: Pretend play, imagination, sorting shapes.
For Teens:
- Provides a creative outlet, reduces stress, and improves communication.
- Encourages identity exploration through self-expression.
- Examples: Video games, art, and music.
For Adults:
- Helps reconnect with inner joy, heal past trauma, and manage anxiety.
- Supports overall well-being and creativity.
- Examples: Games, puzzles, and creative activities.
Join the Play Movement!
Play is essential to human connection, learning, and emotional understanding. Whether at Seattle Play Therapy or in your daily life, making space for play—no matter how big or small—can make a difference.
Stay involved with us at Seattle Play Therapy:
- Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on all our events & groups.
- Register for our parent education classes every 2nd Tuesday of the month.
- Get individualized support with Parent Support & Coaching.
- Stay up to date on our social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook: @seattleplaytherapy
