Children frequently have difficulty talking about what is bothering them. This is because they haven’t yet developed the vocabulary or the thinking skills to express their concerns. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows a child to use toys, games, and art to express their thoughts or feelings. The counselor can use play to communicate with the child about what is happening in their life and help them explore alternative behaviors and attitudes. Through play, therapists may help a child learn adaptive behaviors when there are social or emotional deficits. Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight and resolution to internal conflicts.