Table Top Role Playing is a unique way to play that uses pens, paper, dice, maps, and more.

A child may enjoy playing table top role playing games to connect with the therapy and develop self confidence.

A therapist can use table top role playing to establish trust in the therapy relationship, create a fantasy environment that mimics the client's real life, and create challenges that build confidence and capability.

Table Top Role Playing helps when working with anger, low social skill development, self-esteem, and Family conflict. 

Examples of building toys in play therapy are building blocks and Legos.

A child may use building toys to practice trying new things, build confidence, and develop creative problem solving skills.

A therapist can use building activities to bring out a child's intuitive problem solving skills and promote positive self-esteem.

Building toys and activities are effective tools for working on low self-esteem, depression, and family conflict. 

Examples of arts and expression activities are coloring, painting, tie dye, and so much more.

A child may use art to express themselves without judgment of their big emotions.

A therapist can use expressive art activities to teach a child how to cope with big emotions or learn more about the child’s emotional needs.

Art activities are effective when treating almost every mental health need, but have been shown to increase self-esteem and decrease perfectionism. 

Examples of nurturing toys are baby dolls, baby bottles, and a toy doctor set.

Children may use Nurturing Toys to display empathy or role play how others have cared for them.

A therapist can use nurturing toys to help a child learn how to show love for others in safe and healthy ways.

Nurturing toys are helpful when working with post-traumatic stress, depression, low self-esteem, and low social skill development.

Examples of board games used in play therapy are checkers, chess, UNO, and playing cards.

Children may use board games to practice interacting with others and build confidence.

A therapist can use board games to create structure in the playroom and help the child practice taking turns, building patience, and understand fairness.

Board and card games are helpful when working with defiance, low self-esteem, and low social skill development. 

Examples of ways sand can be used in therapy are playing with wet and dry sand, and using toy figurines in the sand tray.

A child may use the therapy sand tray to regulate their emotions and practice mindfulness.

A therapist can use the therapy sand tray to help a child process unhappy memories from a safe therapeutic distance.

The therapy sand tray is effective in helping all therapy concerns, and is especially effective in helping children work through post-traumatic stress and grief. 

Examples of toys that aid in aggression release are dart guns and play knives or swords.

Children may use aggression release toys to release emotions of anger in safe ways or gain a sense of control during chaotic life circumstances.

A therapist will use aggression release play to encourage a child to find safer ways to let out their feelings.

Aggression release toys help children who are working on anger, physical and/or verbal aggression, defiance, family conflict, post traumatic stress. 

Examples of puppets used in the play therapy room are hand puppets, finger puppets, animal puppets, and emotion puppets.

Children may use puppets to express emotions in safe ways or practice interacting with others.

A therapist can use puppets to teach coping skills and create trust with the child.

Puppets can be an effective toy when working with a wide range of concerns such as anger, anxiety, and depression