Child playing in a sandbox with therapist observing.

Decoding Childhood Trauma: How Play Therapy Can Help

Jordan Keane in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets hidden in children's play to understand and heal from psychological trauma with our in-depth guide to post-traumatic play therapy."

Childhood trauma can leave deep scars, often hidden beneath the surface. While traditional therapy relies on verbal communication, young children may lack the language to express their experiences directly. This is where post-traumatic play therapy steps in, offering a unique and powerful way to access and address these hidden wounds.

Post-traumatic play refers to the way children integrate traumatic experiences into their play. It's not just about having fun; it’s a window into their inner world, revealing their fears, anxieties, and coping mechanisms. By understanding the nuances of this type of play, therapists and caregivers can provide crucial support and guidance.

This article explores the theoretical foundations of post-traumatic play, providing practical insights into how it can be used to assess and treat childhood trauma. We'll delve into the key characteristics of post-traumatic play, examine the different approaches to therapy, and offer guidance on how to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.

What is Post-Traumatic Play and Why Does It Matter?

Child playing in a sandbox with therapist observing.

Trauma overwhelms a child's capacity to cope, leading to a sense of helplessness and disruption. These experiences can manifest in various ways, affecting their behavior, emotions, and development. Post-traumatic play emerges as a natural response, a way for children to process what happened and regain a sense of control.

Unlike typical play, post-traumatic play often involves repetitive reenactments of the traumatic event, or aspects of it. The child may be compelled to recreate the experience, even if it appears distressing. This isn't about seeking pleasure; it's an attempt to master the trauma, to make sense of it on their own terms.

Repetition: Compulsive reenactment of the trauma or related themes. The play may seem stuck, with the child unable to move beyond certain actions or scenarios.
Literalism: The play may directly mirror the traumatic event, with little symbolic representation. It can be very concrete and realistic, reflecting the child's difficulty in processing the experience on an emotional level.
Emotional Intensity: The play may be characterized by heightened emotions, such as fear, anger, or sadness. The child may become easily agitated or distressed during the play.
Lack of Resolution: Unlike typical play, which often leads to a sense of completion, post-traumatic play may lack a clear ending or resolution. The child may remain stuck in the traumatic experience, unable to find a sense of closure.
Intrusiveness: Traumatic themes may intrude into the child's play, even when they are engaged in other activities. The trauma may be ever-present, coloring their interactions and experiences.

Understanding these characteristics is crucial for identifying children who may be struggling with unresolved trauma. It allows therapists and caregivers to move beyond simply observing the behavior and to begin to understand the underlying emotional needs.

Unlocking Healing Through Play

Post-traumatic play offers a unique window into the inner world of traumatized children. By recognizing the signs and understanding the underlying dynamics, we can provide effective support and facilitate healing. Play therapy, guided by a trained therapist, can help children process their experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience. It is a powerful tool in helping children reclaim their joy and rediscover their ability to thrive.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7202/1051223ar, Alternate LINK

Title: Le Jeu Post-Traumatique : Construit Théorique Dans L’Évaluation Du Traumatisme Psychologique Chez Les Jeunes Enfants

Journal: Revue québécoise de psychologie

Publisher: Consortium Erudit

Authors: Paméla-Andrée Nérette, Colette Jourdan-Ionescu, Tristan Milot

Published: 2018-09-10

Everything You Need To Know

What is post-traumatic play, and how does it differ from typical play?

Post-traumatic play is a form of play where children integrate traumatic experiences. It's how children process overwhelming events, revealing their fears and coping mechanisms. Unlike typical play, it often involves repetitive reenactments of the traumatic event as the child attempts to regain a sense of control and master the trauma. Understanding this type of play allows therapists and caregivers to provide appropriate support and guidance.

What are the key characteristics of post-traumatic play that therapists and caregivers should look for?

Key characteristics of post-traumatic play include repetition where the child compulsively reenacts the trauma, literalism that directly mirrors the traumatic event, heightened emotional intensity such as fear or anger during the play, lack of resolution meaning the play doesn't reach a conclusion, and intrusiveness that brings traumatic themes into otherwise normal play. Recognizing these signs helps identify children struggling with unresolved trauma and allows caregivers to understand their emotional needs.

Why is understanding post-traumatic play important in addressing childhood trauma?

Post-traumatic play matters because it provides a window into the inner world of traumatized children. It allows therapists to understand the underlying dynamics of trauma and offer effective support. Through play therapy, children can process their experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience. It is an effective way of assisting a child to reclaim their joy and rediscover their ability to thrive.

How does play therapy specifically help children heal from psychological trauma when they might not be able to verbalize their experiences?

Play therapy helps children heal from trauma by providing a safe and supportive environment where they can process their experiences through the language of play. Unlike traditional therapy that relies on verbal communication, play therapy allows children who lack the language to express their experiences directly. Guided by a trained therapist, they can reenact traumatic events, explore their emotions, and develop coping strategies, leading to healing and resilience.

What are the potential long-term consequences if post-traumatic play in children is not recognized and addressed through therapy?

If post-traumatic play is left unaddressed, children may remain stuck in the cycle of trauma, unable to process and integrate their experiences. This can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues, impacting their development and relationships. Without intervention, the child may struggle with anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating their emotions. Play therapy offers a way to break this cycle, providing an opportunity for healing and growth.