The Power of Play: Why Play Belongs in The Therapy Room

When it comes to children's development/learning within therapy, play is not solely a break, or what initially establishes rapport but is later abandoned in the name of skill-building- it's critical. Play doesn’t end at childhood, and play throughout the lifespan can build community, confidence, and leisure activities for people of all ages. Let’s chat through why play, what to do if a client isn’t playing correctly, if a client is rapidly oscillating between activities, and how to play safely within the therapy room and beyond!

Why play?

Why play? Because it works!

The science behind play-based learning reveals an astounding fact: while traditional learning requires around 400 repetitions to create a new neural connection, play-based learning achieves the same result in just 10-20 repetitions. Play is not only how we relate to others, learn resilience and problem-solving skills, and run through scenarios/fears/anxieties- it’s remarkably effective in learning skills! We incorporate play into music therapy and speech therapy at Resonate because, simply put, it works. It’s how we can relate on a human level, and we never abandon play to later build skills, because play is actually how we can more effectively build those skills.

What if my client or loved one isn’t playing correctly?

At Resonate Music Therapy, we firmly believe that there's no single "correct" approach to play. Whether a child prefers imaginative storytelling, building with blocks, or exploring without any toys at all, every form of play is okay- loved ones embracing the way an individual plays is important. At Resonate, we don’t pathologize play, because there’s no one right way to play. Play can look like lining objects up, running through the same game or scenario many times, engaging with non-toy objects, or cause-and-effect games.

This can be tough for loved ones to fully embrace. It can be tempting to attempt to make the other person conform to the way you play, as this feels safer and somehow better. Pause this pattern, and follow your client or loved one’s lead for 10 minutes. Then, try for longer! See how things shift as you enter into their world. How’s their overall mood? What does regulation look like in those moments?

What if my client or loved one is just bouncing from activity to activity or toy to toy? This doesn’t feel like productive play.

It’s okay if the person wants to switch activities before finishing. Their interests guide the play! If the individual seems overwhelmed by the play they select, try limiting the number of options in the room. Whether a client is in music therapy or speech therapy at Resonate, we’re always testing hypotheses. If a client plays with something for 4 seconds and then moves on, it’s tempting to jump to the hypothesis of “Oh, they don’t want to play with that”. But we also must consider other hypotheses- are they overstimulated or understimulated? Do they know different options for interacting with that object, has it been modeled? Do I have too many options in the room and they’re overwhelmed?

What if my client or loved one is not playing safely? Eg, they are a real danger to themselves or others.

We must figure out what sensory input they need, and how they can meet that need safely.

I had a client once whose play became dysregulating and aggressive, no matter the level of support. In this case, I had to change the environment and build success with just one toy (for this client, a xylophone and a toy animal that he would have jump from bar to bar). We slowly did lots of preemptive sensory work, and eventually, the client worked up to 1-3 toys out at a time without throwing, being physically aggressive with my therapy dog, or hurting himself. I was eventually able to embrace how he wanted to play (safely), by providing the sensory input, environment, and support that he needed. It took time and it wasn’t easy. But it was worth it!

Play-based therapy does not mean no boundaries. Boundaries actually help us play freely and more safely. A couple of boundaries in my music therapy room include no throwing near Penny the therapy dog, and we respect each other’s autonomy.

By following each child's unique interests, we create therapy sessions that feel less like work and more like actual fun- because it is! People of all ages work better when they’re regulated, happy, and connected with others. Play helps us do all of that. Play should involve whatever the client is interested in, because joy matters!

Every child develops at their own pace, and a play-based approach honors this reality. We create an environment where progress feels natural and self-paced.

Beyond Traditional Therapy

Our approach at Resonate transforms traditional speech therapy and/or music therapy into an adventure of self-discovery. By embracing all types of play and following each client’s lead, we create an environment where learning happens naturally and joyfully.

Want to know more about music therapy or speech therapy at Resonate? Just reach out! We’d love to get you set up with services at our cozy and sensory-friendly clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado.