Which statement describes a not-beneficial aspect of play therapy?

• A. It allows children to escape from their problems
• B. It puts children at ease and can provide important revelations about the child's feelings and experiences
• C. It gives the child a sense of what a 'normal' home is like
• D. It stimulates the child's creativity and allows him or her to build self-esteem

Answer: (A)

Play therapy aims to help children express and process their feelings through play in a safe, supportive setting. A beneficial outcome is when the child is put at ease and can reveal important feelings and experiences, allowing the clinician to understand what’s going on and tailor interventions. Through play, children can explore family dynamics and learn what a positive, nurturing environment feels like, which can reduce anxiety and improve functioning. It also fosters creativity and self-esteem, supporting resilience and a sense of competence.

The not-beneficial aspect described would be using play as a way to completely escape from problems rather than facing and working through them. Therapy should guide children toward addressing issues and developing coping skills, not retreating from them.