play therapy

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

• noun A form of psychotherapy used with children to help them express or act out their experiences, feelings, and problems by playing with dolls, toys, and other play material, under the guidance or observation of a therapist.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

• noun form of psychotherapy for children that uses play situations for diagnosis or treatment