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Grace Dowd

The Healing Power of Play: Why Play is Important for Trauma Survivors

Trauma can leave deep emotional scars that affect individuals long after the actual event has occurred. While the healing journey can be challenging, incorporating play into the lives of adult trauma survivors can be a transformative tool. Play provides a safe space for self-expression, exploration, and healing. Play for adult trauma survivors is important for healing and it can contribute to their overall well-being.



1. Creating a Sense of Safety

Trauma survivors often experience a loss of trust and safety in their lives. Play offers a unique opportunity to create a safe and controlled environment. Engaging in playful activities allows individuals to regain a sense of agency and control over their experiences. Through play, trauma survivors can experiment with different roles, scenarios, and outcomes, empowering them to rewrite their narratives and develop a renewed sense of self-worth.


2. Emotional Expression and Release

Many trauma survivors struggle with repressed emotions and difficulties in articulating their feelings. Play can serve as a non-verbal and non-threatening outlet for emotional expression. Whether it's through art, music, dance, or sports, play provides a space where emotions can be freely expressed and released. This cathartic process helps trauma survivors release pent-up tension, promote emotional healing, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.



3. Reconnecting with the Body

Trauma often leads to dissociation, where survivors feel disconnected from their bodies. Engaging in playful physical activities can help rebuild the connection between the mind and body. Dance, yoga, sports, and other forms of movement-based play can facilitate body awareness, enhance sensory integration, and restore a sense of embodiment. Reconnecting with the body through play allows trauma survivors to reclaim their physical presence and build a foundation for self-care and self-compassion.


4. Fostering Connection and Trust

Isolation and mistrust are common challenges faced by trauma survivors. Playful interactions provide an opportunity to build connections and develop trust with others. Participating in group activities, cooperative games, or joining supportive communities centered around play can help survivors overcome social barriers, reduce feelings of loneliness, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Through playful interactions, individuals can experience the joy of shared experiences, leading to the formation of new, positive relationships.



5. Promoting Resilience and Empowerment

Play is an inherently resilient act. Engaging in playful activities allows trauma survivors to practice problem-solving, adaptability, and flexibility. Playful experiences provide a safe space to confront and overcome challenges, fostering a sense of resilience. By tapping into their innate strengths, survivors can build confidence, regain a sense of control, and develop new skills. Play empowers trauma survivors, reminding them of their ability to thrive and grow despite past hardships.


Play is not just for children; it is a powerful tool for healing and growth for adult trauma survivors. Through play, survivors can reclaim their sense of safety, express and release emotions, reconnect with their bodies, build connections, and foster resilience. By embracing playfulness, trauma survivors can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. So, let us not forget the importance of play in our lives as adults, especially for those who have endured trauma. It is through play that we can truly find the strength to heal and thrive.

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