About Us
With a unique play-based approach, we work alongside educators, health professionals, and child welfare groups nationwide.
Our Mission
To support and empower play therapists across Malaysia by upholding professional standards, providing training, and advocating for the mental health of children through play-based therapy.
Our Vision
A Malaysia where every child has access to safe, effective, and compassionate play therapy as a core part of mental health care.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a type of therapy that helps people express their feelings through play and art.
Since play is a child’s natural way of communicating, Play Therapy provides a safe and supportive space where they can explore emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges at their own pace.
Who Can Benefit?
Play therapy provides a safe space for them to work through their difficult experiences, unconscious thoughts, and feelings. With the support of a play therapist, they can develop healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience.
Children struggling with big emotions, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, relationships, behavioural challenges and feelings about school can greatly benefit from this approach. Additionally, Play Therapy helps children improve their problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions. It encourages healthier ways of expressing emotions and strengthens their ability to communicate with others in a positive and constructive manner.
Who Can Conduct Play Therapy?
For Play Therapy to be effective, it must be conducted by a trained professional who understands child development and therapeutic techniques. Trained Play Therapists adhere to high standards of practice to effectively support children’s mental health and development. They are registered with Play Therapy International.
Proper Continuous Professional Development training is essential. They follow ethical guidelines and evidence-based practices to ensure effective emotional and psychological support. Proper training is essential, as Play Therapy requires knowledge of child psychology, developmental stages, and therapeutic approaches tailored to each child's needs.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Play therapy helps children express their thoughts and feelings through play, which is their natural way of communicating.
Using tools like clay, sand, drawing, and role play, children can explore emotions, work through challenges, and heal from difficult experiences. The therapist creates a safe, supportive space where the child feels free to lead the play, allowing them to grow and heal at their own pace.
Our Approach and Philosophy
At Play Therapy Malaysia, we believe every child has the innate capacity to heal, grow, and thrive when given the right support.
Child-Led and Respectful
We allow the child to take the lead in sessions, using play as their natural language to express thoughts and feelings. Each child’s pace and readiness are respected at every stage.
Emotional Healing Through Connection
We emphasize the importance of a strong, trusting relationship between the child and therapist. This bond helps the child feel seen, heard, and supported as they make sense of their world.
Partnership with Parents and Carers
We work hand in hand with parents and caregivers, recognizing the essential role you play in your child’s well-being. We keep you informed and provide guidance when needed, while always respecting your child’s privacy and process.
The Neuroscience Behind Play Therapy
Creative play calms the emotional brain, reduces stress, and supports healthy brain development by building new neural connections.
Grounded in Proven Therapeutic Frameworks
We draw from established models such as Child-Centered Play Therapy and Filial Therapy to support children and families. These evidence-based approaches foster emotional growth, resilience, and stronger parent-child relationships.
Adapting Play Therapy for Malaysia’s Multicultural Landscape
We recognize Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and adapt play therapy practices to reflect local values, languages, and traditions. Our approach ensures children receive care that feels safe, familiar, and culturally respectful.
Meet The Committee
Monica Jephcott
President of Play Therapy International
Chief Executive of Play Therapy UK
Founder of Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy
Elianna Tan
Committee Member
Shahiraa Sahul Hameed
Committee Member
Madeleine Yong
Chief Executive of Play Therapy Malaysia
Adibah Huda
Commitee Member
Sri Ram Seetha
Play Therapist
Train to become a qualified
Play Therapist.
The APAC MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy Programme is offered in Kuala Lumpur and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and leading play therapy training programs globally. With over 750 students enrolled worldwide as of March 2007, it provides a structured and in-depth approach to professional play therapy education.