Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate candidate for play therapy?

• A. Jonas who has a learning disability, but does not exhibit signs of low self-esteem or other emotional problems
• B. Amelia who has anxiety so severe that she cannot function in a normal classroom setting and frequently misses school
• C. Nathan a 5th grade student who is a recent victim of sexual abuse
• D. Maricela who was traumatized by a home invasion in which her parents were killed

Answer: (A)

Play therapy is used to help children express and process emotional, behavioral, or trauma-related issues through play, building coping skills and providing a safe space to work through distress. The child who has a learning disability but shows no signs of low self-esteem or other emotional problems would not have the emotional or psychological needs that play therapy targets; their needs are primarily educational and would be addressed through academic supports and behavioral strategies rather than psychotherapy. In contrast, the other scenarios involve significant anxiety that disrupts functioning or exposure to traumatic events, for which play therapy can help the child process feelings, reduce anxiety, and support recovery.