Therapeutic Play is described as which of the following?

• A. Spontaneous, unstructured play with no adult direction
• B. When an adult structures activity for a specific purpose
• C. Medical play structured to help a child understand procedures
• D. CLS facilitate this type of play

Answer: (C)

Therapeutic play in pediatric settings is purposeful medical play designed to prepare children for procedures by teaching, practicing, and demystifying what will happen. This approach uses age-appropriate materials, role-play, and demonstrations to help a child understand steps, sensations, and expectations, while giving them coping strategies and a sense of control. The structure and clear objectives are essential, because the goal is not just any play, but play with a clinical purpose that reduces fear and builds familiarity with the medical experience. While a Child Life Specialist often facilitates this type of play, the defining idea is that it is medical play that is organized to help the child understand procedures.