Abstract
This qualitative and retrospective research study explores how therapeutic play interventions foster coping techniques and social-emotional well-being. Participants included three parents of children diagnosed with chronic illnesses at ages 2, 7, and 10 years. Parents completed five questionnaires and participated in a two-part interview to share their children’s experiences. Pattern matching and triangulation were used to analyze unique and common qualities between each case. Results indicated that increased exposure to therapeutic play could improve coping abilities, emotional regulation, and reduce stress as well as symptoms of trauma when implemented properly. Future research should focus on children’s age, diagnosis, and quality as well as consistency of therapeutic play to increase effectiveness in future implementation.