Therapeutic Playdough – More Than Just a Game

Designed by Freepik

 A Simple Toy with Powerful Effects

Playdough may seem like just a fun, colourful toy — but in therapy, it becomes a powerful tool for emotional expression, sensory regulation and self-discovery.Many children can’t always say what they feel, especially when they experience anger, sadness or fear.Through playdough, they can express what’s inside — by squeezing, rolling, tearing or shaping.

Each movement becomes a message: “I’m angry,” “I’m calm now,” “I can create something new.”

Therapeutic Benefits of Playdough

1️⃣ Emotional regulation – kneading and shaping the dough helps calm the body and mind.

2️⃣ Sensory integration – touch, texture, smell and colour help children engage their senses safely.

3️⃣ Fine motor skills – great for strengthening hand muscles and improving coordination.

4️⃣ Emotional expression – children can “shape” their anger or sadness and explore what it feels like to let go.

5️⃣ Sense of control – the dough changes shape at every touch, helping children feel capable and in charge.

6️⃣ Building connection – shared creative play strengthens the bond between therapist and child (or parent and child).

Therapeutic Ideas

🔹 “Shape an emotion” – invite the child to create something that shows how they feel today.

🔹 “Squeeze the anger” – a safe way to release frustration or tension.

🔹 “Create a hero” – build a character that can help overcome a challenge.

🔹 “Colour check-in” – start the session by choosing a colour that matches today’s mood.

🔹 “Safe place” – build a symbolic place of calm, such as a small house, cloud or island.

Homemade Playdough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)

• 2 tsp cream of tartar (available in most supermarkets or on Amazon)

• food colouring

Instructions:

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: flour, salt and cream of tartar.

2️⃣ In a separate cup, combine water, oil and food colouring.

3️⃣ Pour the coloured water into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat.

4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients while stirring continuously.

5️⃣ Keep mixing until the dough thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.

6️⃣ Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly, then knead with your hands until smooth and elastic.

Store the playdough in an airtight container or jar — it will stay fresh for several weeks.

Why It Matters

Playdough is more than just play — it’s a language of emotions through touch.When a child rolls, presses, or reshapes the dough, they are not just creating — they are processing feelings and regaining balance.

For a child who cannot say “I’m scared” or “I’m angry”, playdough offers a safe and creative way to communicate.And for a therapist or parent, it opens a gentle door to understanding.

Created by Paulina Kotowska, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist (My Version, Peterborough).

Inspired by creativity, connection and calm.