12/06/2026
Today, the play therapy community lost a giant.
It is difficult to overstate the impact that Garry Landreth has had on the lives of children around the world. Through his development, teaching, and unwavering advocacy of Child-Centred Play Therapy, he gave generations of practitioners a framework for truly seeing, hearing, and understanding children. More importantly, he helped the world understand that play is not "just play"—it is a child's language, and toys are their words.
His work transformed the way many of us approach children. He taught us that healing happens not through fixing, directing, or controlling, but through relationship, acceptance, empathy, and trust in a child's innate capacity for growth.
One of my favourite quotes from Garry captures the heart of his philosophy:
"I have discovered that when I am with children, the person I am is much more important than anything I know how to do in my mind."
— Garry L. Landreth
As a social worker and play therapist, the principles Garry championed form the foundation of the work I do every day. The playroom I step into, the relationships I build with children and families, and the belief that children can move toward healing when offered a safe and accepting space all trace back to the legacy he created.
I feel both grateful and humbled to have been trained in the methods he developed and shared so generously with the world. His teachings have shaped not only my practice, but also the way I view children, their resilience, and their remarkable capacity for growth.
The legacy Garry leaves behind is immeasurable. It lives on in every playroom, every therapist he inspired, and every child who has found healing through play.
Thank you, Garry, for showing us how to listen to children in the language they speak best.
Your impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
