If a child suffered abuse, trauma or abandonment before the age where they learned how to speak words, their pain was preverbal. Hence, adults reaching out to help them must design therapeutic services that help the child open up on that deeper preverbal level. Healing through play is uniquely able to help a child tap into their deepest, hidden desires, dreams, fears, and also traumas or abuse. During their healing play, children open up and express what was trapped inside. Connecting with a child on this level helps children move forward to the next stage of development.  ​