here in NY USA play therapy is a therapy technique where clients (adults and children) work out their problems through manipulating toys/roll playing/ manipulating sand, water in trays...stuffed animals, punching bags, puzzles, games...

example I had a problem where it involved my therapist roll playing the situation where she took the part of a friend of mine I was having the problem with and I took the part of being me. then we acted out the situation and possible solutions until I felt comfortable and ready to bring the issue up with the friend.

another example of play therapy sometimes I am so emotional about something to the point where I cant find the words and Im so charged with bottled up energy I need to do something to get rid of those emotions and energy. my therapist pulls out the punching clown (blow up clown that is weighted, you can punch kick hit this thing and it keep bouncing right back to upright position) then she has me show her whats going on with me with miniature toys, stuffed animals and other toys around her room,

Another example of play therapy with my therapist, sometimes I will be talking and need to do something with my hands. so I will walk over to the easel and start coloring /drawing or painting what Im talking about.

Sometimes my therapist will pull out her box of stuff and ask me a random question... where do you see yourself in 50 yrs.. or other topics like love, happiness, fantasies, dreams, what ever.

sometimes, my wife and I also use play therapy ie roll playing in our intimate times together

play therapy is just another way adults and children can use to express their self and what goes on in their minds.

if you google the words "play therapy for adults" you will have many many more examples of how adults use play to work out their problems, wishes, dreams, fantasies.