Children don’t always have the words to explain how they feel, especially when they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or dealing with big emotions. Play Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps children express themselves, process emotions, and heal through the language they know best: play.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a form of counseling designed specifically for children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12. Instead of relying on conversation alone, a trained play therapist uses toys, games, art, and creative activities to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings in a natural and comfortable way.
To a child, play is not “just fun”; it’s how they make sense of the world.
Through play, children can:
- Express emotions they don’t yet have words for
- Work through difficult experiences
- Learn healthy coping skills
- Build confidence and emotional resilience
How Does Play Therapy Work?
During a Play Therapy session, the therapist creates a safe, supportive environment where the child can explore freely. The therapist carefully observes and interacts with the child using therapeutic techniques that guide emotional growth and healing.
Play may include:
- Pretend play with dolls or figures
- Drawing, painting, or crafting
- Board games or storytelling
- Sand tray or sensory activities
Each activity is chosen intentionally to help the child:
- Understand their feelings
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Improve emotional regulation
- Build trust and security
What Can Play Therapy Help With?
Play Therapy can be effective for many emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Behavioral issues or emotional outbursts
- Trauma or difficult life events
- Grief or loss
- Divorce or family changes
- School struggles or social challenges
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty expressing emotions
Because children express themselves through action rather than words, Play Therapy allows healing to happen at the child’s pace.
What Makes Play Therapy Different From Regular Talk Therapy?
Adults often benefit from talking through problems, but children’s brains are still developing. Play Therapy meets children where they are developmentally.
Talk Therapy
- Relies mostly on verbal communication
- Works best for teens and adults
- Focuses on discussion
Play Therapy
- Uses play, creativity, and imagination
- Designed specifically for children
- Focuses on expression through play
Play Therapy allows children to feel understood without pressure, making it especially effective for young clients.
Is Play Therapy Evidence-Based?
Yes. Play Therapy is supported by decades of research and is widely used by licensed therapists, counselors, and child psychologists. Studies show that Play Therapy can significantly improve emotional regulation, behavior, and overall mental health in children.
How Parents Are Involved
While sessions focus on the child, parents are an important part of the process. Therapists often:
- Provide parent guidance and education
- Offer strategies to support emotional growth at home
- Share progress updates (while respecting the child’s privacy)
This collaborative approach helps create lasting change beyond the therapy room.
Is Play Therapy Right for My Child?
If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially, even if they can’t explain why, Play Therapy may be a supportive and effective option. It offers a gentle way for children to heal, grow, and feel safe expressing themselves.
Looking for Play Therapy Support?
If you’re interested in learning more about how Play Therapy can help your child, our trained therapists are here to help. We provide a compassionate, child-centered approach designed to support emotional well-being and healthy development.
Schedule a consultation or learn more about Play Therapy services with The Lighted Path LLC below.