Understanding Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal Through Play
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re thinking or feeling—but they do have play. Play therapy is a powerful form of counseling that uses the language of play to help children express themselves, process emotions, and build healthier behaviors.
Whether a child is coping with big feelings, life changes, or trauma, play therapy creates a safe, supportive space for growth and healing.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a specialized approach to counseling where toys, art, storytelling, and imaginative play are used to help children:
- Express emotions they may not be able to verbalize
- Work through difficult experiences
- Learn coping and problem-solving skills
- Build confidence and self-regulation
Led by trained therapists, play therapy is structured, purposeful, and tailored to each child’s developmental level.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play therapy is often used with children ages 3–12, but can also benefit teens and even families. It’s especially helpful for children experiencing:
- Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
- Aggression or behavioral challenges
- Grief, loss, or parental separation/divorce
- Trauma, abuse, or neglect
- Social difficulties or bullying
- Adjustment to new environments (school, foster care, adoption)
- Developmental delays or neurodivergent conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD)
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?
A play therapy session typically occurs in a specially designed room filled with therapeutic toys, games, art supplies, and other creative tools.
The therapist guides the child through play-based activities that may include:
- Drawing or painting
- Sand tray storytelling
- Puppet play or role-playing
- Board games or therapeutic card games
- Imaginative or dramatic play
These activities help children explore and express emotions, build trust, and gain insight—all in a way that feels natural and safe.
Types of Play Therapy
There are several approaches to play therapy, each designed to meet the needs of the child:
- Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) – Allows the child to lead the session while the therapist provides support and reflection.
- Directive Play Therapy – The therapist introduces specific activities to address identified concerns or goals.
- Filial Therapy – Involves training parents to use therapeutic play techniques at home.
- Trauma-Focused Play Therapy – Helps children safely process traumatic events using play as a bridge to healing.
Why Play Works
Play is how children learn, communicate, and make sense of the world. It provides a window into their inner lives and gives them the tools to:
- Build resilience
- Strengthen relationships
- Gain control over difficult thoughts and feelings
- Practice decision-making and self-expression
In play therapy, the goal is not to “fix” the child, but to support their emotional development and help them thrive.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support
Your involvement matters. Here’s how you can help support your child’s therapy process:
- Be consistent with appointments—routine helps children feel safe
- Avoid pressuring your child to talk about sessions
- Support play and creativity at home
- Follow your therapist’s guidance on how to respond to emotions and behaviors
- Ask questions and stay engaged with your child’s progress (therapists often provide regular parent updates)
Finding a Play Therapist
Look for a licensed mental health professional with specialized training in play therapy. You can ask about:
- Experience working with your child’s age group and specific concerns
- Their approach (child-led, directive, trauma-informed, etc.)
You’re Not Alone
Raising a child through hard times isn’t easy—but you don’t have to do it alone. Play therapy offers children a way to explore, heal, and grow in a way that makes sense to them—and gives families a path toward deeper connection and understanding.
“Play gives children a way to speak without words—and therapy gives them a place to be heard.”