Play Therapy: Helping Children Express and Heal
Children often experience big emotions and challenges that they don’t yet have the words to express. Play therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children can explore feelings, process experiences, and develop coping skills—all through the language of play. This approach is especially helpful because play is how children naturally communicate and make sense of the world.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed specifically for children. It uses play—such as toys, games, art, and imaginative activities—as a medium for expression. Through play, children can express emotions, work through trauma, and develop problem-solving and social skills in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies on verbal communication, play therapy meets children where they are developmentally. It allows therapists to observe behaviors, uncover emotional challenges, and guide children toward growth in a way that feels engaging rather than intimidating.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
In a play therapy session, the therapist creates a safe, structured environment where the child can explore freely. Techniques may include:
Art and creative expression: Drawing, painting, or crafting to explore feelings.
Role-playing and storytelling: Acting out scenarios to understand experiences and relationships.
Sand tray therapy: Using miniature figures in a sandbox to represent emotions, experiences, or family dynamics.
Games and toys: Encouraging problem-solving, emotional expression, and social skills.
The therapist observes and interacts with the child to gently guide them toward self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resolution of challenges. Parents may also be included in sessions to support progress and reinforce skills at home.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play therapy can support children experiencing a variety of challenges, including:
Anxiety or depression
Trauma or grief
Behavioral difficulties
Social or school-related struggles
Adjustment to life transitions such as divorce or relocation
Challenges with self-esteem or confidence
By giving children a safe space to express themselves, play therapy helps them process emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
What to Expect in a Play Therapy Session
Play therapy sessions are typically 45–50 minutes and tailored to the child’s developmental stage and needs. The therapist observes and interacts with the child in ways that feel natural and non-threatening. Over time, children learn to understand and manage their emotions, communicate more effectively, and approach challenges with confidence.
Learn More About Play Therapy
For more information on play therapy, visit these reputable resources:
Association for Play Therapy (APT) – www.a4pt.org
Child Mind Institute: Play Therapy for Children – www.childmind.org/article/play-therapy-for-children
Psychology Today: Play Therapy – www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/play-therapy
These websites provide detailed information on play therapy techniques, benefits, and how to find qualified play therapists.