Play Therapy: Healing Through Play

What is Play Therapy?

Play is the natural language of children. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach that uses a trained play therapist to help children prevent and resolve biopsychosocial challenges, express their emotions, manage stress, develop problem-solving skills, and process experiences. Through play, children can explore their feelings, communicate more effectively, and learn new ways to cope with challenging situations. A play therapist trained in working with neurodivergent youth can support the client and family in identifying desired and developmentally appropriate skills.

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What Are the Benefits?

  • Emotional Expression: Provides a safe space for children to express their feelings and learn healthy self-regulation skills.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Behavioral Improvement: Helps children learn, modify, and practice corrective behaviors.
  • Trauma Processing: Assists children in processing traumatic events.
  • Social Skills: Enhances communication and social interaction skills.

Who Can Benefit?

This therapy is suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years old who have:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Emotional challenges
  • Behavioral issues
  • Neurodivergence
  • Trauma or abuse
  • Grief and loss
  • Family transitions (divorce, relocation)
  • Social or self-esteem struggles
  • Academic challenges

How Does it Work?

Play therapy sessions are typically held in a specially equipped playroom where children can choose from a variety of toys and activities. The therapist observes and interacts with the child, using play as a medium to understand their emotions and behaviors. The trained therapist supports the child and family through discovering, adapting, and mastering healthier solutions. Sessions are usually 50 minutes long and are held 1 to 2 times per week.

Techniques We Use

  • Non-Directive Play Therapy: The child leads the play, and the therapist follows, providing a supportive presence.
  • Directive Play Therapy: The therapist guides the play to address specific issues or goals.
  • EMDR: The trained therapist uses bilateral stimulation (walking, swaying tapping) to support the client with desensitization and reprocessing of stressful or traumatic events, or chronic pain.
  • Sand Tray Therapy: Children create scenes in a sandbox, which helps them express and process their thoughts and feelings.
  • Creative Expression Drawing, painting, and other art forms are used to facilitate expression and healing.
  • Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness: The child learns self-awareness of body sensations, feelings, and thoughts, along with specific movements and breathing skills to develop a self-regulation toolbox

What to Expect

  • Initial Assessment: The therapist meets with the child and caregivers to understand the child’s needs and goals,and identify an estimated timeline to complete the goals. 
  • Regular Sessions: Weekly play therapy sessions to explore and address issues.
  • Parental Involvement: Parents may be involved in some sessions and will receive guidance and coaching  on supporting their child at home.
  • Progress Reviews: Regular reviews to track the child’s progress and adjust the therapy as needed.