What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of counseling designed to help children express their emotions, work through challenges, and develop new coping skills—by doing what they naturally do best: play!

Unlike traditional “talk therapy” that’s typically aimed at adults, play therapy uses toys, games, art, and storytelling to help children communicate in a way that feels natural to them. In a play therapy session, a child might act out a story with puppets, draw a picture, or build something with blocks, allowing them to express difficult thoughts or emotions they may not yet have words for.

    The beauty of play therapy is that it meets children right where they are. Play therapists are specially trained to understand how a child’s play reveals their thoughts and feelings. For instance, if a child uses dolls to act out a family argument, this can give the therapist insight into family dynamics or conflicts the child might be experiencing. Through gentle guidance and questions, the therapist helps the child process what they’re going through in a way that feels safe and supportive. Over time, children often feel more confident, gain emotional skills, and find healthier ways to manage tough feelings like anger, fear, or sadness.

    Parents may notice improvements not just in how their child behaves but in how they cope with challenges at school, with friends, or even at home. Play therapy is helpful for a variety of situations, including coping with family changes, managing anxiety, building social skills, or healing from trauma. It’s all about giving children a safe, encouraging space to explore their inner world and learn skills that will help them grow into resilient, emotionally healthy individuals.