What is Play Therapy? A Guide for Parents/Guardians

As parents, it’s tough when your child struggles with emotions but cannot find the words to explain what’s happening or how they feel. Whether it’s a tough time at school, changes at home, or something else, children sometimes have a hard time expressing effectively or calmly themselves. Often times, expression can look like emotional outburst because they don’t know what else to do with the thought or feeling that they might be having. Then, we as adults, can often fall into the trap of merely addressing outburst or unwanted behavior rather than helping the child address the feeling that’s driving the behavior. That’s where “play therapy” can help. Play therapy is a form of therapy where children communicate and work through their feelings using play. Instead of talking, children use toys, art, and imagination to express what they are going through. In this blog, I’ll explain what play therapy is, how it works, and how it can benefit your child.

So, What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a type of therapy that leverages play as a way for children to express their emotions. Young children may find it easier to show what they are feeling through play—using dolls, drawing pictures, or building with blocks—rather than talking about it.  For older children, the therapist might use storytelling, role-playing, or journaling to explore feelings. In play therapy, a trained therapist watches and guides your child as they play, helping them process their feelings and solve problems. The therapist doesn’t direct the play but observes what your child chooses to do, which helps them understand your child’s emotional world. 

How Does Play Therapy Work? 

1. Building Trust: The therapist creates a safe, trusting space for your child to feel comfortable expressing themselves. 

2. Playing: Your child is free to play with toys, art materials, or other items. They lead the play while the therapist observes. 

3. Understanding Feelings: The therapist looks for patterns in your child’s play, such as recurring themes or behaviors, which give clues about what they’re feeling or experiencing. 

4. Guiding Growth: The therapist uses the insights from the play to help your child manage emotions, improve coping skills, and work through challenges.

What Are the Benefits of Play Therapy? 

Children often don’t have the words to describe complex emotions, but play lets them express themselves in a way that feels natural. Play therapy helps children: 

– Process tough emotions like fear, sadness, or anger 

– Heal from trauma, like abuse or loss 

– Improve behavior and learn new ways to cope with frustration 

– Build confidence by exploring their feelings in a safe space 

– Develop social skills and emotional regulation and control

– Foster stronger relationships. As children heal, they can connect better with family members and peers

How Long Does Play Therapy Take? 

Sessions last 50 minutes, and therapy typically happens once a week. Some children may need just a few sessions, while others may need more. The therapist will check in with you about your child’s progress and how you can support them at home.

Will Play Therapy be Helpful for My Child? 

Play therapy may be the right choice for your family if your child is experiencing: 

– Emotional issues – like anxiety, sadness, anger, or fear 

– Behavior problems – such as aggression or defiance (at home and/or at school) 

– Trauma – from abuse, loss, or major life changes (like divorce) 

– Difficulties at school or with friends 

– Social or developmental challenges

 How Can Parents Be Involved? 

While the therapist focuses on your child, parents can play an important role too. You may be asked to share information about your child’s behavior or feelings at home, which helps the therapist understand what your child is going through. The therapist may also provide suggestions for how you can support your child outside of therapy. In some cases, the therapist may invite you to join a session or offer family therapy to improve communication at home. 

Conclusion 

Play therapy is a helpful way for children to process emotions, express themselves, build confidence, develop coping skills, learn healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges, and heal from difficult experiences—all through the natural activity of play. If you think your child might benefit from play therapy, or if you have any questions, please reach out to me! I’m happy to help you and your child and support their emotional well-being. 

-Kim Holsbeke, MA, LPC, SCL

Child Therapist 

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