Our practice is now offering Play Therapy with Kim — Certified in Play Therapy (APT). We would like to explain what it is, how it works, and whether it might be a good fit for your child.
**If you’re interested in Play Therapy and would like to ask questions or schedule an appointment, please reach out to Kim at kimhopehealchange@gmail.com or (248) 759-8393. You can also reach out to the main telephone number at (248) 930-9132.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps children express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play rather than relying solely on words. Because children often lack the language or emotional insight to fully explain what they are going through, play becomes their natural form of communication. Through toys, games, art, storytelling, and imaginative activities, children are able to process emotions, make sense of experiences, and practice new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Play Therapy is commonly used to support children with anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief, ADHD, and family or school-related stressors.
How does Play Therapy work?
In Play Therapy sessions, a trained therapist intentionally uses play to help children explore emotions, resolve internal conflicts, and build coping skills. The therapist may follow the child’s lead or introduce structured activities depending on the child’s needs. As children play, they often reenact real-life experiences or express feelings symbolically. The therapist observes patterns, themes, and behaviors, gently guiding the child toward healthier ways of understanding themselves and the world around them. Over time, children learn to regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and develop problem-solving and self-confidence through these experiences. Here’s an example of what this might look like:
Example: A child’s (7y/o) parent suddenly passes away
The therapist invites the child into a room with toys: dolls, animals, a dollhouse, art supplies, and toy soldiers. The therapist doesn’t push questions like “How does that make you feel?” right away.
Instead, the therapist says something like:
“You can play with anything in here however you want.”
The Child’s Play:
The child chooses a family of animal figurines.
During play:
- One animal “leaves” the house suddenly
- The remaining animals hide or fight
- One animal gets knocked over and left alone
The child repeats this scenario multiple times over several sessions.
The Therapist’s Role:
Rather than interpreting immediately, the therapist tracks and reflects:
- “It looks like that one left very fast.”
- “The little one seems really alone now.”
- “No one is helping him.”
The therapist stays emotionally present and attuned, allowing the child to express feelings through play instead of words.
How Healing Happens:
Over time:
- The child begins to change the story
- Another animal comes back to help
- The animals start working together
- The child talks more during play
This signals that the child is:
- Processing loss
- Feeling safer expressing emotions
- Developing a sense of control and resilience
Eventually, the child may say something like:
“Sometimes people leave and don’t come back.”
That’s a big therapeutic moment—and it came through play, not direct questioning.
What are the advantages of trying Play Therapy?
One of the biggest advantages of Play Therapy is that it meets children where they are developmentally. Children do not have to “know what to say” or explain complex feelings for therapy to be effective. Play Therapy can help reduce anxiety, emotional outbursts, and behavioral concerns while increasing emotional awareness, self-esteem, and coping skills. It also provides a safe space for children to process difficult experiences at their own pace. Parents often notice improvements not only in emotional regulation but also in relationships at home and school.
Who is a good candidate for Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is especially beneficial for children ages 5–12, though older children and adolescents may also benefit depending on their needs. It is well-suited for children experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, difficulty expressing emotions, social struggles, or major life transitions such as divorce, moves, or changes in family dynamics. Children who struggle with traditional talk therapy often thrive in play-based work, making it an excellent option for those who communicate better through actions than words.
What can parents expect from Play Therapy?
Parents can expect Play Therapy to look different from traditional talk therapy. Sessions may appear “just like play,” but each activity is intentionally chosen to support emotional growth and healing. Children may not always be able to clearly explain what they worked on in session, as much of the processing happens through play rather than words. Progress often shows up gradually in a child’s behavior, emotional regulation, confidence, and relationships at home or school.
Parents are an important part of the therapeutic process. Therapists typically provide regular check-ins, parent consultations, and guidance to help caregivers better understand their child’s emotional needs and support skill-building outside of sessions. While confidentiality is respected to maintain a safe space for the child, therapists will share themes, progress, and recommendations as appropriate. Over time, many parents notice their child becoming more emotionally expressive, resilient, and better equipped to manage challenges.
Play Therapy FAQs
Is Play Therapy really effective, or is my child “just playing”?
While Play Therapy may look like simple play, it is a structured, evidence-based approach led by a trained therapist. Play is a child’s natural language, and through it, children are able to express emotions, process experiences, and learn coping skills in ways they cannot always do verbally.
How many sessions does Play Therapy take?
The length of Play Therapy varies depending on a child’s needs, goals, and history. Some children benefit from short-term work, while others may need longer-term support. Your child’s therapist will regularly review progress and discuss recommendations with you.
Will I be told what my child talks about or plays with in sessions?
Therapists maintain confidentiality to help children feel safe and open in sessions. Rather than sharing specific play details, parents are typically updated on overall themes, progress, and skills being developed, along with guidance on how to support their child outside of therapy.
Do parents participate in sessions?
Parent involvement depends on the child’s needs and the therapeutic approach. Some sessions may include parents directly, while others focus on parent check-ins or consultation sessions. Therapists work collaboratively with caregivers to ensure support continues at home.
What kinds of issues can Play Therapy help with?
Play Therapy can help children with anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, ADHD, social skills difficulties, and life transitions such as divorce, moves, or changes in family dynamics.
How will I know if Play Therapy is working?
Progress is often seen through changes in behavior, emotional expression, coping skills, and relationships at home or school. Improvements may be gradual, and therapists will regularly communicate observations and progress with parents, and vice versa.
What if my child doesn’t want to come to therapy?
It’s common for children to feel unsure at first. Because Play Therapy is engaging and child-centered, many children warm up quickly. Therapists are trained to build trust and create a welcoming environment that helps children feel comfortable over time.
If you’re interested in Play Therapy and would like to ask questions or schedule an appointment, please reach out to Kim at kimhopehealchange@gmail.com or (248) 759-8393. You can also reach out to the main telephone number at (248) 930-9132.