When children struggle emotionally or behaviorally, traditional talk therapy may not be the most effective way to help them heal. Children often have difficulty expressing their feelings in words. Play therapy bridges that gap by giving children a natural and safe outlet to process their emotions, experiences and inner world.
Play therapy is a proven psychological approach that uses play as a medium for children to explore their thoughts and communicate what might be troubling them. It’s much more than just playing; it’s a form of therapy guided by trained professionals and grounded in clinical evidence.
What’s Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed primarily for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Rather than relying on verbal communication, it uses toys, games, art and imaginative play to help children express themselves.
During a play therapy session, a trained play therapist creates a supportive environment where the child feels safe to act out feelings, confront fears and work through difficult experiences. The process may seem like regular play on the surface, but each activity is intentionally selected and facilitated to achieve therapeutic goals.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process, wherein trained therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
Who’s Play Therapy For?
Play therapy is most commonly used with children, but it can also benefit adolescents and even adults with developmental delays or trauma histories. It’s particularly helpful for children who:
- Are dealing with anxiety, depression or anger issues
- Have experienced trauma or abuse
- Are coping with loss or family changes such as divorce
- Exhibit behavioral challenges at school or at home
- Have difficulty forming or maintaining relationships
- Have experienced medical procedures, hospital stays or chronic illness
- Are navigating adoption or foster care transitions
- Live with developmental delays, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or speech issues
Play therapy helps children make sense of difficult life events and learn healthier ways to express emotions and solve problems.
What Happens During a Play Therapy Session?
Play therapy sessions typically last 30 to 50 minutes and may occur once or twice per week. The therapist sets up a specialized space called a playroom, stocked with therapeutic toys, art supplies, games and other tools that encourage creative expression.
There are two primary types of play therapy:
- Non-directive (child-centered). The child is free to choose activities while the therapist observes and gently engages. The therapist provides a safe space for the child to explore at their own pace.
- Directive. The therapist guides the session with specific activities designed to address particular issues, such as grief, trauma or behavioral challenges.
Common tools used in play therapy include:
- Dollhouses and figurines for family role play
- Sand trays with miniature objects to create scenes
- Drawing and painting materials
- Puppets and storytelling
- Building blocks or Legos
- Games that involve sharing, turn-taking or emotional expression
The therapist watches how the child interacts with these materials and gently intervenes to help them gain insight, regulate emotions and build coping skills.
Benefits of Play Therapy for Mental Health
Play therapy is backed by decades of research and considered a developmentally appropriate and effective intervention for a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges.
Key benefits of play therapy include:
- Improved emotional regulation. Children learn how to recognize and manage emotions like anger, fear, sadness and frustration.
- Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Play offers a nonthreatening outlet for processing internal struggles.
- Better social skills. Therapy helps children develop communication, empathy, cooperation and problem-solving abilities.
- Processing trauma. Children who’ve experienced abuse, neglect or other trauma can express their experiences through play when words fail.
- Increased self-esteem. Children gain confidence as they learn to handle emotions and navigate challenges in the play setting.
- Improved behavior at home and school. As children process feelings more effectively, problematic behaviors often decrease.
How Parents Are Involved
Parental involvement is a crucial part of the play therapy process. While the therapy sessions are usually just between the child and therapist, parents may be asked to participate in:
- Intake interviews and assessments
- Observations and progress updates
- Parent coaching or family sessions to reinforce skills at home
Therapists help parents understand their child’s behavior and support the emotional growth occurring in sessions. In some cases, filial therapy (a form of play therapy that trains parents to conduct therapeutic play at home) may also be recommended.
Is Play Therapy Evidence-Based?
Yes. Play therapy is supported by decades of research in psychology, education and child development. It’s recognized by major organizations such as:
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- The Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Play therapy is often integrated into broader treatment plans and can be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy or family counseling.
It’s also considered especially effective for children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) who may not yet have the vocabulary or insight to process what they’ve gone through.
How to Find a Play Therapist
To find a qualified play therapist, look for providers with specialized training and credentials, such as:
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with training in play therapy
- Certification through the Association for Play Therapy
Therapists may work in private practices, schools, mental health clinics or hospitals. Ask whether they have experience with your child’s specific concerns, such as trauma, ADHD or grief.
When to Consider Play Therapy
You might consider play therapy if your child:
- Is frequently anxious, withdrawn or angry
- Has experienced a loss or major life change
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Is having trouble forming relationships or regulating emotions
- Has experienced trauma or ongoing stress
- Is nonverbal or struggles with expressive communication
The earlier a child receives support, the better their outcomes will be. Play therapy provides a means for children to start healing, even when they don’t yet have the words to express their feelings.
Helping Kids Heal Through Play
Children communicate through play long before they can articulate their inner experiences. Play therapy uses this natural language to create emotional safety and build resilience. With the guidance of a trained therapist, play becomes a path to healing, growth and self-understanding.
If your child is struggling emotionally, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Mental health support is available, and early intervention can make a world of difference.
Need help connecting to mental health resources? Call the Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support. Our team can help guide you toward the best treatment options for your child and your family.
