Play Therapy: The Best Approach for Helping Young Children Heal
Written by Dr. Amy Rollo, PhD
Owner, Heights Family Counseling
When children experience big emotions, behavioral challenges, or stressful life changes, parents often wonder how to help them process what they’re going through. Traditional talk therapy can be incredibly effective for teens and adults, but for young children, expressing emotions and thoughts verbally isn’t always easy. This is where play therapy comes in.
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate and research-backed approach to therapy that helps children express their feelings, develop coping skills, and work through challenges—all through the language they know best: play.
What Is Play Therapy?
At its core, play therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach that allows children to express emotions, process experiences, and develop problem-solving skills through play. Because young children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their thoughts and feelings, play therapy provides a safe and natural way for them to communicate, learn, and heal.
Play therapy sessions are led by trained therapists who understand how to interpret play behaviors and guide children toward emotional growth and resilience. Depending on the child's needs, therapists may use:
Directive Play Therapy – The therapist actively engages the child, guiding them through structured activities designed to address specific concerns.
Non-Directive Play Therapy – The child takes the lead, choosing their own activities, while the therapist observes and helps them process emotions in a safe environment.
By allowing children to engage in symbolic play, use creative expression, and build problem-solving skills, play therapy helps them work through difficult emotions and experiences at their own pace.
Why Is Play Therapy the Treatment of Choice for Young Children?
Children communicate through play long before they have the vocabulary to describe their emotions and experiences. Play therapy is widely recognized as the most effective approach for young children because:
✔ It Meets Children at Their Developmental Level – Young children naturally process the world through imagination, storytelling, and hands-on activities. Play therapy taps into these abilities, making therapy more effective and engaging.
✔ It Allows Children to Express Themselves Safely – Many children don’t have the words to describe fear, sadness, anger, or trauma, but they can act it out through play. Therapists can observe patterns in their play and help them work through emotional struggles without requiring verbal explanations.
✔ It Helps Develop Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills – Through guided play, children learn healthy ways to manage frustration, anxiety, and sadness, leading to improved self-regulation and emotional resilience.
✔ It Strengthens Problem-Solving and Social Skills – Play therapy teaches children how to navigate conflicts, express needs appropriately, and develop positive relationships with others.
✔ It Reduces Anxiety and Behavioral Issues – When children process emotions in a healthy way, it often leads to reduced tantrums, anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral concerns at home and in school.
What Concerns Does Play Therapy Treat?
Play therapy is effective for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns, including:
Anxiety & Fears – Children struggling with separation anxiety, general worry, or specific fears can explore and work through these emotions in a safe and supportive play environment.
Trauma & Grief – Children who have experienced loss, medical trauma, abuse, or other difficult life events often process these experiences through play long before they can talk about them.
Behavioral Issues – Tantrums, aggression, defiance, and emotional outbursts can stem from underlying emotional struggles. Play therapy helps identify the root cause and develop healthier coping strategies.
ADHD & Executive Functioning Challenges – Children with impulsivity, inattention, or difficulty following directions can practice self-regulation and problem-solving skills in a structured, play-based setting.
Social Struggles & Peer Relationships – Play therapy provides a way for children to learn communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills, improving their ability to build and maintain friendships.
Adjustment Issues – Life transitions such as divorce, moving, changing schools, or welcoming a new sibling can be overwhelming for children. Play therapy helps them navigate these changes and develop a sense of security.
How Parents Can Support the Process
Play therapy is most effective when parents are actively involved in the process. This doesn’t mean sitting in on sessions, but rather:
Trusting the process – Play therapy works differently than traditional talk therapy. Progress may not always be immediately visible, but over time, parents often notice improvements in emotional regulation, communication, and behavior.
Practicing skills at home – Therapists may provide tools, strategies, and insights for parents to reinforce outside of sessions. Encouraging open-ended play, labeling emotions, and validating feelings can strengthen therapy outcomes.
Communicating with the therapist – Regular check-ins help ensure that therapy goals align with home and school experiences, creating a consistent support system for the child.
Final Thoughts: Play Is a Child’s Path to Healing
Play therapy is not just playing—it is a powerful, research-backed approach to helping children navigate emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills. By providing a safe space for expression, emotional regulation, and social growth, play therapy equips children with the tools they need to thrive in childhood and beyond.
If your child is struggling with big emotions, behavioral challenges, or life transitions, play therapy can be a transformative step toward healing and growth. Reach out today to learn more about how play therapy can support your child’s well-being.