Benefits for Children

Play therapy provides a safe and accepting environment where children can explore, express, and re-enact feelings—such as anger, sadness, fear, or disappointment—that influence their behavior. Research has shown it to be effective in addressing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including the impact of trauma.

Play therapy helps children to:

• Understand and manage overwhelming emotions and thoughts
• Express themselves more effectively
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Develop problem-solving and coping skills
• Address impulsive or challenging behaviors
• Improve self-control and emotional regulation
• Process difficult or traumatic experiences
• Strengthen social skills
• Foster strong and healthy relationships

What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?

Sessions take place in a safe and welcoming playroom equipped with carefully selected toys and materials such as figurines, a dollhouse, animal figures, play tools, art supplies, and building blocks. These intentionally chosen resources provide children with multiple avenues for expressing their feelings and experiences through their relationship with the therapist, symbolic and imaginative play, and creative activities.

When children enter the play therapy room, they often begin by exploring the space and choosing toys that feel safe and engaging. Over time, these choices may develop into symbolic stories or creative play that help them process emotional challenges alongside the therapist.

Clinical experience and research consistently show that when children are given the space to work through feelings such as fear, frustration, or anger in their own way and at their own pace, they develop stronger emotional regulation, resilience, and coping abilities.

Playing at Home vs. Play Therapy

While playtime at home is focused on having fun and spending quality time together, play therapy is a structured, therapeutic process guided by a trained professional. In this setting, play is used intentionally to help the child express their inner world, process emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.

The empathetic and accepting environment of a therapy session also supports the development of cognitive and motor skills, emotional resilience, and self-regulation.

Read more about the difference.

Should You Consider Play Therapy for Your Child?

Therapeutic play can be especially helpful for children experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or difficulty managing big emotions. Signs that a child may benefit from play therapy include:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger
• Difficulty adjusting to major life changes (e.g., relocation, parental separation)
• Sibling rivalry or regressive behaviors
• Behavioral issues at home or school
• Changes in eating, sleeping, or toilet habits
• Struggles with social interactions
• Recent trauma or loss

When a child receives the opportunity to process their emotions in a safe, supportive space, they are better able to build resilience, enhance self-control, and thrive emotionally and socially.