When children struggle to express their thoughts or feelings, adults often turn to conversation to help. But for many children, especially our youngest kiddos, words aren’t the easiest or most natural way to communicate. That’s where play therapy comes in.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of counseling designed specifically for children, using play as the language and toys as the words. Through play, children are able to explore their emotions, practice problem-solving, express fears, and work through experiences that may be too big or confusing to articulate.

A play therapist provides a safe, supportive environment where a child’s inner world can be explored naturally and at the child’s pace. In play therapy, the child decides what to do and what to say (the therapist rarely asks questions) and it’s through the toys, art materials, sand trays, games, or puppets, that the therapist observes and engages with the child to understand underlying emotions and experiences.

While play therapy might look like simple playtime, it’s actually a deeply therapeutic process. Every choice, story, or pattern that emerges during play offers insight into how a child sees themselves and their world.

How Does Play Therapy Help?

Children often don’t have the vocabulary or self-awareness to explain what’s bothering them, which makes it difficult for parents and caregivers to know how to help, which can be excruciating as a parent or caregiver. The good news is that play therapy allows children to process experiences at their own pace and in their own language and through play, children can:

• Build emotional resilience: They learn to identify and manage feelings like anger, sadness, fear, and frustration.
• Develop problem-solving skills: Play provides opportunities to experiment with solutions and outcomes in a safe, contained environment.
• Gain confidence and self-understanding: Children begin to see themselves as capable and valued, strengthening their sense of self.
• Heal from trauma or loss: For children who’ve experienced difficult events, play therapy can help them process memories and emotions in a non-threatening way.
• Improve relationships: As children learn to express themselves and regulate emotions, they often show more positive interactions at home, in school, and with peers.

The playroom becomes a space where children can make sense of the world, test boundaries, and feel seen and understood, which are all essential ingredients for emotional growth and healing.

Would Play Therapy Be a Good Fit for My Child?

Play therapy can benefit many children, but it’s especially helpful for those who are:

• Struggling with anxiety, sadness, or behavioral challenges.
• Experiencing family changes such as divorce, relocation, or the arrival of a new sibling.
• Coping with grief, trauma, or loss.
• Having trouble at school or with peers.
• Showing signs of withdrawal, aggression, or regression (such as bedwetting or clinginess).

If your child seems “stuck” in big emotions, or if traditional conversation doesn’t seem to help, play therapy may offer the connection and understanding they need.

What’s Next?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already doing what loving parents do best, noticing when your child is struggling and looking for ways to help. You don’t have to have all the answers; simply reaching out is a powerful first step.

I would be honored to support you and your child in this process. Together, we can create a space where your child feels safe, seen, and free to explore their world through play. Schedule a consult to learn more about how play therapy might help your child, and take a step towards a little more peace to your whole family.

Ann currently has immediate openings for in-person play therapy in Issaquah, Washington on Thursdays.