Therapy Through Play: Why Play Therapy Works For Children
When a child is struggling with big emotions, behavioral issues, or trauma, it’s not always easy for them to explain what’s going on. Unlike adults, children often don’t have the vocabulary or insight to say, “I feel anxious,” or “I’m grieving.” But what they do know how to do, intuitively and naturally is play.
Play therapy harnesses that instinct to help children express feelings, work through challenges, and build emotional resilience. In this article, we’ll explore what play therapy is, how it works, and why it’s so effective for children facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of counseling that uses play, the natural language of children—to help them express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping skills. It is facilitated by a trained play therapist who guides the child through therapeutic play activities in a safe, structured environment.
While it might look like “just playing” from the outside, play therapy is deeply intentional and evidence-based. Through games, storytelling, art, puppets, sand trays, and more, children are able to explore their inner world, make sense of difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
Why Play Therapy?
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are still developing the cognitive and verbal skills needed to communicate their inner experiences. For many, children sitting in a chair and talking to an adult therapist can feel confusing, intimidating, or simply beyond their developmental stage.
Play, however, feels familiar. It’s how children explore their environment, build relationships, and make sense of the world. It provides an indirect but powerful channel for communication, especially when words fall short. In fact, research shows that play allows children to express complex thoughts and emotions they may not be able to verbalize yet. In the hands of a skilled therapist, that play becomes a pathway toward healing.
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?
While each play therapy session is tailored to the child’s age, needs, and personality, many sessions follow a general structure:
Warm-up and rapport building – The therapist might begin with free play to build trust and help the child feel comfortable.
Directive or non-directive play – Depending on the approach, the therapist may let the child lead (non-directive) or introduce specific activities that address certain issues (directive).
Processing and reflection – The therapist observes themes, behaviors, and emotions that emerge through the play, helping the child (and later, the parents) connect the dots between play and real-life challenges.
Therapists might use:
Dollhouses or action figures to explore family dynamics
Sand tray therapy to visualize internal conflict
Art supplies to externalize emotions
Games to develop frustration tolerance and social skills
These tools aren’t just toys, they’re vehicles for emotional expression, storytelling, and connection.
When Play Therapy Can Help
Play therapy is highly versatile and has been shown to be effective for children experiencing:
Anxiety and fears
Depression
Anger and aggression
Grief and loss
Divorce or family separation
ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders
Trauma and abuse
Attachment issues
School-related stress or bullying
Even when a child can’t, or won’t talk about what’s wrong, their play often reveals the emotional undercurrents they’re navigating.
Why Play Therapy Works
1. Emotional Expression Without Words
Children use metaphors, symbols, and characters in their play to externalize what they’re feeling. A child may “rescue” a scared animal or create a superhero who defeats a villain that represents their fear. This symbolic play gives them a safe emotional distance while still expressing inner conflict.
2. Trauma Processing in a Safe Space
For children who have experienced trauma, whether it's a medical procedure, car accident, loss of a loved one, or abuse; play therapy allows them to revisit those experiences on their own terms. Replaying scenes with toys or art can help them regain a sense of control and make meaning from what happened.
3. Strengthening Coping Skills
Therapists can introduce games and role-playing scenarios that help children practice self-regulation, patience, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving. Over time, these skills transfer to the real world.
4. Building Trusting Relationships
A consistent therapeutic relationship, especially for children who’ve experienced disruption or attachment trauma can be healing in itself. The therapist provides a stable, accepting presence that models healthy connection and emotional safety.
5. Boosting Self-Esteem and Empowerment
As children play out scenarios where they overcome challenges or create something meaningful, they begin to see themselves as capable and strong. This can be especially important for children who have internalized shame or helplessness.
6. Rewiring the Brain
Through repetition and relational safety, play therapy can actually help rewire neural pathways, especially in the developing brains of young children. This is key for healing trauma and building emotional regulation.
Common Misconceptions About Play Therapy
“It’s just babysitting or entertainment.”
Play therapy is not the same as recreational play or childcare. It’s a structured, goal-oriented therapy modality facilitated by trained professionals.
“My child isn’t talking in therapy—so it’s not working.”
Silence doesn’t mean therapy isn’t effective. Much of the work in play therapy happens symbolically and nonverbally. Changes are often seen in behavior, emotion regulation, and family dynamics over time.
“It takes too long.”
Like any therapy, the pace depends on the child’s needs and history. Some children make significant gains in a few months; others need longer-term support. The key is consistency and building trust.
The Parent’s Role in Play Therapy
Parents are an essential part of the play therapy process. Depending on the therapist’s approach, you may be involved through:
Intake and background interviews
Ongoing parent check-ins or coaching
Filial therapy (parent-child sessions)
Support for implementing strategies at home
Therapists often provide feedback and guidance to help you support your child’s emotional growth beyond the therapy room. This collaborative approach helps create consistency, which is vital for a child’s healing process.
How To Know If Your Child Might Benefit From Play Therapy
Here are some signs your child might benefit from seeing a play therapist:
Frequent meltdowns or aggressive behavior
Withdrawing from family or friends
Regressing in behavior (e.g., bedwetting, baby talk)
Nightmares or sleep disturbances
Trouble adjusting after a move, divorce, or loss
Persistent anxiety or worry
Difficulty concentrating at school
If your gut tells you something’s off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, seeking a consultation with a play therapist is a good first step.
Finding Play Therapy in Raleigh, NC
When looking for a qualified play therapist, consider:
Licensed mental health credentials (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PsyD, etc.)
Certification in play therapy (such as Registered Play Therapist, or RPT)
Experience with the age range and concerns your child is facing
A warm, child-centered approach that prioritizes safety and trust
Ask about their experience, methods, and how they involve parents in the process. Trust and comfort, for both you and your child are key. Children may not be able to sit down and tell you they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or scared. But through play, they can show you. And when that play is facilitated by a skilled therapist, it becomes a powerful tool for growth, insight, and transformation.
Play therapy meets children where they are, and invites them into a process of healing that feels safe, familiar, and even fun. Whether your child is dealing with big changes or subtle struggles, therapy through play can help them build the emotional tools they need to thrive.
Ready to Begin Play Therapy at Your Journey Through?
At Your Journey Through, we specialize in supporting children and families through play-based counseling that works. Our child therapists offer compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets kids on their level through play.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how play therapy can support your child’s emotional wellness.
