Play Therapy

Helping kids ages 8-12 express themselves without needing words

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Play Therapy

Every child experiences ups and downs, but some behaviors or emotional struggles can indicate that extra support might be helpful. Consider play therapy if your child:

  • Has trouble expressing feelings or talking about what’s bothering them

  • Shows frequent anxiety, sadness, or anger

  • Exhibits behavioral challenges at home or school

  • Struggles with social skills or forming friendships

  • Has experienced a major life change, trauma, or loss

  • Demonstrates fearfulness, withdrawal, or low self-esteem

  • Has difficulty coping with stress or transitions

Play therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children to process these challenges, build coping skills, and develop confidence in expressing themselves. If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be a good time to reach out to a therapist for guidance.

How Will it Help?

Play therapy isn’t just “playing for fun.” Kids often have a hard time putting their feelings into words. That’s where play therapy comes in. It’s a safe, fun, and creative way for children to express what’s going on inside, explore their emotions, and learn new ways to cope—all through play. It’s structured and intentional and allows children to:

  • Express feelings they may not have the words for

  • Work through difficult experiences, fears, or trauma

  • Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Develop problem-solving and social skills

  • Build self-confidence and emotional resilience

Through guided play, children can explore their emotions, understand their experiences, and practice new skills in ways that feel natural and engaging for them. Parents are involved too—in a way that supports the child’s independence. We may check in with parents, offer guidance on how to support their child at home, and provide updates on progress while keeping the child’s trust intact.

What happens in a Play Therapy session?

Play therapy utilizes many different mediums of play to help a child process their feelings:

  • Toys, games, or art to help children express themselves

  • Role-playing or acting out scenarios to understand emotions

  • Learning practical strategies to cope with stress or conflict

Each session is tailored to your child’s needs, pace, and interests.

Parents are an important part of the process. Your therapist will:

  • Offer guidance on how to support your child at home

  • Provide updates on progress while respecting your child’s trust and privacy

  • Occasionally involve parents in sessions when it supports growth

This balance helps children feel safe and independent while keeping the family informed and supported.

How Are Parents Involved?

Our goal is to help children feel heard, understood, and empowered. Through play, they learn to express themselves, manage emotions, and grow stronger—while having fun and feeling safe.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes, but every child is unique. We tailor session lengths to fit your child’s needs, ensuring they have the time and space that will be most helpful and comfortable for them.

  • Yes. Because your child is a minor, we ask that a parent or caregiver be available during sessions. This helps ensure your child’s safety and comfort—for example, in case of an emergency, a quick potty break, or if your child needs a little extra support.

    Occasionally, your therapist may invite you to join the session briefly. This might be to participate in the play, offer encouragement, or debrief with you afterward so you understand what your child is working on. These moments help you stay connected to your child’s progress while allowing them to explore and express themselves independently during most of the session.

  • The length of play therapy is different for every child. Some kids respond quickly to a few sessions, especially if they are working on a specific challenge, while others benefit from ongoing therapy to address deeper emotions, patterns, or experiences.

    Progress in play therapy isn’t always about being “better” overnight—it’s about giving your child the tools, understanding, and confidence to cope with life’s challenges. As your child works through feelings and builds skills, you’ll often notice changes in their behavior, mood, and interactions at home and school.

    Your child’s therapist will regularly review goals and progress with you, adjusting the plan as needed. The focus is always on supporting growth at your child’s pace rather than meeting a set timeline.