Play Therapy 

Is your child acting out in ways he/she has never done before? Are you noticing any regressions or behaviors that are not typical for your child to be doing? Have you tried asking your child what is wrong and they either do not know or cannot explain why? Children often are unable to identify, articulate or process their emotions by just asking them what is bothering them.

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based form of therapy designed to help children express and process their emotions in a way that feels natural to them. Children often lack the language or emotional awareness to explain what they are feeling, which can lead to changes in behavior, emotional regression, or actions that feel out of character. When children are unable to verbalize what is wrong, play becomes their primary form of communication.

Play therapy is typically used with children ages 4–12 and allows clinicians to observe, understand, and gain insight into a child’s inner world through their play. In a safe and supportive environment, children use toys, games, and creative activities to express emotions, work through challenges, and make sense of their experiences. Through this process, children can learn healthy coping skills, improve emotional regulation, develop appropriate social skills, and find constructive ways to manage and redirect difficult behaviors.

Play therapy offers children the opportunity to be understood without pressure to explain themselves. Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if play therapy may be the right fit for your child.