Understanding play therapy: a path to emotional healing

As a play therapist, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of play therapy for children and families. 

From playing make-believe as a princess, to building spaceships with lego, kids’ inner worlds are rich and imaginative - but play is also a means of helping them manage real-life situations.

Play therapy is a unique approach that utilizes play as a means for children to express their emotions, communicate their thoughts, and resolve issues. 

It’s grounded in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, allowing them to explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

Play therapy can be used to help kids navigate big changes like divorce, a new baby, or issues at school. 

The importance of play in child development 

Play is essential for a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Through play, children can process their experiences and emotions, making it a vital aspect of their growth. 

When children engage in play, they can navigate complex feelings, build relationships, and develop problem-solving skills. They get to play out and integrate challenging events through games like make believe. 

How play therapy works

In play therapy, the therapeutic relationship is key. Building trust with the therapist allows children to feel safe to express themselves. 

Various techniques, such as sandplay, art, role-playing, and storytelling, are used to facilitate this process. 

Parental involvement is also crucial, as it helps to reinforce the therapeutic experience at home. 

Around the 5^th play therapy session, I conduct solo sessions with parents. During those meetings, I teach parents techniques and interventions that can be used at home. These aim to encourage open communication, foster stronger parent-child bonding and create a supportive environment for emotional expression and development.

Benefits of play therapy

Emotional Healing: play therapy can help children process trauma and express feelings they may not have the words for. Play therapists allow children to unravel their story in their own time, holding space and patience for the child’s pace. 

We might like to imagine that children don’t experience trauma - but unfortunately, our world isn’t always a safe place. Studies suggest that 60% of children worldwide experience an ACE - an adverse childhood experience.

Natural disasters, being involved in an accident, or witnessing an accident; seeing or being subject to physical violence; emotional abuse, which may happen at home or at school; sexual abuse; the death of a loved one; developing a chronic or serious illness. These are all traumatic events children may be subject to. 

Social skills aren’t necessarily easy for kids - especially for kids who have autism or ADHD. Play therapy is a valuable tool to support better communication skills and build more positive relationships - with peers as well as their therapist. 

If your child is impulsive, or behaves inappropriately with others, play therapy can be a helpful medium to explore those impulses and teach them how to relate to others in a healthier and safer way. 

Problem solving - if your child feels stuck or stressed when faced with challenges, play therapy can encourage creative thinking within a low-stakes context. 

This helps build childrens’ confidence, improve their ability to communicate their feelings, their ability to concentrate and organise. 

Improved mental health: play therapy can improve kids’ sense of self and their ability to self-regulate when their self-esteem is challenged. Many children experience reduced anxiety through play therapy. 

Play therapy can be beneficial for children facing various challenges, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma or loss
• Behavioral issues
• Neurodivergence
• Difficulties with family or friends
• Going through adoption or fostering
• Illness 

In summary

Play therapy is a holistic approach that nurtures emotional health in children. If you notice your child struggling with their emotions or behaviour, I encourage you to consider play therapy as a supportive option.

If that sounds like your child, I’d be happy to help them on their journey toward emotional healing!