What is Play Therapy?
As parents, we want the very best for our children. When they’re struggling, whether with big feelings, changes at home, or difficult experiences, it can be hard to know how to help. Many parents come to me saying, “They won’t talk about it. I’ve tried asking, but I just can’t get through.” That’s where play therapy is a great option.
Why Play Instead of Talking?
Adults often process emotions by talking. Children, however, typically don’t have the words or life experience to explain what’s going on inside. Instead, they may “speak” through play. When a child picks up a toy, draws a picture, or acts out a story, they’re often telling us what they’re feeling, even if they can’t put it into words. Play therapy is a specialized form of counseling that uses this natural language of children to help them express themselves, work through challenges, and build skills for coping and resilience.
What You Can Expect as a Parent
It’s normal to wonder, What exactly happens in play therapy? or How will this help my child? Here are some key things to know:
Sessions look like play, but they have purpose. Your child will use toys, games, art, and stories to explore feelings. The therapist is trained to guide this process so the play becomes healing and meaningful.
Progress takes time. Just like with adults, therapy is a process, not a quick fix. You may notice small shifts such as better mood, fewer meltdowns, more confidence, though these may be observed over weeks and months during treatment.
Parent Involvement. Parents play a vital role. Depending on the therapist’s approach, you might meet regularly with the therapist to discuss your child’s progress, learn strategies for home, or even join in parts of sessions.
Confidentiality matters. Children need to feel safe in therapy. That means your therapist may not share every detail of what happens in the playroom, but they will update you on themes, progress, and ways you can support your child outside of sessions.
It’s about building tools for life. The goal isn’t to make problems “disappear,” but to help your child develop healthier ways to understand and manage their emotions, relationships, and experiences.
How Parents Can Support the Process
Be patient—healing happens in small steps.
Stay consistent with therapy appointments.
Show interest without pressuring your child to “report back” after sessions.
Practice new coping skills at home when your therapist suggests them.
Recommended Reading for Parents
If you’d like to learn more about play therapy and supporting your child’s emotional growth, here are some excellent resources:
“Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship” by Garry L. Landreth – A classic guide for understanding the philosophy behind play therapy.
“Parenting with Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Emotional Well-Being” by Nancy Boyd Webb – Accessible, parent-friendly insights.
“Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Developing Therapeutic Relationships with Children” by Rise VanFleet – Helpful for parents curious about the techniques therapists use.
Short Videos about Play Therapy
If you’re a visual learner, like me, here are some short videos on YouTube that do a great job of outlining play therapy and its benefits:
Introduction to Play Therapy — therapist Joey Harmon gives an overview of child-centered play therapy
Play Therapy Works! — a succinct video by the Association for Play Therapy introducing what play therapy is and why credentialed therapists matter
Play is the Child’s Language: Play Therapy — Joanne Wicks describes how play is children’s emotional expression in a brief talk
Introducing Andrew — a short clip emphasizing that “play is a child’s first language” and how children express inner worlds through play
Final Thoughts
Remember: seeking play therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. It means you’re giving your child another pathway to healing and growth, and that’s a powerful gift.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this blog reflects my personal and professional reflections. It is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing distress or seeking support, I encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional in your area.
