Helping Children Express, Heal, and Grow Through Play
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed for children who may not yet have the language or emotional skills to fully express what they are feeling. Through toys, games, art, and imaginative play, children can safely explore emotions, experiences, and relationships.
Rather than asking a child to “talk it out,” play therapy meets children where they are — using play as their natural language.
"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity."
Carl Jung
How Play Therapy Helps Children
Play therapy can help children:
- Express emotions they don’t yet have words for
- Develop emotional regulation and coping skills
- Improve behavior at home and school
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Process difficult or overwhelming experiences
- Strengthen problem-solving and social skills
Because play therapy is tailored to each child’s needs, sessions are structured to support emotional growth at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?
Play therapy is commonly used with children ages 3–12 and can be helpful for:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Emotional outbursts or behavioral concerns
- Difficulty with transitions or life changes
- Grief or loss
- Trauma or stressful experiences
- Social challenges or low self-confidence
Parents are often included in the therapeutic process to ensure skills learned in sessions carry over into daily life.
Types of Play Therapy We Use
Our therapists may use one or more play therapy approaches depending on your child’s needs:
Non-Directive (Child-Centered) Play Therapy
The child leads the play while the therapist provides a supportive, attuned environment. This approach helps children build self-awareness, confidence, and emotional expression.
Directive Play Therapy
The therapist gently guides play activities to focus on specific goals, such as emotional regulation, coping skills, or trauma processing.
Both approaches are grounded in research and adapted to support your child’s unique developmental and emotional needs.
What to Expect in Sessions
During play therapy sessions, your child may engage in:
- Pretend play and storytelling
- Art or creative expression
- Games that encourage emotional awareness
- Activities designed to build coping skills
Sessions are structured but flexible, allowing children to feel safe while working toward therapeutic goals. Parents may receive regular updates and guidance on how to support progress outside of sessions.
How Long Does Play Therapy Take?
Play Therapy at Solace Family Counseling
At Solace Family Counseling in Annapolis, MD, our therapists are trained in child-centered and evidence-based play therapy techniques. We believe in creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel understood and empowered.
If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, play therapy may be a helpful first step.
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FAQ Section
Is play therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows play therapy can be effective in helping children improve emotional regulation, behavior, and coping skills, especially when provided by trained therapists.
How is play therapy different from regular talk therapy?
Play therapy uses play instead of conversation as the primary form of communication, making it more accessible and effective for young children.
Do parents participate in play therapy?
Parents are often involved through parent sessions, feedback, and guidance to support progress at home, even if they are not present in the playroom.
How do I know if my child needs play therapy?
If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially — especially if they have difficulty expressing feelings — play therapy may be helpful.
Is play therapy only for young children?
Play therapy is most commonly used with young children but can also benefit older children depending on their developmental needs.
