Play therapy offers a comforting entry point into mental health support, providing children a safe, empowering space to learn about themselves and, ultimately, to heal. In play therapy, children enter a space where they’re free to express themselves through their most natural form of communication: play.

For new parents, or parents of children experiencing symptoms of mental health disorders, play therapy can be a supportive, non-intimidating form of treatment. Unlike traditional talk therapy, where clients rely on verbal communication, play therapy meets children at their developmental level. Play allows them to process emotions, build resilience, and explore complex feelings that may be hard to articulate in words. Play therapy is often suggested for children ages 7 and under.

In a typical play therapy session, the child chooses activities and leads the play while the therapist follows. This approach provides a sense of control that can be empowering for children who may feel overwhelmed by their emotions or circumstances. This child-centered approach allows children to play out their experiences, often symbolizing fears, frustrations, or hopes through toys, art, or imaginative play.

We gently observe and reflect, helping the child build a vocabulary around their emotions and offering them new ways to cope. For children struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, or behavioral challenges, play therapy can be transformative, allowing them to safely explore and address their feelings without pressure.

Early intervention in play therapy can have a profound, lasting impact. Addressing emotional or behavioral concerns early gives children the tools to manage their emotions and develop healthier coping skills that benefit them well into adulthood. For parents, supporting this process can be an invaluable step toward ensuring their child’s emotional well-being.

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montesorri