I love it when parents question or even challenge if play therapy will be an effective strategy for their child. It tells me that they deeply care about their well-being and only want the best option to support their child’s emotional and social development!
If your child is struggling with behavior issues or big feelings, you may be considering play therapy as a resource and you might be wondering…
“Is it just play? Can it really help my child?”
I’m here to share that it’s OK to have questions and you are not the only one wondering if it will work.
But the short answer is yes—play therapy is a highly effective and evidence-based approach to supporting children's emotional, social, and brain development. Let’s explore why.
How Play Shapes the Developing Brain
Traditional approaches teach that learning is “serious” and must happen in a formal, methodical manner. If this were true, we would simply teach kids about their feelings, give them some flashcards to memorize, and POOF! They would have emotional mastery.
But thanks to neuroscience research, we now understand that the more FUN a child is having while they are learning, the more they retain the material AND step into emotional and behavioral control.
So to put it simply… play therapy works because it’s fun.
When a child is playing, multiple areas of their brain are stimulated including the areas related to problem-solving, emotion regulation, and social skill development. Our skilled play therapists are trained to be closely attuned to a child’s play to make sure they are working on the part of the brain that needs the most support. This helps the child’s brain increase and strengthen neural connections that lead to a solid foundation for lifelong learning and resilience.
Why Play Works in Therapy
While adults express themselves through words, children express themselves through play.
It is their natural language! A play therapist will be able to notice the strengths and challenges going on in a child’s life based on how they play and what they play with.
Unfortunately, this is a missed concept that many well-meaning child professionals tend to forget. Too often children are held to the same level adults are held to when it comes to mental health and the very high expectation that they should be able to express their feelings verbally.
Although children are not mini-adults (and shouldn’t be held to the same standards) they do have an incredible ability to learn and grow but they need the right environment to do so!
This is why play therapy is so effective. Similar to a little plant read to sprout its bright green leaves, play therapy provides nutrient-rich soil allowing the plant to grow strong roots that allow it to sprout with vibrant leaves. (We can think of the therapist as watering the plant and the parents as the sun!)
Results of Play Therapy:
✅Improved Parent-Child Relationship
✅Improved Social Skills
✅Strengthening Resilience
✅ Improved Frustration Tolerance
✅Improved Emotion Regulation
✅Decreased meltdowns and tantrums
The Evidence Behind Play Therapy
Decades of research support the effectiveness of play therapy. Studies have shown that play therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma in children. It’s also been found to improve social skills, emotional regulation, and overall behavioral functioning.
For example, the Association for Play Therapy cites numerous studies demonstrating that play therapy leads to significant improvements in children facing challenges such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, grief, and family transitions like divorce.
What Does a Play Therapy Session Look Like?
In a play therapy session, the therapist creates a warm, welcoming environment filled with carefully selected toys, games, and art materials. These items are chosen to help children express themselves and explore their feelings. The therapist might observe the child’s play, ask open-ended questions, or gently guide activities to support therapeutic goals.
For instance, a child struggling with anxiety might use figurines to act out a stressful situation, giving the therapist insight into their fears and helping the child rehearse coping strategies. A child dealing with loss might draw pictures or tell stories that help them process their grief.
How You Can Support Your Child’s Growth Through Play
Play therapy isn’t just limited to the therapy room. Parents can use elements of therapeutic play at home to strengthen their bond with their child and support their emotional development. Simple activities like playing board games, storytelling, or engaging in pretend play can be powerful tools for connection and learning.
Final Thoughts
Play therapy is far more than “just play.” It’s a proven, science-backed approach that meets children where they are and helps them grow emotionally, socially, and neurologically. If your child is facing challenges, play therapy can be a transformative tool for healing and development.
As you consider this option for your child, know that you’re not just providing them with a way to have fun—you’re giving them the tools they need to thrive.
If you have questions or are curious about how play therapy might benefit your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed play therapist. Your child’s journey to healing and growth can start with the simple yet profound act of play.