Anxiety in children is more common than we realize. While traditional talk therapy can be effective for some, many kids struggle to articulate their feelings through words alone. Play therapy is a unique and developmentally appropriate approach to helping anxious children express themselves, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s how it works.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an approach that encourages children to use play as a form of communication with a trusted therapist. It’s easier for adults to use words to express their feelings and experiences. But children tend to use play to explore what they’re going through, since they might not yet have the verbal capacity to articulate or understand their thoughts. Through play, children can externalize their worries in a way that feels safe and natural to them.
Therapists use a variety of tools and techniques, including toys, art materials, dolls, puppets, and sand trays, to help kids work through their emotions. Their sessions are typically structured to be child-led, which allows the child to engage in activities that feel most comfortable to them while the therapist observes, interacts, and provides guidance when needed.
How Play Therapy Helps Anxious Children
Providing a safe outlet for expression
Anxiety can be overwhelming for children, especially if they have difficulty verbalizing what they’re worried about. Play therapy provides a safe and supportive space where children can express their emotions without directly talking about them.
Helping children understand and process their feelings
Through play, children can act out scenarios that mirror their real-life issues. This allows them to better understand their emotions. A therapist might use storytelling or role-playing to help the child explore different aspects of their anxiety in a way that feels manageable and less threatening.
Teaching healthy coping mechanisms
One of the main goals of play therapy is to equip children with effective coping strategies to manage their anxiety outside the therapist’s office. Through play, therapists may introduce calming techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation strategies. These techniques help children learn how to regulate their emotions when feeling stressed.
Building self-confidence
Anxious children often struggle with feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem. Play therapy gives children the space to make their own choices, solve problems, and navigate challenges, which ultimately develops their sense of control over their lives. As they find successes in their play, they build confidence in their ability to more effectively handle real-life situations.
Strengthening parent-child relationships
Many play therapy approaches encourage parental involvement, giving parents the chance to better understand what their child is going through. Therapists often give parents guidance about how they can best support their child outside of therapy. This might mean reinforcing coping strategies at home and creating a nurturing environment, so their child can feel more emotionally secure.
Who can benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy is especially beneficial for children between the ages of 3 and 12, but it can be adapted for older children and adolescents. It’s commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific phobias. Play therapy can also be effective for children experiencing stress due to life transitions, trauma, or family issues.
Finding a Play Therapist
If your child is struggling with big emotions and often feels overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in play therapy. Schedule an initial consultation with us to determine whether our therapists are a good fit for you and your child. Together, we can give your child the safe space they need to express themselves.
