When young children experience strong emotions like anger, sadness, fear, or confusion, they often can’t explain what’s wrong. Their play becomes the language that tells their story.
At Olney Counseling Center (OCC), our licensed play therapists help children use play to express feelings, process experiences, and heal from emotional pain. In a safe, nurturing environment, children can explore emotions through toys, art, and imagination. This evidence-based form of child therapy promotes self-expression, problem-solving, and confidence while restoring a sense of calm and connection.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate counseling approach that allows children to communicate through play instead of conversation. In a structured playroom, children use dolls, blocks, puppets, art, and sand trays to express what they think and feel.
While adults talk through emotions, children play them out. During each session, the therapist observes patterns and gently helps the child develop emotional regulation, insight, and coping skills.
According to the Association for Play Therapy (APT), play therapy “helps children learn to communicate better, change their behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and relate to others in positive ways.”
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play therapy is typically recommended for children ages 3 to 12, but adolescents can also benefit from creative and expressive methods. It’s especially effective for children dealing with:
| Concern or Challenge | How Play Therapy Helps |
|---|---|
| Anxiety or fears | Builds confidence and coping strategies |
| Emotional outbursts or defiance | Teaches self-regulation through structured play |
| Low self-esteem or sadness | Encourages self-expression and emotional validation |
| Parental separation, divorce, or grief | Helps process change and loss safely |
| School avoidance or attention issues | Improves focus and sense of control |
| Social challenges or friendship struggles | Strengthens communication and empathy |
Why Play Therapy Works
Play therapy allows children to experience emotional safety while learning new ways to manage their feelings. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that play therapy is an evidence-based treatment for behavioral and emotional concerns in children.
During play, the brain releases calming chemicals that reduce stress and promote trust. This process helps children shift from reactive emotions to thoughtful problem-solving. Parents often notice positive changes within a few weeks, including improved communication, fewer meltdowns, and greater emotional balance at home.
Play is a child’s natural language. Toys are their words.
Play Therapy Readiness Questionnaire for Parents
If you’re unsure whether play therapy might help your child, reflect on these questions.
| Question | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 1. Does your child struggle to express emotions with words? | Difficulty verbalizing feelings |
| 2. Do tantrums or tears seem out of proportion to events? | Emotional dysregulation |
| 3. Does your child experience frequent fears or separation anxiety? | Anxiety symptoms |
| 4. Has your family experienced major change (divorce, loss, move)? | Adjustment concerns |
| 5. Does your child withdraw from family or friends? | Possible sadness or social anxiety |
| 6. Has your child’s teacher reported behavioral challenges? | School adjustment issues |
| 7. Do you wish your child had healthier coping skills? | Readiness for intervention |
| 8. Would you like to strengthen your parent-child communication? | Family engagement opportunity |
If you answered “yes” to two or more, play therapy may be a valuable next step for your child’s emotional growth.
How Olney Counseling Center Supports Families
At Olney Counseling Center, play therapy is tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our therapists create a calm, engaging environment where children feel safe to explore emotions and practice healthy behaviors.
We also partner closely with parents to ensure progress extends beyond the therapy room. Through regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and at-home strategies, parents gain insight and confidence to support ongoing emotional development.
See individual OCC Therapist Bios for a complete list of therapies supported.
Learn more about Conditions We Treat and individualized therapy services.
