How Play Therapy Helps Children Cope with Big Feelings

Children often face big emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or anger that can be challenging to express or manage. For parents in Lafayette, LA, seeking ways to support their children through emotional or behavioral difficulties, play therapy offers a gentle and effective solution. By using play as a natural form of communication, this therapeutic approach helps children process their feelings, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills.

This blog explores how play therapy works, its benefits, and why it’s a powerful tool for children facing emotional challenges.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play as a medium for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s based on the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, allowing them to communicate in ways that words alone cannot.

According to the Association for Play Therapy, play therapy is defined as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

Common Tools & Techniques in Play Therapy

Tool/Technique	Purpose
Sand Tray & Miniatures	Process trauma and re-create life stories symbolically
Puppets & Role Play	Explore relationships and act out inner conflicts
Drawing & Painting	Express feelings when words are hard to find
Building Blocks & Games	Develop impulse control, problem-solving, cooperation
Emotion Cards & Charts	Learn to recognize and name emotions

These tools aren’t just for fun they’re carefully selected to promote emotional regulation for kids and safe emotional exploration.

How Play Therapy Helps Children Cope with Big Feelings

Children often experience intense emotions sometimes called “big feelings” that can be overwhelming. These may stem from life events like divorce, loss, or trauma, or from conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Play therapy provides a safe space for children to process these emotions and develop healthier ways to cope.

Emotional Expression

Through play, children can externalize their internal experiences. For example, a child who has experienced trauma might use dolls to reenact a difficult event, allowing them to process it safely. This symbolic expression helps children make sense of their feelings without needing to articulate them verbally.

Developing Coping Skills

Play therapy teaches children practical strategies for managing stress and emotions. For instance, a child with anxiety might use art to explore their fears, guided by the therapist to develop calming techniques. Over time, these skills help children regulate their emotions more effectively.

Building Self-Esteem

Engaging in play activities allows children to gain a sense of mastery and control. Completing a creative task or solving a problem during play can boost their confidence and self-worth, which is especially important for children struggling with low self-esteem.

Improving Communication

Play therapy fosters better communication between children, therapists, and parents. By observing a child’s play, therapists gain insights into their emotional world, which can be shared with parents to strengthen family relationships.

Addressing Specific Challenges

Play therapy is effective for a range of issues, including:

• Child Trauma Counseling: Helps children process traumatic experiences, such as abuse or loss.

• Emotional Regulation for Kids: Teaches children to manage intense emotions like anger or sadness.

• Behavioral Therapy for Children: Reduces problematic behaviors, such as aggression or defiance.

• Neurodevelopmental Differences: Supports children with ADHD or autism in developing social and emotional skills.

The Process of Play Therapy

A typical play therapy session takes place in a specially designed playroom filled with toys, art supplies, sand trays, and other materials. The therapist creates a safe, welcoming environment where the child feels free to express themselves. According to NIH, play therapy sessions usually last 30–60 minutes and are scheduled weekly, with the duration of therapy varying based on the child’s needs often 12–20 sessions for noticeable improvement.

What Happens in a Session?

• Observation: The therapist observes the child’s play, noting themes or behaviors that reveal their emotional state.

• Interaction: Depending on the approach, the therapist may join in the play, ask gentle questions, or guide the child through specific activities.

• Therapeutic Relationship: The bond between the child and therapist is crucial, providing a secure base for exploration and healing.

Role of the Therapist

Play therapists are trained professionals, often licensed counselors or psychologists, with specialized training in play therapy techniques. They use their expertise to interpret the child’s play and guide them toward emotional growth.

How Play Therapy Compares to Other Child Therapy Methods

Therapy Type	Modality	Best for	Age Range	Effectiveness*
Play Therapy	Experiential, Nonverbal	Trauma, Anxiety, Emotional Struggles	2–12	74%
CBT for Kids	Verbal, Cognitive	Anxiety, OCD, Thought Patterns	8–17	65%
Traditional Talk Therapy	Verbal-only	Teens and verbally mature children	12+	48%
Art Therapy	Visual, Nonverbal	Grief, ADHD, Creative Expression	5–16	58%

*Based on American Psychological Association and APT research summaries.

Let the Healing Begin Through Play

Play therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps children navigate big feelings and overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. By using play as a natural form of communication, it empowers children to express themselves, develop coping skills, and build resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

At Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting in Lafayette, LA, our dedicated team is here to guide your child toward emotional health and happiness. With our expertise in play-based interventions and child therapy in Acadiana, we’re committed to making a lasting difference for families.

If you’re ready to help your child thrive, contact us today at (337) 703-2806 or visit www.treeoflifecoun.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Let’s work together to unlock your child’s potential through the healing power of play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is play therapy just “playtime” with a counselor?

No. While it looks like play, each activity is carefully selected to meet therapeutic goals. Your child is guided by a trained professional.

How many sessions are needed?

It depends on the child. Some may respond in 6–8 sessions, while others with deeper trauma may need several months.

Will I be involved as a parent?

Absolutely. We provide parent consultations, updates, and guidance to reinforce your child’s emotional growth at home.

Can this help my child with ADHD?

Yes. Play therapy improves impulse control, attention, and social functioning—common struggles for children with ADHD.

How long does play therapy last?

The duration varies, but many children show improvement within 12–20 sessions, depending on their needs.

Is play therapy only for young children?

While most common for ages 3–12, it can be adapted for older children and adults.