Play Therapy Near Me: Helping Children Express What Words Cannot

Children experience big emotions in small bodies. When they struggle with anxiety, anger, sadness, behavioral challenges, or the aftermath of trauma, they often lack the vocabulary and emotional maturity to express what they're feeling. Unlike adults who can sit across from a therapist and talk about their experiences, children communicate most naturally through play—their first and most authentic language. This is where play therapy becomes transformative. 

Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting in Lafayette, LA offers specialized play therapy for children, providing a safe, creative space where young minds can express, process, and heal through the power of play.  

If you're searching for "play therapy near me" because your child is struggling, acting out, withdrawing, or facing behavioral or emotional challenges, play therapy might be exactly what your child needs. 

What Is Play Therapy And Why It Matters 

Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed for children and adolescents, where trained therapists use play like toys, games, art, storytelling, sand trays, role-play — as a medium for children to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills.  

Because many children don’t yet have the vocabulary or self-awareness to describe trauma, anxiety, grief, or internal turmoil, play becomes their natural language. In a safe and structured environment, play therapy enables them to communicate feelings, process experiences, and heal via symbolic expression rather than direct talk.  

Therapists trained in play therapy interpret the child’s play like observing patterns, behaviors, themes and gently guide the child toward insight, emotional regulation, resilience, and healthier coping. 

What Does Research Say? Effectiveness & Evidence 

Over decades of research, play therapy has accumulated a robust evidence base that supports its effectiveness for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and trauma-related challenges in children.  

Finding / Outcome	Data / Summary
Overall positive change	Reviews and meta-analyses estimate that 71% to 83% of children receiving high-quality play therapy show measurable improvement.
Large effect sizes	A major meta-analysis (spanning 93 studies) found effect sizes around 0.80 (moderate-to-large). Child-centered and nondirective play therapy saw even stronger effects — up to 0.92, and filial (parent-involved) play therapy reported effect sizes as high as 1.05.
Wide applicability	Play therapy has been shown effective across ages, genders, and diverse presenting issues — including trauma, anxiety, behavioral disorders (e.g. ADHD, oppositional behavior), grief, chronic illness, social difficulties, and developmental disorders.
Benefits beyond emotional relief	Studies indicate improved self-concept, self-efficacy, social skills, empathy, behavioral regulation, coping strategies, and interpersonal relationships.

One recent example: in a systematic review involving children with leukemia, nearly all but one of 16 studies showed play therapy effectively reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional distress. It confirming its benefit even in medically vulnerable kids.  

What Issues Can Play Therapy Address 

Play therapy is versatile. It can help children who are dealing with: 

• Anxiety, fear, nightmares, or sleep disruptions.  

• Trauma (single-event or ongoing), grief, loss, or major life changes.  

• Behavioral issues — aggression, hyperactivity, attention problems, oppositional behavior, social withdrawal.  

• Emotional and social difficulties — poor self-esteem, difficulty expressing feelings, low self-efficacy, social skills deficits.  

• Stress or distress from chronic illness, hospitalization, family disruption, or school challenges.  

• Developmental or learning challenges (e.g. children with developmental delays, ADHD, autism) — as a supplement to other therapies.  

Because play therapy is non-threatening and tailored to a child’s developmental level often more natural and comfortable than talk therapy. It can reach children who might otherwise resist or struggle in traditional therapy settings.  

What a Typical Play Therapy Session Looks Like 

At Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting in Lafayette, LA, play therapy typically unfolds in a safe, child-centered environment. Here’s how it might look: 

1. Warm-up / Building Comfort — The therapist creates a welcoming and safe space; child explores toys, draws, plays freely. 

2. Observation & Engagement — The therapist watches what the child chooses: toys, themes, behaviors. Through play like sand tray, drawing, role play, puppets. The child expresses inner feelings, tensions, fears, or conflicts. 

3. Therapeutic Guidance — Gently, the therapist may offer structure: role-playing healthy behaviors, modeling coping, encouraging expression of emotions (anger, sadness, fear) via symbolic play. 

4. Processing & Reflection — Over time, themes emerge: fear, loss, confusion, anger, guilt, sadness. The therapist helps the child integrate feelings, build healthier narratives, foster resilience and self-understanding. 

5. Skill-Building & Coping Tools — Through creative activities, children learn coping strategies: emotional regulation, conflict resolution, expressing feelings, communication, social skills. 

6. Parental Involvement (if appropriate) — In some approaches (e.g. filial play therapy), parents or caregivers may participate or be trained to continue supportive play at home — strengthening attachment, understanding, and support.  

Typically, sessions last 30–45 minutes. Over several sessions (frequency varies), many children begin showing emotional or behavioral improvements as stress, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms gradually reduce. 

When to Consider Play Therapy for Your Child 

You may want to explore play therapy if your child is experiencing: 

• Difficulty expressing feelings, especially after a stressful or traumatic event (e.g., loss, divorce, medical illness, bullying). 

• Frequent anxiety, fears, nightmares, sleep problems. 

• Behavioral problems — aggression, tantrums, hyperactivity, impulsivity, social withdrawal, difficulty adjusting. 

• Changes in mood — sadness, irritability, emotional outbursts, mood swings. 

• School difficulties, social issues, trouble making friends, shyness, or low self-esteem. 

• Difficulty coping with transitions — divorce, relocation, family changes, parental separation, illness, death, trauma. 

• Chronic stress, illness, or hospitalization. 

Because every child is unique, play therapy should be considered when the child’s emotional or behavioral difficulties begin to affect daily functioning like home life, school, relationships, or development. 

Play Therapy vs Traditional Talk Therapy for Kids 

Therapy Approach	Strengths	Limitations / When It Might Not Work
Play Therapy	- Uses child’s natural mode (play)  - Non-verbal, symbolic expression  - Suitable for young children / limited verbal skills  - Often fun & engaging, reducing resistance  - Can address trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, social skills	- Requires trained, credentialed therapist  - May be slower for deep cognitive or insight-oriented therapy  - Effectiveness varies by child, issue, therapy quality
Talk / Cognitive Therapy	- Direct verbal communication, insight building  - Good for older children/adolescents who can articulate feelings  - Effective for cognitive restructuring, self-awareness, rational processing	- May feel abstract or intimidating for young kids  - Less effective when child lacks vocabulary/insight  - Might not reach non-verbal emotional layers

Play therapy is often complementary — many therapists combine play therapy with talk therapy or use transitional approaches depending on age, readiness, and presenting issues. 

Why Evidence-Based Practice and Qualified Providers Matter 

While play therapy has a strong research base, outcomes depend significantly on therapist training, approach, consistency, and therapeutic alliance. Meta-analyses and reviews note that high-quality play therapy delivered by trained professionals. This is ideally with parent involvement yields the most reliable results.  

The field continues to evolve — the research increasingly supports play therapy not just for emotional or behavioral problems, but also for trauma, chronic illness, grief, and developmental challenges.  

That’s why, if you consider play therapy for your child, it’s worth seeking a licensed, experienced therapist who uses evidence-based methods and maintains a safe, consistent therapeutic environment. 

What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes 

Parents and therapists often report several meaningful changes through play therapy: 

• Reduction in anxiety, fears, nightmares, or trauma-related distress. 

• Improved emotional regulation — fewer tantrums, outbursts, mood swings. 

• Better social skills — sharing, empathy, communication, cooperation. 

• Enhanced self-esteem, self-awareness, self-efficacy. 

• More open communication about feelings, increased trust and safety at home or school. 

• For children with chronic illness or past trauma, reduced stress, better coping, improved quality of life.  

Although play therapy is not a magic cure and results vary many families observe gradual, sustained improvements over time when therapy is consistent and supported. 

When Play Therapy Is Especially Recommended 

Play therapy tends to be most effective when: 

• The child is young (ages 3–12) or has limited verbal/emotional vocabulary.  

• The issues stem from trauma, loss, major life changes, or emotional distress.  

• There are behavioral or emotional problems (anxiety, aggression, social withdrawal, ADHD, adjustment issues).  

• The child struggles in traditional talk therapy or is resistant to verbal expression. 

• Parents or caregivers are willing to be involved (in filial play therapy or supportive home-based play), enhancing effectiveness. 

Considerations & What Parents Should Know 

Play therapy is powerful but it's not a quick fix. Some important considerations: 

• Results may vary depending on therapist training, child’s issues, consistency, and involvement.  

• For severe, complex issues like trauma, chronic illness, developmental disorders — play therapy may need to be combined with other therapeutic approaches or interventions. 

• Progress can be gradual. Changes may not be immediate, especially for chronic issues. 

• Parental involvement often improves outcomes both during therapy and at home. 

• Consistency matters. Irregular sessions or frequent interruptions may reduce effectiveness. 

Conclusion: Giving Your Child Permission to Heal Through Play 

Your child doesn't need perfect words to deserve help. When your child is struggling with emotions, behaviors, or experiences that words alone cannot capture, play therapy provides a pathway toward healing. 

If your child is struggling, schedule a consultation today to explore whether play therapy is right for them. Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting offers evidence-based play therapy in Lafayette, helping children express what words cannot and develop the emotional skills they need to thrive. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What ages of children benefit most from play therapy? 

Children between roughly ages 3 and 12 tend to benefit most, especially those who struggle to articulate feelings verbally. That said, older children or adolescents, especially those with developmental or communication challenges may also benefit.  

How long before we see results from play therapy? 

Many children begin showing emotional or behavioral improvements after several sessions — typically over weeks to months. Consistency, therapist skill, and family involvement influence how quickly progress occurs. 

Can play therapy help children with trauma or grief? 

Absolutely. Play therapy is effective for children who experienced trauma, loss, grief, or major life changes. This offers a safe, non-verbal way to express and process emotions.  

What kinds of issues can play therapy address besides trauma? 

Play therapy can help with anxiety, behavioral problems (aggression, ADHD symptoms, oppositional behavior), social difficulties, emotional regulation, self-esteem, coping with chronic illness or major changes, and improving relational skills.