Play Therapy
Play is a child’s language — and one of the most powerful tools we have.
Overview
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach in which trained clinicians use play, toys, and creative expression to help children process experiences they don’t yet have the words for. Through play, children work through fear, loss, anger, and confusion — and build resilience along the way.
Why play works
Play is developmentally attuned to how children think and communicate. Metaphor, imagination, and repetition let a child externalize what feels overwhelming inside. When a child stages a scene, tells a story through figures, or draws a picture again and again, they are doing real emotional work — often more effectively than they could through direct conversation.
Inside a session
Sessions take place in a room designed for children — a sand tray, art supplies, dollhouses, action figures, puppets, and games. The therapist may follow the child’s lead (non-directive play therapy) or introduce specific themes or techniques (directive play therapy) depending on what the child needs. Both approaches are grounded in the therapeutic relationship.
Play therapy in practice
Play is Speaking Your Child’s Language
At South Florida Counseling and Assessment, some of the most common childhood concerns addressed through play include social difficulties, behavioral and learning disabilities, anxiety, and depression, attention deficit disorders, as well as anger and grief.
Parents and caregivers play a large role in the play therapy process. The play therapist will curate a specific play therapy approach with specific types of tools and at-home interventions to be implemented between sessions. Oftentimes play therapy incorporates art therapy, music and storytelling. Depending on the age of the child, sand tray therapy is also incorporated into play therapy.
Research has shown that for young children, play is their main method of expression, meaning-making and communication. There are two main approaches to play therapy: nondirective play therapy and directive play therapy. Nondirective play therapy is based on the belief that children can work through, express and ultimately resolve their issues and fears within the play process when given the freedom to play without specific instructions. Directive play therapy, compared to nondirective, is more structured and influenced by the clinician.
What parents can expect
Progress in play therapy often looks like small, gradual shifts — easier mornings, fewer meltdowns, more open conversation. We meet with parents regularly to translate what we’re seeing in the playroom into meaningful support at home, and to align on goals as your child grows.
Ready when you are
Start with a free 15-minute consultation.
Our team will help you determine whether this service is the right next step and, if so, match your family with a clinician suited to your goals.
Reach out to us