Most people are familiar with standard talk therapy, but unless they are intimately acquainted with various forms of psychotherapy, they likely have not heard of the more creative options. Play therapy is a form of therapy where children can express their emotions, improve their communication, and solve problems through interactive play supervised by a mental health professional. It is one of our specialties here at Reflections Creative Therapies Group, where we use it alongside other creative therapies to help our younger clients in the Boynton Beach and Wellington, Florida, areas express themselves without the need for verbal communication.

Play therapy is founded on empirical data that emphasizes children’s natural ability to express feelings and resolve conflict through play. Play therapy aims to foster emotional wellness, enhance social relationships, increase personal strengths, and facilitate communication. It encourages stress management, positive emotions, and a release of previously repressed feelings. Additionally, play therapy facilitates communication by allowing children to express themselves in a safe environment, where therapists can provide direct and indirect teachings and children can develop insight into their behaviors.

FAQs About Play Therapy

In play therapy sessions, play therapists use techniques such as storytelling, puppet play, drama, music, dance, sand play, painting and drawing, and board games to encourage a child’s creative expression. Here is some information on the process and results:

Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?

Play therapy in the playroom is most appropriate for children ages 3-11 years of age, or with families that include children of that age. However, play therapy techniques and other expressive arts interventions have been known to benefit individuals of all ages. Families can benefit from play therapy to increase positive relationship patterns and esteem within the family system.

What Happens During Play Therapy?

During a play therapy session, much will depend on the therapeutic approach and the child’s individual needs. At times, children will explore the playroom freely, engaging in spontaneous play while the therapist reflects on their choices and behavior. At other times, children may be directed to engage in specific expressive activities such as drawing family scenes, using puppets to act out life events, creating a scene in a sand tray (sandtray therapy), telling stories, or playing therapeutic board games. Children may also talk about their feelings, relationships, and difficulties in their lives and be able to process those emotions with a trained therapist.

How Can Play Therapy Help My Child? Aren’t They Just Playing?

A trained therapist observes a child’s play to gain insight into their world. Through the child’s play, as well as the special therapeutic relationship, the therapist helps children to accept and express their emotions in appropriate ways, develop trust and confidence, and improve their behavior.

How to Talk to Your Child About Going to Counseling

Parents frequently ask, “How should I talk to my child about coming to therapy?”

We always recommend that you talk openly to your child about what to expect before we meet. You can tell your child that they are going to meet with someone who will be able to help them with some of the big feelings they are having. Since the therapist will have already met with you prior to the first session, we recommend telling your child “I met with the therapist you will be seeing today, and she is really excited to get to know you”. We make therapy fun, so you can show them pictures of our space to help them see that our work looks and feels like play!

Getting Started With Play Therapy at Our Practice

Play therapy at Reflections Creative Therapies Group is more than just an intervention—it’s a powerful tool that helps children communicate, heal, and grow in a language they naturally understand. Our licensed therapists are skilled in creating a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their feelings and build resilience. If you’re seeking a compassionate and effective approach to helping your child navigate life’s challenges, contact us today to learn how our play therapy can make a difference.