In the same manner in which adults utilize talk therapy to process emotional material, build insight, and experience relief, children use play to organize complex feelings, including anxieties, conflicts, and fears. Expressing strong and/or threatening emotions within the context of play helps children integrate them, lower their intensity, and build resilience.

Although you can’t pry open a flower bud, by carefully following a child’s lead, they are able to share a window into thoughts and feelings which may be troubling them. In the short-term this lets steam out of the kettle, providing relief, and in time also gives us a map forward in understanding and supporting them. In this process I work closely with parents, weaving in concrete problem solving and coping skills, and exploring avenues to strengthen connection during the often stormy waters of childhood.

Client-led play therapy has been extensively researched, and is a highly effective and evidence-based approach, allowing children to build emotional understanding and self-regulation skills. A brief review of the evidence base and research foundation can be accessed at this link.

Ray, D. C, & McCullough, R. (2015; revised 2016). Evidence-based practice statement: Play therapy (Research report). Retrieved from Association for Play Therapy.