How effective is play therapy?

Play therapy is a behavioral health intervention tailored specifically for children under the age of 14. While it is most commonly used with younger children, beginning therapy at any age—especially during childhood—can bring up strong emotions, fears, and anxieties. It’s normal for children to experience increased anxiety or emotional difficulty in the early stages of treatment as they begin to address these feelings.

Although behavioral therapies like play therapy are highly effective, it’s important to understand that symptoms may sometimes temporarily intensify before improvement is seen. As therapy progresses, most children become more emotionally regulated and symptoms begin to decrease over time.

How do you introduce therapy to a child?

Introducing the idea of therapy to a child can feel overwhelming for parents, and it’s common to struggle with finding the right words. The goal is to explain it in a way that helps children feel comfortable and motivated to attend, rather than intimidated.

As a play therapist, I recommend being honest, straightforward, and using age-appropriate language. For example, you can tell your child that they’ll be meeting with someone you’ve already met, that there’s a playroom full of fun toys, and that they’ll get to play and have fun. Emphasize the playful aspect rather than focusing on talking.

It’s also important to avoid a common mistake: telling your child they are going to see a “feelings doctor.” While well-intentioned, this can create anxiety or pressure, making children feel like they have to talk about their emotions right away.

Instead, keep your explanation simple and neutral. For instance, you might say, “You’ll get to play for an hour with lots of toys and have fun.” This helps your child approach therapy with curiosity and ease, rather than worry.

What age can a child start therapy?

there are many different perspectives on the best age to start therapy for children. A therapist’s educational background, training, experience, and comfort level all play a role in determining which age groups they work with.

While it is possible for infants and very young children to participate in therapy, it is uncommon to begin therapy before age three. Specialized therapists who work with children under three are typically found in research centers or clinical programs with high levels of support and collaboration. Most play therapists, however, are trained to work with children ages 3 to 14.

Why Play Therapy?

Children naturally communicate through play and experiential activities, rather than through verbal conversation. Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to process their experiences and work through challenges in a setting that feels comfortable and engaging for them.

Specialized Child Therapists vs. General Therapists

While many therapists may work with children, not all have specialized training in child-specific therapeutic approaches. It is important to choose a therapist who understands the unique developmental needs of children and is trained in effective, evidence-based methods for this age group.

My approach as a Play therapist

As a Registered Play Therapist with years of training, supervision, and experience, I specialize in working with children starting at age three. At this age, children need to be somewhat verbal and able to play independently.

Ages 3–11: During these years, children use toys, figures, and creative play to express themselves and make sense of their world. I am trained to observe, interact, and respond therapeutically through play, creating a safe space for children to process their feelings and experiences.

Ages 12–14: For older children and early teens, I adapt my approach to include more activity-based “play,” such as games, art, or movement. Although this age group may not see their activities as “play” in the traditional sense, they still benefit greatly from the therapeutic techniques and responses of play therapy.

I am a dedicated specialist in working with children ages 3 to 14, providing developmentally appropriate, compassionate care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

What does a children’s therapist do?

A play therapist shares the same core purpose as any therapist: to provide a safe space for healing and processing difficult emotions and experiences. However, unlike general therapists who may focus on talking through problems, play therapists engage children through play—the most natural way for children to express their feelings and tell their stories.

Instead of relying on conversation, play therapists use toys, creative activities, and games to help children work through confusing or scary experiences, behavioral challenges, academic struggles, social difficulties, school transitions, family changes, divorce, grief, medical concerns, the birth of a new sibling, and other important life events. This approach ensures that children are supported in a developmentally appropriate way, allowing them to process their emotions and experiences safely and comfortably.

Is play therapy right for your child?

Play therapy is especially effective for children under the age of 13 or 14. At these ages, children typically do not have the cognitive or verbal skills to process emotions and experiences through conversation alone. Instead, they naturally express themselves and work through challenges using play.

As children approach their teenage years (around 14 and older), their needs and ways of interacting begin to change. A trained play therapist can recognize these developmental shifts and gradually transition therapy to include more activity-based or discussion-oriented approaches that are better suited for older adolescents.

If your child is under 14 and struggling with emotions, behavior, social situations, or life changes, play therapy can provide a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment to help them heal and grow