Child Play Therapy

Play therapy is an evidence based modality centered around children’s play and can be used with children ages 3-12. Play is children’s language and toys are their words. Research has shown play is how children learn to understand the world and allows them to explore their deep emotions and conflicts. A trained play therapist observes play patterns and themes to gain insights into a child’s problems and to understand their world. The therapist enters into children’s world while meeting them at their level to support them in processing these experiences in healthy ways. The play room is a special place equipped with many expressive toys, art supplies, and games that children are free to engage and explore to aid in the healing process.

Play therapy can aid in helping children learn responsibility for behavior and choices, accept themselves, solve problems, improve self-efficacy, regulate emotions, decrease anxiety, and improve relationships. Play therapy can be utilized in various circumstances such as social and peer difficulties, bullying, neurodivergent specific needs, anger outbursts, difficulty transitioning and rigidity, past traumatic experiences, and so much more. Caregivers are involved within the therapeutic process, and the insight caregivers offer is valued and important to helping children.

Adolescents (ages 7-12)

Our approach to working with children is informed by their developmental age and the families presenting needs. Oftentimes, play therapy sessions begin with building the relationship between the therapist and child which can include games, talking about their special interests, and learning more about how they see their “problems” and relationships around them. Play therapy integrates learning coping skills, identifying and verbalizing emotions, and finding solutions with playful interventions such as using expressive arts (painting, coloring, sandtray, and books). This individualized approach helps promote the child being engaged in the therapy process while moving towards goals.

We can help you understand “what’s typical” depending on your child’s age. Here are general signs that you may need to seek additional help (from Nationwidechildrens.org): 

• Struggling in school or poor grades even though child is trying hard to learn

• Little interest in play or activities they used to love

• Problems with sleep (nightmares, night terrors, insomnia, sleeping too much)

• Hyperactivity

• Continuous “battles” with authority figures or when giving a direction 

• Expressing worries frequently or family activities are avoided

For more information on play therapy at Scout, please contact A.G. Estes.