What is Play Therapy? A Parent's Guide to Healing Through Play

If you are a parent watching your child struggle with big emotions, challenging behaviors, or the fallout from a tough life event, you know the feeling of searching for answers. You’ve tried talking to them, but traditional conversations often end in frustration, tears, or shutdown. You know your child needs help, but how can therapy work if they can’t articulate their feelings?

The great news is that there is a proven, evidence-based approach designed specifically for them: play therapy.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly what play therapy is, why it works so well for children, and what you can expect as a parent when starting the process.

What Exactly is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is far more than just a dedicated time for fun. It is a structured, therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to do so.

For a child, play is their natural language and the toys are their words.

In a supervised and confidential setting, a play therapist creates a safe space where your child can communicate their inner world. By choosing from specific toys and materials—like sand trays, puppets, or art supplies—they act out feelings, anxieties, fears, and internal conflicts.

The therapist observes, reflects, and facilitates this process, helping the child move toward greater emotional regulation and mental health. This is why play therapy can be so effective where traditional talk therapy for children may fail: we meet the child right where they are developmentally.

Is My Child a Good Fit? 5 Common Signs to Look For

Many parents come to us because they know something is "off" but can't quite name the problem. If you notice any of the following persistent signs, your child is likely a great candidate for play therapy:

1. Persistent Behavioral Issues

Are you seeing an increase in aggression, difficulty following rules, or frequent, intense tantrums? These are often signs that your child is carrying an internal burden that they cannot manage. The play room offers a safe outlet for these pent-up feelings.

2. Major Life Changes or Trauma

Children process stressful events differently. If your child has gone through a recent divorce, a significant move, loss of a loved one, or any kind of trauma, play therapy provides the tools they need to process the experience and integrate it in a healthy way.

3. Unexplained Anxiety or Sadness

You may notice your child becoming overly clingy, experiencing frequent nightmares, regressing to behaviours from an earlier age, or showing signs of sadness. When a child can't name their fear, they can still show it in play and work through it there.

4. Difficulty Communicating Feelings

When you ask your child, "How do you feel?" and they just shrug or say "fine," they are communicating that they don't yet have the words to explain their emotional state. Play therapy teaches them emotional literacy through symbolic actions.

5. Social or School Difficulties

If your child is having trouble making friends, being bullied, or having sudden and unexplained drops in academic performance, the underlying issue is often emotional distress that can be addressed in the play therapy setting.

What Parents Can Expect: The Process and Partnership

We understand that starting child therapy can feel uncertain for parents. Here’s a brief look at the process to help you feel more comfortable:

The Initial Parent Intake

The first session is typically with just the parent(s). This is our time to hear your concerns, discuss your child's history, and establish clear, collaborative goals for the therapy. This foundation is crucial for successful outcomes.

The Confidential Playroom

Your child will enter a safe, specially equipped playroom. The toys are carefully selected to encourage expression. You can rest assured that this space is confidential. The therapist's primary job is to build a trusting relationship with your child.

Our Communication

Because we honour the child’s privacy in the playroom, we will not be asking your child to report back to you. Instead, you and your therapist will meet regularly for parent check-in sessions. We will discuss themes we see in the play, share strategies for you to use at home, and monitor progress toward your goals. We partner with you every step of the way!

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Watching your child struggle is one of the hardest parts of being a parent. By simply searching for answers, you are already being the supportive, loving advocate your child needs.

Play therapy is not about fixing; it’s about providing them with a language to express themselves and the tools they need to heal and grow.

If you are ready to learn more and discuss if this process is the right fit for your family, we are here to help.