Play is the Language of Children: Exploring the Benefits of Play Therapy

“Children are not mini-adults. They don’t think like adults, and [if asked] they will often give you the answer they think the adults expect. They don’t always have the words to describe what’s happening for them.” —Fiona Howell

Play therapy is a powerful form of psychotherapy that follows an effective approach designed to assist children with a wide range of difficulties, from trauma and developmental challenges to socialisation issues and certain diagnoses. Here at The Art of Wellbeing, we have a dedicated playroom designed to support your child through these joyful and impactful processes.  

Rapidly gaining world-wide recognition as one of the most effective approaches to therapy for children, play therapy specifically targets their unique needs by utilising play as a tool for transformation. 

Why play therapy is so effective

As children’s brains are still developing, they lack the developmental tools to “talk it out”. This makes it difficult for them to express complex emotions verbally, and is one of the reasons why they don’t often respond to traditional, more cognitively focused therapeutic interventions, commonly used with adults. 

When there’s the added layer of adverse experiences, disabilities or certain diagnoses, children can find it even harder to put thoughts into language, communicate effectively, or make sense of their world. Play Therapy empowers our young clients to process difficult experiences or emotions, make sense of their inner world and get their needs met, without the requirement for words. 

The intervention gives children a chance to express themselves in a way that makes sense to them, utilising the tools of creativity and play that they are already familiar with.

The vehicle for change

Play therapy is a structured, theoretically-based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children. Therapists strategically utilize toys and arts materials as vehicles for the expression of energy, emotions and experiences. Sometimes talking about your own story is too difficult, however, through imaginative storytelling, challenging experiences are explored and reconciled at a safe distance, in a meaningful way.

As a child is welcomed into the therapeutic space, the expressive modalities offer a stable ground for developing emotional safety, and opening pathways for healing and progress, that may otherwise be inaccessible through traditional talking therapies. A child’s creative process becomes their road towards emotional development and health. 

Through play and creativity, the child is provided a safe and non-judgemental space with the freedom to work through their emotional issues in their own way and in their own time. With their therapist, children can rehearse new ways to respond or react to challenging situations and learn that it’s okay to experience uncomfortable feelings.

Key Benefits of Play Therapy 

• Building confidence, self-esteem and respect

• Learning to express emotions responsibly

• Development of problem-solving skills

• Improved social skills

• Reduction in anxiety, stress and fear

• Supports cognitive and language skills

• Begin to master self-control and self-direction

• Process and resolve traumatic or difficult experiences

Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?

We support children experiencing a range of challenges, between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. As a non-verbal and sensory-based therapeutic approach, Play Therapy is particularly useful for children who may not have the language skills to articulate thoughts, sensations, emotions or perceptions. For children who are facing trauma or any other challenging experiences, it provides many flexible ways to communicate.

Play Therapy is particularly beneficial for children dealing with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (pre and post diagnoses)

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders

• Developmental concerns and challenges

• Chronic illness and disability

• Selective mutism

• PTSD, trauma and abuse

• Family and domestic violence

• Neglect or abandonment

• Adjusting to transitions

• Separation or family breakdown

• Grief and loss

• Attachment difficulties

• Adoption and fostering

• Social challenges

• Communication challenges

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Anger or aggressive behaviours

• Anxiety and fear

• Low mood and depression

• Self-isolation and withdrawing

• Sleep difficulties or night terrors

Play therapy is not just play. It is a structured, theory-driven approach that helps children address psychological and emotional challenges and supports their overall development. It respects the child’s pace and allows healing to occur in a developmentally appropriate way, making it an invaluable tool in child therapy. For any parent considering therapeutic options for their child, understanding the profound benefits of play therapy can be the first step towards making an informed decision that could positively transform their child's life.

By investing in play therapy, parents are providing their children with a supportive space to address and overcome challenges, which can have long-lasting benefits on their overall development and wellbeing. Learn how Play Therapy can support your child today and click here to begin the intake process.