In a world where children face an increasing amount of stress and pressure, they need to have a safe outlet for their emotions. Children face stressors such as academic expectations, social pressures, and family dynamics. Or, have to navigate through difficult situations like bullying, loss of a loved one, or divorce. Play therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that provides children with the tools to express their feelings, process challenging experiences, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
But how does play therapy work? How is it going to support your child’s mental health and well-being? Not many outside of the therapy world understand how play therapy can be an effective form of treatment. To put it simply, play therapy works by using the natural language of children: play. Play therapists use play as a medium to help children work through challenges and express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and non-threatening
Understanding the Foundations of Play Therapy 
Play therapy is grounded in the belief that play is a natural and essential part of childhood. Through play, children can explore and make sense of their world. They can communicate their experiences, and develop skills needed for healthy emotional expression. Play therapists use various techniques such as toys, art, music, sand trays, and role-playing to engage children in therapeutic play. This allows children to express themselves in a way that feels comfortable and familiar to them.
For instance, if a child is struggling with anger, a play therapist may introduce toys that can represent feelings of anger. The child can then use these toys to express and work through their anger in a safe and controlled environment. Through play, children can process their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build self-awareness. Now, as a parent, you may think: “But isn’t play just for fun?”
Play and Healing
While play is certainly enjoyable for children, it also serves a crucial role in their development and healing. Play therapy can help children build resilience, cope with stress, and develop positive self-esteem. By engaging in play therapy, children learn to trust themselves and others as they receive validation and empathy from their therapist. They can learn how to approach challenges in a healthy way, rather than avoiding or acting out their emotions. For example, a child may learn to use deep breathing techniques when feeling anxious instead of acting out aggressively.
Additionally, play therapy allows children to have a sense of control over their experiences. During difficult situations that are often beyond their control, play provides children with autonomy and a sense of mastery. All while they work through challenging scenarios. This can help them feel empowered and confident in their ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Picture this: your child is unsure how to assert themselves in a social situation, but through play therapy, they can practice and develop assertiveness skills that will benefit them in the long run.
The Role of the Play Therapist 
A play therapist in Alpharetta, GA, and other areas, is a highly skilled mental health professional who has undergone specialized training in using play therapy techniques. There are differences in play therapists who are certified and those who are not. Certified play therapists have completed extensive training and supervision. They also meet stringent requirements from the Association for Play Therapy (APT). This ensures that your child receives the highest quality of care from a therapist with expertise in using play therapy effectively.
During play therapy sessions, they work closely with children to create a safe and trusting relationship, allowing children to feel understood and supported. The play therapist also observes, reflects, and responds to the child’s play. For instance, they may observe your child acting out a scene with dolls and then reflect on what they notice, such as the child’s tone or body language. This helps children deepen their understanding of their experiences and emotions. The therapist is not there to dictate how your child should feel or behave. Instead, they provide a compassionate and empathetic presence to guide children toward self-awareness and personal growth.
Different Types of Play Therapy
There are several types of play therapy, including child-centered play therapy, directive play therapy, and family play therapy. Each type focuses on a specific approach and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your child. A certified play therapist will work with you and your child to determine which type is best suited for their individual needs. Child-centered play therapy is for children who are more introverted or hesitant to open up. Or even younger children who may not have the verbal skills to express themselves fully.
This approach allows children to lead the play and express themselves freely while the therapist follows their lead. On the other hand, directive play therapy is more structured and involves the therapist providing specific activities or prompts for the child to engage in. This may be more suitable for children with behavioral issues who need guidance and structure. Or older children who can participate in games, activities, or discussions to work through their challenges.
Lastly, family play therapy involves the whole family and focuses on improving communication and relationships within the family unit. This can be beneficial for families going through transitions such as divorce or loss of a loved one. The play therapist uses activities and games to facilitate understanding, expression, and connection among family members.
Play Therapy’s Reach: Including Older Children
Understanding how play therapy helps not just kids but grown-ups too. This information is important for parents seeking support for their children during tough times. With older kids, things change a bit — the therapist guides them more directly while still being caring and understanding. A play therapist in Roswell, GA, might dig deeper into why a child acts a certain way, leading them through special activities. These activities help older kids talk about their feelings and thoughts, making therapy more personalized.
Sometimes, the gentle approach of play therapy doesn’t match up with the quick fixes some people want. Parents need to understand that play therapy is a journey of building trust and deep exploration. Whether your child is in Roswell or somewhere else, they’ll explore their emotions with the play therapist’s support, learning to handle their feelings at their speed. This careful exploration shows how the therapy values every child’s feelings, giving them a safe space to grow and discover more about themselves.
How are Parents Involved in Play Therapy?
Parents are an important part of their child’s play therapy process. They are involved from the very beginning, as they provide information about their child’s needs and challenges. Throughout the therapeutic journey, parents receive updates on their child’s progress and how to support them outside of sessions. The therapist may also provide parents with resources or techniques to use at home that align with the therapy’s goals.
During play therapy in Roswell, GA, a therapist will check in with you to see how your child is doing and address any concerns or questions you may have. In the first session, you may be more hands-on to help your child feel comfortable, but as they build a relationship with the therapist. Then parents usually step back and allow their child to lead the play. This allows children to develop a sense of autonomy while building trust in their therapist. As a parent, you play an essential role in supporting your child’s mental health. And the play therapist is there to guide and support both of you through the journey.
Work with a Play Therapist in Alpharetta, GA
If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, play therapy can help. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, a certified play therapist in Alpharetta, GA, can support your child’s personal growth and development. Through the use of specialized techniques and individualized care, your child can learn to navigate their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. At Wellview Counseling, our experienced and certified play therapist is dedicated to helping children and families thrive. Together, we can help your child build resilience and discover their inner strength. If you’re interested in starting therapy or coaching:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with our specialized play therapist and parent coaches
- Support your child’s mental health and personal growth!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Play therapy isn’t the only service offered at Wellview Counseling. We also offer a variety of different therapy services to support your child, your family, and yourself. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. We are here for you every step of the way.
About the Author 
Ashley Bobo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience in various settings, understands your desire to support your child in handling stress and difficult emotions effectively. While she doesn’t specialize in play therapy herself, the play therapist at Wellview, where Ashley practices, excels in this area. Ashley is dedicated to aiding children and families in exploring themselves, their relationships, and their emotions through parenting and family therapy.