Play is the language of children and the work of childhood. Through play, children can work through emotions and rehearse strategies for coping with every day stressors. While play therapy may look like simple play time, the therapist is actually gaining valuable information through the themes in the play and incorporating therapeutic interventions. Play therapy can help children develop emotion regulation, problem solving, and relationship building skills.

The late elementary and middle school years are marked by many changes. Children begin to become aware and interested in peer groups and friendships. Play therapy can support this age group by giving kids a way to explore, name, and share emotions through games and artwork. These play and art interventions also help kids build important skills such as boundary setting, communication, and self-esteem.

The teenage years are famously a time all about differentiation from parents toward a focus on peer and romantic relationships. Teens value their independence and can sometimes have a hard time trusting the wisdom adults attempt to share with them. This is where play therapy can be a useful intervention to incorporate into traditional talk therapy. Through games, bracelet making, art activities, and crafts teens can communicate experiences that are hard to articulate with words alone. Play therapy interventions help teens explore deeper emotions, strengthen communication skills, grapple with challenging concepts, and learn to make choices that align with their values.