Children between the ages of 5 and 12 are constantly learning how to navigate their inner world, process new experiences, manage relationships, and develop emotional awareness. But when anxiety or overwhelming emotions take hold, it can be difficult for them to articulate what they’re feeling or ask for help in traditional ways. That’s where play therapy comes in.
Grounded in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, this therapeutic approach offers a safe and supportive space for kids to explore their thoughts and emotions without pressure or judgment. In this article, we’ll explore how play therapy works and why it’s especially effective in helping school-aged children cope with anxiety, fear, anger, and other big feelings.
Play Therapy: An Overview
Play therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to help children express themselves, resolve emotional issues, and develop coping skills through the natural medium of play. Its main defining characteristics include:
- Child-Centered Approach — Play therapy respects the child’s perspective, allowing them to lead sessions at their own pace in a safe and supportive environment.
- Symbolic Expression — Since children may not have the verbal skills to articulate complex emotions, play allows them to communicate symbolically through toys, art, stories, and role-playing.
- Therapeutic Relationship — A trusting, nonjudgmental relationship between the therapist and child is central. The therapist provides consistent emotional support and attunement.
- Use of Play Materials — Carefully selected toys and activities, such as dolls, puppets, sand trays, art supplies, and games, are used to reflect real-life situations and internal experiences.
- Developmentally Appropriate — Techniques and interventions are tailored to the child’s cognitive, emotional, and social developmental stage.
- Goal-Oriented — Though sessions may feel unstructured to the child, they are guided by specific therapeutic goals such as reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, or processing trauma.
- Nonverbal and Verbal Integration — Play therapy supports nonverbal (symbolic) and verbal processing, helping children gradually put words to their experiences as they are ready.
Two Approaches to Play Therapy
Play therapy can generally be divided into two main approaches: directive and nondirective. In practice, many therapists use a blended approach, starting with nondirective play to build rapport and gradually incorporating directive techniques as appropriate.
Nondirective or Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this approach, the child is seen capable of self-direction and healing. The therapist follows the child’s lead. Sessions are unstructured, and the child chooses the toys, theme, and pace.
The therapist’s role is to observe, reflect, and create a safe, accepting space. They rarely intervene or interrupt unless necessary for emotional safety. The goal of this type of play therapy is to foster self-expression, emotional growth, and problem-solving through self-guided play.
It works well with children who need space to process trauma, build trust, or regain a sense of control. Examples of nondirective play therapy include the child using figures and a dollhouse to act out family dynamics or emotional scenarios at their own pace, expressing feelings through drawing or painting, or acting out stories or experiences with puppets.
Directive Play Therapy
The therapist takes a more active role in directive play therapy, guiding the session based on therapeutic goals. Sessions are more structured with specific activities, prompts, or themes that the therapist chooses.
They will lead activities, introduce narratives, or use tools like art, storytelling, or role-playing to target specific issues such as anxiety, grief, or social skills. Children who need help with specific challenges or benefit from direct structure and guidance do well with directive play therapy.
Some directive play therapy activities include feelings charades or emotions cards, where the therapist introduces activities to help the child recognize and name emotions. The therapist might also read or co-create a story that mirrors the child’s situation (for example, a character dealing with a parental divorce) to help the child process similar feelings. Grief or divorce journals might be used with structured drawing or writing prompts to help the child reflect on changes in their life and express emotions more directly.
How Play Therapy Helps Children with Anxiety and Big Emotions
Play therapy creates a safe, developmentally appropriate space where they can explore, understand, and manage their inner experiences.
Expression Without Words
Many children struggle to put big feelings like fear, sadness, or anger into words. Play therapy uses toys, art, and storytelling as symbolic tools, allowing them to express emotions they may not fully understand or feel comfortable saying out loud.
Emotional Regulation Skills
Through guided play, children learn how to identify their emotions and practice healthy ways to manage them. This might include using calming strategies like deep breathing during games or acting out solutions to upsetting scenarios.
Processing Anxious Thoughts
Children can reenact anxious or stressful situations in a safe, controlled environment. By “playing out” their worries with the therapist’s support, they gain perspective and reduce the emotional charge of those experiences.
Building Problem-Solving Skills
Play allows children to experiment with different responses to challenges. Through games and stories, they can practice decision-making, learn from consequences, and gain confidence in handling tough emotions.
Increasing Sense of Control
Anxiety often stems from feeling powerless or uncertain. In play therapy, children take the lead, choosing activities and directing the play, restoring a sense of agency and predictability in their world.
Strengthening Self-Esteem
Successfully navigating challenges in play builds confidence. Whether helping a puppet overcome a fear or completing a therapeutic game, these small victories reinforce a child’s sense of capability.
Creating a Safe Relationship
The therapist becomes a trusted, consistent presence. This relationship gives children a model of emotional safety and empathy, which is especially helpful for those who struggle with attachment or trust.
Explore Play Therapy at The Finding Place
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with anxiety or overwhelming emotions, play therapy at The Finding Place can offer them the support they need to navigate these challenges in a healthy, constructive way. Our skilled therapists create a safe, nurturing space where your child can express their feelings, develop coping skills, and regain control over their emotional world.
Through the healing power of play, we help children build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop the tools they need to thrive. Don’t wait to get the support your child deserves.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward emotional well-being.
