When young children struggle with emotions, trauma, or behavioral challenges, they often lack the words to describe what they’re feeling. Instead, they express themselves through play. Play therapy gives children a safe and structured way to explore their world, process difficult experiences, and learn new skills—all through the natural language of play.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach that uses play as a medium for children to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Unlike adults, children aren’t always able to verbalize what’s bothering them. Instead, they use toys, art, and imagination to process and communicate.
At the core of play therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the child and the trained clinician. In a safe, nurturing environment, the child is free to express themselves without fear of judgment or punishment. The therapist observes and interacts in ways that help the child work through emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Play therapy can be non-directive (child-led, where the child chooses how to play) or structured (where the therapist guides activities to target specific issues). Both approaches can be highly effective depending on the child’s needs.
How Play Therapy Works
Children use toys and play the way adults use language. Through make-believe scenarios, drawing, building, role-play, and other forms of creative expression, a therapist can gain insight into a child’s inner world. These symbolic actions allow children to:
Reenact real-life situations
Work through confusing or painful experiences
Safely express anger, fear, sadness, or confusion
Build emotional regulation and problem-solving skills
A typical play therapy session lasts 30–50 minutes. The therapist may use specific tools like puppets to model social interaction, art to explore feelings, or sand tray scenes to help process trauma. Over time, the play becomes a way for the child to heal, learn, and grow.
What Play Therapy Helps With
Play therapy can be helpful for a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Common reasons a child might be referred to play therapy include:
Anxiety, excessive fear, or phobias
Aggression, tantrums, or acting out
Attention difficulties or impulsivity
Grief and loss
Divorce or family transitions
Trauma or abuse recovery
Low self-esteem
Social struggles or bullying
Play therapy is typically used with children ages 3 to 12, though adapted approaches can also be beneficial for older children with developmental delays or unique communication needs.
Why Play Therapy Is Effective
Play therapy is supported by decades of research and clinical evidence. It is grounded in child development and brain science, recognizing that children learn and heal through experience rather than discussion.
This approach:
Respects the child’s developmental stage and communication style
Builds trust and rapport in a non-threatening way
Promotes healthy brain development through safe emotional expression
Encourages self-awareness, emotional literacy, and resilience
Equips children with tools to manage challenges both inside and outside the therapy room
Studies have shown that children in play therapy often experience improvement in behavior, emotional regulation, academic functioning, and family relationships.
What to Expect as a Parent or Caregiver
Parents are a vital part of the therapeutic process. While sessions are typically conducted one-on-one with the child, therapists will provide regular updates and invite caregivers to share observations from home or school.
Here’s what you can expect:
A parent intake session to gather background and goals
Weekly or biweekly sessions for the child
Periodic parent consultations to discuss progress and strategies for support
Clear guidelines around confidentiality—while the content of sessions remains private to protect the child’s safety and trust, the therapist will keep you informed of key themes, concerns, and progress
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but many parents report seeing positive changes within a few weeks to a few months of consistent sessions.
Play Therapy at Harvest Counseling and Wellness
At Harvest Counseling and Wellness in Argyle, TX, we provide play therapy services that are tailored to the developmental, emotional, and relational needs of each child. Our licensed child therapists are trained in trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques that meet children where they are—offering compassionate guidance in a space where they can be themselves.
We work closely with families, schools, and other caregivers to create a coordinated support system. Our team serves families in Argyle, Northlake, Denton, Flower Mound, Southlake, Highland Village, and surrounding areas.
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, adjusting to a recent loss, or simply needs a safe space to express their feelings, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
Children don’t need to know the words for what they’re going through in order to heal. They just need a place to be seen, understood, and gently guided. Play therapy offers exactly that—using creativity, connection, and trust to help children grow through their challenges.
If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional or behavioral well-being, don’t wait. Early support can make a lasting difference. Contact Harvest Counseling and Wellness today to learn more about our play therapy services or to schedule a consultation.
ARE YOU SEEKING SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHILD?
Harvest Counseling & Wellness is a Mental Health Counseling & Wellness Practice in Argyle, Texas. Our team includes several licensed therapists who specialize in child, teen and adolescent therapy. We provide support and counseling for children, preteens, teens, and families struggling with issues related to eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, self-harm, school related issues, divorce and separation issues, and more. Our office is located near Denton, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, Roanoke, and Justin. If you are looking for a child, teen and adolescent therapist in Denton or surrounding areas, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation, 940-294-7061.
