What Does Therapy Look Like for Children?

What Does Therapy Look Like for Children?

When people think of therapy, they often imagine talking through feelings on a couch. But for children—especially younger ones—therapy looks different. That’s because children communicate through play long before they can clearly express their thoughts and emotions with words.

In my practice, I use play-based therapy to help children feel safe, seen, and supported. For children ages 5–12, this approach allows us to explore big feelings like fear, anger, sadness, and even shame in a way that feels natural and engaging. In the playroom, all emotions are welcome—even the uncomfortable ones.

Play with Purpose

Play in therapy is never just play. For younger children, we use toys, art, storytelling, and games to work through challenges and build emotional understanding. As a trained therapist, I guide sessions with intention—setting gentle limits, encouraging emotional expression, and noticing important patterns or themes that emerge in a child’s play.

With older children, play therapy becomes more structured and directive. We might introduce coping tools like deep breathing or mindfulness, practice emotional regulation skills, or role-play challenging situations. The goal is to create a space where children can safely explore their inner world and build the tools they need to thrive outside the therapy room.

Involving Parents: A Systemic Approach

Working with children is never just about the child alone. In fact, I view child therapy as systemic work—because children don’t grow in isolation. That’s why I integrate parent sessions as a regular and essential part of my practice.

Parent sessions give us time to discuss what’s happening in therapy, explore how those themes show up at home, and equip you with strategies that support your child’s growth. Whether it’s using a calming technique, understanding your child’s triggers, or reinforcing emotional language, the tools we use in therapy can be most effective when they’re carried into daily life.

My role is not just to support your child, but to walk alongside your family—so you can all move toward greater connection, understanding, and resilience.

Curious if therapy might be right for your child? I’d be honored to talk with you about what support can look like.

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