Play Therapy for Children 3-8

Expressive Therapy

Expressive therapies allow children to engage in counselling in a developmentally appropriate way. This may be done through art, toys, sand tray, role play, and puppets. For older children a combination of play and talk therapy is often appropriate.

Play Therapy

Many caregivers hear about play therapy but are unsure about how it can help. A therapeutic play room contains carefully selected materials and toys that allow children to express themselves in a variety of ways. Through the development of a trusting relationship, and with the help of these materials children can express what is troubling them without having to use words. Play therapy can allow children to learn social skills, improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and work through traumatic experiences. Play therapy is evidence based and backed by years of research.

Play therapy may be helpful to your child if they are dealing with:

  • A traumatic event
  • Behavioral concerns at home or at school
  • Difficulty making friends/maintaining friendships
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Separation or Divorce

This video provides a great overview of play therapy and why it works: