What is Play Therapy?

Play is a child’s natural way of expressing themselves, and play therapy provides them with the opportunity to “play out” their thoughts, feelings and problems in a non-directed way, in a safe environment with a caring therapist. In a play therapy session, the therapist follows the child’s lead and allows them to explore and play.

Why Play Therapy?

For children ages 3-12, play therapy is the most developmentally-appropriate approach. Toys act as the child’s words and play is the child’s language. Building on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships, Play Therapy allows children to make their internal world external.

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Play Therapy can be effective for children struggling with:

Depression, Anxiety, Aggression, Low Self-Esteem, Behavioral Struggles, Attachment Issues, Trauma, Grief, Learning disabilities, Family Struggles and much more.

Depression

Depression in children can often look different than it does in adults—showing up as irritability, withdrawal, low self-esteem, changes in sleep or appetite, or a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Because children may not yet have the language to fully express their inner experiences, traditional talk therapy may not always meet their developmental needs. That’s where play therapy becomes a powerful and effective approach.

Play therapy offers children a safe, developmentally appropriate space to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills—without needing to rely solely on words. Through play, children naturally communicate their thoughts, feelings, and struggles. A trained play therapist is attuned to the symbolic nature of a child’s play and uses this medium to help the child explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and develop a stronger sense of self.

Anxiety

Anxiety in children can show up in many ways—excessive worry, trouble sleeping, physical complaints like stomachaches, clinginess, avoidance, or difficulty concentrating. Because children are still developing the language and tools to understand and express their feelings, anxiety can often feel overwhelming and confusing. Play therapy offers a developmentally sensitive, emotionally safe way for children to work through their fears, worries, and stress.

In play therapy, children are free to explore their inner world using symbols, stories, art, and imagination. A trained play therapist gently guides this process, helping the child identify and express their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build confidence—all within the context of a supportive and trusting relationship.

For children struggling with anxiety, play therapy can:

Help externalize worry so it feels more manageable and less overwhelming
Teach calming and coping skills through games, storytelling, and creative expression
Strengthen a child’s sense of safety, competence, and control
Build emotional awareness and resilience in a way that feels natural and engaging

Rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms, play therapy supports healing at the root—helping children understand their feelings, trust themselves, and move through the world with more ease and confidence.

ADHD

Children with ADHD often face unique challenges—difficulty with attention and focus, impulsivity, high energy levels, and trouble managing frustration. These challenges can impact their self-esteem, relationships, school performance, and overall emotional well-being. While behavior-focused strategies are often helpful, they don’t always address the emotional layers beneath the surface. Play therapy offers a compassionate, developmentally appropriate way to support the whole child—not just their symptoms.

In play therapy, children have the space to explore their inner world through creative expression, imaginative play, and relational connection. A trained play therapist gently guides the child in developing greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills, all while building a strong therapeutic relationship rooted in safety and trust.

For children with ADHD, play therapy can:

Enhance self-regulation by helping them learn to pause, reflect, and manage impulses within the structure of play
Improve focus and frustration tolerance in an environment that honors their developmental pace
Build self-esteem by highlighting strengths, creativity, and successes within the play process
Support social skills and emotional connection through role play, games, and relationship-based interactions

Play therapy doesn’t aim to “fix” a child with ADHD—it supports them in understanding themselves, navigating challenges with more confidence, and feeling valued just as they are.

Attachment issues

Attachment issues often stem from early relational wounds—experiences of inconsistency, neglect, loss, or trauma that can disrupt a child’s sense of safety in relationships. Children with attachment challenges may struggle to trust others, regulate emotions, or feel secure in themselves and their environment. These patterns can show up as clinginess, withdrawal, controlling behaviors, aggression, or difficulty forming healthy connections.

Play therapy provides a powerful, relationally focused approach to support children in healing attachment wounds. Because play is the natural language of children, it allows them to express what they may not yet have words for—especially when it comes to feelings of fear, abandonment, or confusion around relationships.

In a play therapy setting, the therapist at Relationship Enrichment Center in Matthews, NC becomes a safe, consistent presence who offers attuned, nonjudgmental connection. Over time, this therapeutic relationship becomes a model for secure attachment and emotional trust.

Play therapy can support children with attachment issues by:

Creating a safe, consistent space where the child experiences predictability, attunement, and acceptance
Helping the child explore and process relational wounds in developmentally appropriate ways
Modeling healthy boundaries, trust, and repair within the therapeutic relationship
Building emotional resilience and a stronger, more secure sense of self

Through the power of play and relationship, children with attachment difficulties can begin to rewrite their internal story—one where connection is safe, emotions are manageable, and they are deeply worthy of love and belonging.

What happens in a play therapy session?

Children are given the freedom to choose to play in whatever way they like; therefore, play therapy sessions can take many different forms, depending on the individual child.

How long will my child need to attend Play Therapy?

The length of the therapy process depends on each individual child. Most children have experienced growth by 20 weeks, which is also the national average.

At Relationship Enrichment Center in Matthews, NC, we utilize a family systems approach, which means that when a child is engaged in play therapy, the therapist will work with the parents on a monthly basis in parenting sessions. The goal of the parenting sessions is to have a space for the therapist to share themes that are showing up in the play room as well as to offer strategies that the parents can utilize at home to support their child’s therapeutic process.

To get started with play therapy for your child, you can click the start today button below or call our intake coordinator at 704-804-0810.

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