Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Thrive Through Play
Is your child struggling with anxiety, difficult behaviors, or having a hard time expressing their feelings? Play therapy offers a safe and effective way for children to heal and grow. At Grief Recovery Center in Houston, TX, our experienced child therapists specialize in play therapy, providing tailored support for children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. We use proven techniques to help children develop coping skills, build self-confidence, and improve their overall well-being through the power of play. Call us today to learn more.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a special type of counseling that uses play to help children understand and work through their feelings. Because children often have difficulty expressing themselves with words, play therapy provides a natural and comfortable way for them to communicate.
Using toys like puppets, dolls, art supplies, and sand trays, trained therapists guide children in:
- Expressing emotions they struggle to verbalize: helping them find healthy ways to show how they feel, like anger, sadness, or fear.
- Processing experiences in a healthy way: especially after difficult events like a loss, a move, or changes in the family.
- Building problem-solving and social skills: learning how to make friends, share, and handle disagreements in a positive way.
Play therapy is an effective tool for addressing stress, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges, providing a supportive space to help the child grieve, build confidence and develop emotional resilience.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Play therapy works by creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can freely express themselves through play. Our therapists actively engage with your child, using toys, art, sand, and storytelling to help them explore their feelings, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies.
For example, if a child is dealing with anger, the therapist might use a punching bag or clay to help them express those feelings in a safe way. The therapist observes, listens, and provides gentle guidance, building a trusting relationship with the child to support their emotional journey.
This process allows children to gain confidence, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience—all through the language of play.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a valuable resource for children between the ages of 3 and 12 who are facing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It can be especially helpful for children experiencing:
- Emotional challenges: Children dealing with anxiety, grief, or stress may find it hard to communicate their feelings. Play therapy helps them express emotions in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.
- Behavioral issues: Frequent outbursts, aggression, withdrawal, or trouble following rules may signal underlying struggles. Through play, children can explore their emotions and learn healthier ways to cope.
- Trauma or major life changes: Whether a child is navigating a divorce, the loss of a loved one, or another major transition, play therapy provides a supportive environment to process these experiences at their own pace.
- Developmental concerns: including communication delays, social skills deficits, challenges with emotional regulation, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder.
If your child is showing signs of emotional distress or behavioral changes, play therapy can provide the support they need to thrive.
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy offers numerous benefits for children, helping them develop essential emotional and social skills that will last a lifetime. With the guidance of our experienced therapists, play therapy can help children:
- Improve Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way, reducing tantrums, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Develop better ways to express their needs and feelings, leading to improved relationships with family and friends.
- Build Confidence and Resilience: Discover their strengths and develop coping strategies to handle challenges, boosting their self-esteem and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- Promote Long-Term Well-Being: Develop stronger relationships, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall emotional health, setting them up for success in school and life.
By providing a safe and supportive space for self-discovery, play therapy empowers children to navigate their world with greater confidence and ease.
What to Expect in a Play Therapy Session
Understanding what to expect in a play therapy session can help both you and your child feel more comfortable. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- The First Session: The initial session is focused on helping your child feel safe and comfortable in the playroom. Our therapist will spend time getting to know your child, building rapport, and observing how they interact with the toys and activities. We’ll also gather information from you about your child’s history and current challenges.
- Parental Involvement: While the sessions are primarily child-led, we believe that parental involvement is crucial for success. We’ll provide you with regular updates on your child’s progress, strategies to support them at home, and guidance on reinforcing positive behaviors. We may also schedule separate parent sessions to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.
- Session Frequency & Duration: Sessions are typically held weekly and last for 45-50 minutes. The number of sessions needed will depend on your child’s individual needs and progress. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your child’s specific goals.
Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where your child can express themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive.
How Long Does Play Therapy Take?
The length of play therapy varies depending on your child’s individual needs, challenges, and progress. Some children may benefit from short-term support, lasting a few months, while others may need ongoing sessions for a year or more to fully develop emotional coping skills.
Several factors can influence the duration of play therapy, including:
- The Severity of the Issues: Children dealing with complex trauma or severe behavioral problems may require longer-term therapy.
- The Child’s Engagement: Children who are actively engaged in the therapy process and willing to explore their feelings tend to make progress more quickly.
- Parental Involvement and Support: Parents who are actively involved in supporting their child’s therapy at home can significantly accelerate the healing process.
Signs of progress in play therapy include improved emotional regulation, enhanced social skills, increased confidence, and a greater ability to handle challenges. We will regularly assess your child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure they are receiving the most effective care.
Get Support from Experienced Play Therapy Specialists
Our team of experienced play therapy specialists is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment to help children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. We are passionate about creating a safe space where children can express themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive.
Dr. Dorothy Florian-Lacy
Casey Chauvenet
Monica Starovic
Steal Adcock
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy in Houston
We understand that you may have questions about play therapy. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Get Started with Play Therapy in Houston
Taking the first step toward helping your child navigate emotional and behavioral challenges can make a significant difference in their well-being. Our experienced play therapy specialists are here to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to express themselves and grow.
We offer flexible appointment options and can discuss insurance coverage or payment plans to fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how play therapy can support your child’s development.
