Play Therapy in Baltimore & How It Helps Kids
If you’ve ever watched a child play, you know it’s more than just fun and games. Play is how kids express themselves, make sense of their world, and process emotions. But did you know it can also be a powerful tool for therapy? That’s where play therapy comes in.
So, what exactly is play therapy, and why is it so effective for children? If your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or emotional regulation, play therapy might be the missing piece. It’s designed to help kids communicate feelings they might not have words for, build healthy coping skills, and process difficult experiences, all through play.
IN THIS ARTICLE WE’LL BREAK DOWN:
What play therapy is and how it works
Who can benefit from it
Why it’s an evidence-based approach to child therapy
How to get started with a licensed play therapist
What Is Play Therapy?
Ever noticed how kids act out stories with their toys, draw pictures of their feelings, or build entire worlds with blocks? That’s because play is a child’s natural way of expressing emotions, working through problems, and making sense of their experiences. Play therapy takes that instinct and turns it into a structured way to help children heal, grow, and communicate.
So, what exactly is play therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach used by licensed mental health professionals to help children express their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels safe and natural to them, through play. Instead of sitting down for a traditional talk therapy session (which can be tough for younger kids), children use toys, games, art, sand trays, and role-playing to process their emotions.
In a play therapy session, a therapist might:
Use puppets or dolls to help a child express fears or worries.
Encourage drawing or painting to explore emotions.
Introduce puzzles or sensory play to manage stress.
Let kids build or act out situations with toy figures or blocks to process experiences.
The therapist observes, guides, and helps children work through emotions, fears, or behavioral challenges in a way that makes sense to them. Over time, kids develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety, all through activities that feel natural and engaging.
The key takeaway?
Play therapy isn’t just “playing.” It’s a powerful, research-backed way for kids to work through emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience, without the pressure of needing to “talk it out” like an adult.
What Is Play Therapy Used For?
So, what is play therapy used for? In simple terms, it helps kids process emotions, manage behavior, and develop healthy coping skills, all in a way that feels natural to them.
If your child is struggling with anxiety, anger, trauma, or social difficulties, they might not have the words to explain how they feel. Play therapy gives them a way to express, understand, and work through their emotions without needing to say everything out loud.
Here are some of the most common reasons children and teens might benefit from play therapy:
Anxiety & Stress Management
Kids experience stress just like adults, but instead of worrying about bills or work, their stress comes from school pressures, social struggles, or even changes at home. Play therapy helps children express their fears and teaches them healthy ways to manage anxiety.
Trauma & PTSD Recovery
Children who have gone through a loss, a scary experience, or any form of trauma often replay events in their minds, but they may not be able to talk about it. Play therapy provides a safe space to process difficult emotions, helping kids regain a sense of security.
Behavioral Challenges & Emotional Regulation
If your child has frequent tantrums, trouble controlling emotions, or struggles with impulse control, play therapy can help. Through guided activities, kids learn self-regulation skills, better ways to express frustration, and how to communicate their needs effectively.
Social Skills & Communication Development
For children who struggle with social anxiety, shyness, or difficulty making friends, play therapy can improve emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. It helps kids understand feelings, both their own and others’, and learn how to navigate friendships in a healthy way.
Grief & Loss
Children process grief differently than adults, often through actions rather than words. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a pet, or even a major life transition, play therapy gives kids a way to express their sadness and adjust to change in a supportive environment.
ADHD & Neurodivergence Support
For kids with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or other neurodivergent traits, play therapy can improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It provides structured, therapeutic activities that cater to their unique ways of thinking and processing emotions.
Parent-Child Relationship Strengthening
Struggles at home? Family-based play therapy helps strengthen the parent-child bond, improve communication, and reduce behavioral conflicts in a non-confrontational way.
The Bottom Line
Play therapy isn’t just for one specific issue, it’s a versatile, evidence-based approach that helps children handle life’s challenges, no matter how big or small. Whether a child is struggling with emotions, behavior, or social skills, play therapy meets them at their level, in a way they naturally understand.
Who Needs and Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
You might be wondering, “Is play therapy right for my child?” The truth is, play therapy isn’t just for kids with big emotional struggles, it can benefit any child who has difficulty expressing emotions, managing stress, or navigating life changes.
So, who exactly benefits from play therapy?
1. Children Experiencing Anxiety or Depression
If your child worries excessively, avoids certain activities, or seems unusually withdrawn, they may be struggling with anxiety or depression. Play therapy helps kids express what’s weighing them down in a way that feels natural and safe.
💡A child with social anxiety might use dolls or puppets to act out difficult interactions, helping them process their fears and develop confidence.
2. Kids with Behavioral Challenges (Tantrums, Aggression, Impulse Control)
Is your child acting out, having frequent meltdowns, or struggling with impulse control? Play therapy helps them learn emotional regulation and coping strategies in a way that makes sense to them.
💡A child struggling with anger might use playdough or sensory toys to learn self-soothing techniques, helping them stay calm in frustrating situations.
3. Children Who Have Experienced Trauma or Loss
Whether it’s a divorce, loss of a loved one, bullying, or a traumatic event, kids often don’t have the words to explain their pain. Play therapy allows them to process these experiences in a safe and supported way.
💡A child who lost a family member might use a sandbox or storytelling play to express their emotions and make sense of their loss.
4. Kids with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
For children with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits, play therapy can help improve focus, impulse control, social skills, and self-regulation.
💡A therapist might use structured play to help a child with ADHD practice taking turns, following instructions, and managing frustration in a way that’s engaging and low-pressure.
5. Children Struggling with Social Skills or Peer Relationships
Does your child have trouble making friends, understanding social cues, or feeling comfortable in group settings? Play therapy provides a safe space to practice social interactions in a way that feels natural.
💡A child might role-play different social situations using dolls or board games, allowing them to practice communication and conflict resolution skills before applying them in real life.
6. Children Going Through Major Life Changes
Kids thrive on routine, so big life transitions, like moving to a new city, welcoming a new sibling, or adjusting to a blended family, can feel overwhelming. Play therapy helps them process these changes in a way they understand.
💡A child adjusting to a new school might use figurines to act out their school day, helping them feel more prepared and less anxious.
7. Parent-Child Relationship Struggles
Sometimes, miscommunication, frustration, or emotional distance can strain the parent-child bond. Parent-child play therapy helps rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and create a deeper connection.
💡A parent and child might engage in guided play activities that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional expression, helping them feel closer and more connected.
Does My Child Need Play Therapy?
If you’re noticing signs of stress, emotional struggles, behavioral issues, or difficulty with social interactions, play therapy can be a great tool to help your child process their emotions, build confidence, and develop coping skills.
Play therapy is NOT just for kids with severe issues, it’s a powerful tool for any child who needs support navigating their world.
Why Is Play Therapy So Effective?
One of the biggest reasons play therapy works so well is because it meets children where they are.
Young kids don’t process emotions the way adults do. They don’t always have the words to express feelings like sadness, anger, or fear. But through play, they can act out their emotions in a safe, controlled environment.
Play therapy allows children to “practice” real-life situations. Whether it’s learning to handle frustration, work through fears, or develop social skills, play therapy provides a low-pressure space for children to build emotional intelligence.
It helps rewire the brain. Research on neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change) shows that play therapy helps create new neural connections that improve emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
Who Recommends Play Therapy?
Play therapy is widely recognized and endorsed by mental health professionals, including:
It’s also commonly used in schools, hospitals, and trauma recovery centers as a standard therapeutic approach for children.
Does Play Therapy Work for Every Child?
Like any form of therapy, play therapy is most effective when it’s consistent and tailored to the child’s needs. Some children show improvements in just a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support.
However, studies show that when play therapy is used by a trained professional and supported by parental involvement, it has a high success rate in helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges.
Is Play Therapy Worth It?
If your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or social challenges, play therapy is an evidence-based, research-backed approach that can help them feel understood, develop coping skills, and build confidence.
How to Get Started with Play Therapy
Now that you know what play therapy is and how it can help, you might be wondering: “How do I find the right play therapist for my child?” or “What should I expect in a session?”
Getting started with play therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know.
Finding a Qualified Play Therapist
Not all therapists specialize in play therapy, so it’s important to look for someone with the right training and credentials. Here’s what to check for:
Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Certification – This means the therapist has specialized training in play therapy techniques.
Licensed Mental Health Professional – Look for a licensed counselor (LPC), social worker (LCSW), psychologist (PhD or PsyD), or marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who works with children.
Experience with Your Child’s Specific Needs – If your child has anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or social difficulties, make sure the therapist has experience treating those issues.
How to Find a Play Therapist Near You:
Search the Association for Play Therapy (APT) directory
Ask your child’s pediatrician or school counselor for recommendations
Check therapy directories like Psychology Today
Look for local mental health clinics that specialize in child therapy
Or schedule a session today with one of our specialized child’s therapists
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?
If you’re new to the idea of play therapy, you might wonder:
Step 1:
The child enters a “play therapy room” – This is a safe, welcoming space filled with toys, art supplies, games, and other tools designed for therapeutic play.
Step 2:
Free or guided play begins – Depending on the child’s needs, the therapist may allow the child to play freely or introduce structured activities to help with emotional expression.
Step 3:
Observations & gentle guidance – The therapist watches how the child plays, looking for themes or behaviors that reveal emotions, fears, or conflicts. They may ask open-ended questions or introduce role-playing exercises to help the child work through feelings.
Step 4:
Processing & skill-building – The therapist helps the child label emotions, build problem-solving skills, and practice self-regulation techniques in a way that feels natural.
Step 5:
Parent involvement (in some cases) – Some play therapy approaches involve family sessions to improve communication and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Each session is tailored to the child, allowing them to explore emotions at their own pace in a non-threatening environment.
How Long Does Play Therapy Take?
Just like any therapy, play therapy isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a process. The number of sessions depends on the child’s needs, the severity of the issue, and their response to therapy.
Average duration:
Some children show progress in 8–12 sessions
More complex emotional or behavioral challenges may require longer-term therapy
The therapist will work with parents to set goals and track progress to ensure the child is making improvements.
How Can Parents Support Play Therapy at Home?
Play therapy works best when parents are involved and supportive. Here’s how you can reinforce the benefits at home:
Encourage open-ended play – Give your child time to express emotions through drawing, storytelling, or pretend play.
Validate their feelings – Instead of dismissing emotions, try phrases like “I see you’re feeling frustrated. Want to talk about it?”
Practice patience – Some progress happens in therapy sessions, but real change takes time, consistency, and support.
Communicate with the therapist – Ask for feedback and ways to support your child’s progress outside of sessions.
Taking the First Step
If your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, or emotional expression, play therapy can be a transformative tool in helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered.
The most important step? Reaching out to a qualified play therapist and getting the support your child needs.
If you’re considering play therapy, why not take the next step today? A simple consultation with one of our therapists could be the start of a brighter, healthier future for your child.
Author
MEET THE SBCS TEAM
At Space Between Counseling Services (SBCS), we're a team of diverse therapists passionate about enriching your mental health through insightful articles. Licensed across MD, NM, DE, DC (District of Columbia), and FL, we blend expertise in anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, striving for inclusivity in every piece we write.
Our collective voice aims to guide, educate, and support you through modern life's complexities.