“My child plays everyday already- how will playing with a therapist be different?”
Play is the most developmentally appropriate form of communication for children. Play therapists train in child psychotherapy and specialise in using play as the most gentle, child centred and effective modality for working therapeutically with children. They have studied children's behaviour to a postgraduate diploma or masters degree level and are highly trained professionals . Play therapist's approach is intentional and guided by clinical knowledge. The child chooses to play in ways they wish to giving a unique insight into each child's inner world as subconscious thoughts are played out. By using play to connect and build a trusting relationship where the child feels understood and validated, the therapist can start to work on what is happening and explore this with sensitivity and curiosity.
“Shouldn’t children just talk about their problems to the therapist?.”
Children can rarely verbalize trauma, difficulties, or complex feelings. Play offers an outlet that feels safe, familiar and comfortable so they can relax. The therapist offers resources and toys that are appropriate to the child's developmental stage neurologically. Therapists are looking for chosen themes, metaphors, body language and non verbal communication in a child more than they are looking for what the child speaks or says. When a child feels fully accepted without judgement or criticism in therapy they can work through their difficulties in a way that feels comfortable to them with the therapist's guidance.
“Isn't therapy mainly for children who are badly behaved or in care?”
Absolutely not! Play therapy can be recommended for looked after children because it is the most appropriate intervention for severe trauma. Play Therapy can equally support any child struggling with challenges everyday stress, transitions, social development or to build self esteem.
“Do children really know what stress or anxiety is?"
Babies can even experience stress in utero (in the womb) before they are even born! Anxiety, grief, anger, jealousy, fear, and even depression can happen at any age. Their brains and nervous systems are still developing, making big emotions more overwhelming, not less.
“The therapist isn’t asking lots of questions about the problems so how is it helping?”
None of us like feeling pressured or expected to justify or explain how we feel. Healing happens through joy, creativity, safe emotional expression and celebrating who we are and what makes us happy and feel fulfilled. Learning to focus on what makes a child happy about themselves and celebrate their strengths can help them to accept or overcome their difficulties.
"It's just a difficult phase, they will grow out of it eventually"
The belief that a child’s difficulties are “just a phase” and will pass on their own is a widespread but often harmful myth. While some developmental variations are temporary, dismissing persistent challenges can delay support and cause long‑term harm. “It’s just a phase” is often a myth that can cost children and families more than it saves. Early, informed support can make a big difference, and sometimes, the difference between a temporary hurdle and a lasting barrier.
“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil, is to forget ourselves.” Mahatma Gandhi