Play Therapy is a proven, therapeutic process that helps children express emotions, grow socially, build confidence, and heal from things they may not yet have words for.” At Bridge to Balance, we combine decades of clinical experience with trauma-informed care to support children and families through play in ways that feel safe, empowering, and meaningful.
Play Therapy is a special kind of therapy where play is the language children naturally use to express feelings, thoughts, and experiences they don’t yet have words for. Because young brains may struggle to describe emotions like sadness, fear, or anger verbally, play becomes the voice of the child in a therapeutic space.
Therapists trained in Play Therapy observe how children play, interact, create scenes, tell stories with toys, or build worlds in sand. From these behaviors, they gently guide children toward coping skills, emotional awareness, and healthier behavior patterns — all within the safety of a therapeutic relationship.
Think of it as talk therapy through play — where dolls, blocks, sand trays, art, or games become tools for deep healing.
Play Therapy works because it meets children where they are — in their natural world of play. Here’s why it’s so effective:
Kids tell stories and express emotions through play long before they can with words. Play Therapy taps into that language.
Children often feel safer than in traditional talk therapy because play feels familiar and fun, not intimidating.
A skilled therapist uses play to build a trusting bond — a corrective emotional experience that itself helps healing.
Play Therapy can be adapted to fit your child’s needs — like calming sand play for big feelings, expressive art for self-exploration, or guided activities that teach cooperative skills.
At Bridge to Balance, our Play Therapy sessions are designed to be engaging and developmental:
Sessions are usually once a week, about 45 minutes long.
Children play freely or with gentle guidance from a licensed therapist.
Toys, sand trays, art supplies, blocks, puppets, or games are used as communication tools — a way for children to show their inner world.
Sessions can be directive (therapist leads with intentional activities) or non-directive (child leads with self-chosen play).
Parents often receive guidance so they can support progress at home.
At Bridge to Balance, we also offer Sand Play Therapy Group sessions, where kids build small worlds together to improve social skills and emotional insight.
Play Therapy supports children facing a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges, such as:
Kids learn to identify and understand emotions — like anger, sadness, fear, or joy — in a safe setting.
Play in therapeutic settings teaches healthy play, cooperation, empathy, and confidence with peers.
Play Therapy gives children tools to reduce worry and express stress indirectly.
Play allows therapists to understand the motivations behind behaviors and help children build better coping strategies.
Play offers pathways to process difficult experiences — especially powerful when combined with trauma-informed approaches like TraumaPlay.
Children with ADHD, ASD, or communication challenges can benefit because play builds skills in a supportive, adaptive way.
Studies find meaningful positive change for up to 71% of children referred to Play Therapy.
Key benefits:
Strong coping strategies
Better emotion expression
Improved social skills and empathy
Greater confidence and resilience
Research also shows Play Therapy can reduce anxiety, improve problem-solving, and help children take responsibility for behavior — all essential for lifelong well-being.
A Play Therapist isn’t a babysitter — they are licensed, trained professionals who understand child development, trauma, behavior, and therapeutic theory.
They:
At Bridge to Balance, our clinicians specialize not just in Play Therapy - but in Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, DBT Groups, and other modalities that integrate seamlessly with play-based work when needed.
Play Therapy is often part of a comprehensive care plan, which may include:
Combining mindfulness with creative practices enhances emotional regulation.
Kids in therapeutic groups learn from peers and practice social skills.
Especially helpful for emotion management, which pairs powerfully with play strategies.
Each child is unique - our therapists tailor the path to your child’s needs.
Play Therapy isn’t “one and done.” It evolves over time.
Your therapist will:
This makes Play Therapy both therapeutic and transformative for family life.
At Bridge to Balance, we blend clinical excellence with a warm, supportive, and modern environment where children feel safe to explore and heal. Our Play Therapy program:
✨ Uses developmentally informed, evidence-based methods
✨ Offers individualized sessions and group options
✨ Is delivered by licensed, trauma-trained clinicians
✨ Connects to larger plans (like family support, mindfulness, or trauma-informed care)
We meet children where they are and help them build strength that lasts.
Ready to explore Play Therapy for your child?
Request a consultation with our team to learn more and create a personalized support plan.
Ask about telehealth options, in-person sessions, or group programs like Sand Play Therapy Groups.
You’re not alone. With expert guidance and a nurturing space where play becomes growth, healing, and confidence, your child can thrive.