Play Therapy

When Should You Consider Play psychotherapy for Your Child?

Is your child struggling with things like bullying, anxiety, nightmares, behavior issues, or even trauma? You might notice that they don’t always have the words to express what they’re going through. Instead, they may act out their feelings in different ways—becoming withdrawn, lashing out, or having trouble concentrating. That’s where play psychotherapy comes in. It’s a safe, creative space for children to express their feelings and begin to heal.

What Exactly is Play psychotherapy?

Play psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to help young children work through their emotions and experiences. Since children are still learning how to communicate with words, they often use play as a way to process their thoughts and feelings. Think of it as their way of “talking” through their struggles.

Through play, children can act out situations and emotions, reenacting their thoughts and challenges. For example, if a child has experienced the loss of a pet, they might play out the scenario where the pet gets sick and is “cured” by them. By repeating this play over time, the child slowly starts to process and understand their feelings of loss and grief, which helps them feel more in control.

Sometimes, if a child is angry, they may use their dolls or toys to act out frustration, like “punishing” a doll or sending it to bed without dinner. This is their way of expressing anger, possibly toward a parent or sibling. By using play as a tool, children can reenact tough situations, giving them a sense of control over what’s happening inside.

How Can Play psychotherapy Help Your Child?

The beauty of play psychotherapy is that it helps children express their emotions in a way that feels comfortable and natural for them. A therapist interprets the child’s play, offering understanding and guidance that helps them cope with anxiety, fears, and difficult emotions. Through play, children start to learn healthier ways to deal with their feelings, improving their communication skills and building better relationships with others.

Play psychotherapy isn’t just about fun—it’s a powerful way to help children work through challenges and gain insight into their own emotions.

Our Psychotherapy Process: How We Can Help You Get Started

Starting play psychotherapy for your child is easy and doesn’t require much preparation. Simply give us a call, and we’ll help match you with a therapist who can best meet your child’s needs.

During your first session, we’ll take the time to get to know your child and understand what they’re going through. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions about how psychotherapy works and what you can expect moving forward.

If you decide to continue after the first session, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments and work together to create a treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to your child’s needs, personality, and unique background.

To get started, just call Dr. Asif at +1 630 774 8316 or Dr. Yasmeen at +1 630 674 1138. We’re here to guide you through this process.

What About Parents—Do They Get Involved?

Yes, parents are an important part of the process. While some sessions may be just with the child, others may involve you as a parent. The therapist will keep you updated on your child’s progress and provide guidance on how you can support your child at home.

Confidentiality is key in creating a safe environment where children can fully express themselves without worrying about how their parents might react. Additionally, therapists may offer family psychotherapy sessions to work together and create a more supportive environment for your child’s healing.