Play Focused Therapy
Playful Expression, Meaningful Healing.
Play is more than just fun, it’s a vital way for children to explore the world, learn new skills, and make sense of their experiences. Play focused therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children can express themselves through the language they know best: play. Through activities like storytelling with dolls, building with blocks, or painting emotions, children can communicate thoughts and feelings that are hard to put into words while navigating challenges and understanding their emotions.
In this guided environment, the therapist observes and gently supports the child, helping them process feelings and develop coping tools. Play focused therapy helps children build resilience, reduce anxiety, improve communication, and foster self-awareness. Designed for ages 3 to 12, it empowers children to find their voice, embrace creativity, and develop strategies to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
What Is Play Focused Therapy?
Emotional Expression – Provides children a safe way to express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words.
Resilience and Coping Skills – Helps children develop strategies for navigating challenges and managing emotions effectively.
Problem-Solving and Creativity – Encourages exploration, experimentation, and creative thinking through play activities.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress – Offers a supportive environment that can help children feel more secure and less anxious.
Enhanced Communication and Self-Awareness – Supports growth in social skills, self-understanding, and the ability to connect with others.
What Are The Benefits?
Play-focused therapy is designed primarily for children, typically ages 3–12, who may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings with words alone. It’s ideal for kids experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, grief, trauma, social difficulties, or emotional regulation struggles. This approach can also benefit children who simply need a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop confidence, all through play, creativity, and age-appropriate activities.
Who Is It For?
Parents play an important, supportive role in play-focused therapy. They help by providing background information about their child’s behaviors, challenges, and strengths, and by reinforcing skills and strategies learned in therapy at home. While the child leads much of the session through play and creative activities, parents often participate in occasional check-ins, guidance sessions, or family components to stay informed and support their child’s progress. Their involvement helps create consistency, understanding, and a stronger partnership in the child’s healing and growth.
The Parent’s Role
“Watching my child struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem was incredibly hard. Coffee Talk Therapy gave them a place where they felt safe, heard, and truly supported. Over time, I’ve seen their confidence grow and their anxiety ease, and as a parent, that means everything.”
— JESSICA, COFFEE TALK THERAPY CLIENT PARENT
