How Do I Know If My Child Might Benefit From Play Therapy?
As a parent or carer, you know your child better than anyone. You may notice when something doesn't quite seem like them, when their behaviour begins to change, or when they appear to be finding something particularly difficult.
Sometimes the reason is clear. There may have been a bereavement, a change within the family, difficulties at school or another significant experience.
At other times, it can be much harder to understand what is happening.
You might simply have a feeling that your child is struggling.
If that's where you are, you may be wondering whether play therapy could help.
Children don't always tell us how they're feeling
Adults often rely on words to explain what's happening for us. Children don't necessarily communicate in the same way.
A child may not yet have the words to describe an emotion or experience. They may not fully understand what they're feeling themselves, or talking about it directly may simply feel too difficult.
Instead, feelings can sometimes show themselves through behaviour, play, relationships or changes in the way a child responds to the world around them.
This is one of the reasons play can be so valuable therapeutically.
Play provides children with another way to communicate and explore their experiences without relying solely on spoken language.
What might I notice in my child?
There isn't a single sign that tells us a child would benefit from play therapy, and every child will respond differently when they are finding something difficult.
You might, however, notice changes such as:
becoming more worried, fearful or anxious
experiencing bigger emotions or becoming overwhelmed more easily
becoming quieter or more withdrawn
increased anger, frustration or challenging behaviour
difficulties with friendships or relationships
changes in confidence or self-esteem
difficulties settling or coping at school
changes following bereavement, separation or another significant life event
difficulties adjusting to changes within the family
changes in sleep or recurring worries
behaviour that seems difficult to understand
Some of these things can be a normal part of childhood and don't necessarily mean that a child needs therapy.
What can be helpful is noticing whether something is persisting, becoming more intense, affecting different areas of your child's life, or simply causing you concern as their parent or carer.
You don't need to wait until things reach crisis point before asking for support.
What if I don't know what's causing it?
That's okay.
Parents sometimes worry that they need to know exactly what has happened, what their child is feeling or what kind of support they need before contacting a therapist.
You don't.
You might be able to say:
"They just don't seem like themselves."
Or:
"Something has changed, but I'm not sure why."
Those observations matter.
You don't need to know exactly what your child is experiencing before having an initial conversation about whether therapeutic support might be appropriate.
So, what is play therapy?
Play therapy is a child-centred therapeutic approach that gives children a safe and supportive space to express themselves through play and creative media.
Depending on the child, this might include art, sand, clay, puppets, storytelling, imaginative play, movement or music.
The child isn't expected to sit opposite a therapist and explain what's troubling them.
Instead, they are given opportunities to communicate and explore their experiences in ways that can feel more natural to them.
The therapeutic relationship provides a consistent, accepting space where the child can explore at their own pace and without judgement.
Find out more about Play Therapy →
Does my child need to be able to talk about what's happened?
No.
In fact, this is one of the reasons a parent might consider play therapy.
A child may not have the words to explain what they're experiencing. They may know that something feels difficult without being able to describe why.
Play therapy doesn't depend on a child being able or willing to give a detailed verbal account of their experiences.
Their play and creative expression can provide other ways of communicating and exploring their inner world.
What can play therapy support?
Children may come to play therapy for many different reasons.
These can include emotional difficulties, anxiety and worries, bereavement and loss, family separation, difficult or traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, changes at home or school, low confidence, communication difficulties or challenges with emotional regulation.
However, play therapy isn't about finding something that is “wrong” with a child.
Nor is it about changing who they are.
It is about providing a therapeutic relationship and environment in which a child can feel safe, accepted and supported while exploring what they may be experiencing.
What happens if I contact a play therapist?
Getting in touch doesn't mean you've committed your child to therapy.
An initial conversation provides an opportunity to explain what you've noticed, talk about your concerns and consider whether play therapy might be appropriate.
Sometimes another type of support may be more suitable, and that is okay too.
The important thing is finding support that is appropriate for the individual child.
Trust what you're noticing
You don't need a diagnosis, a crisis or a perfectly clear explanation before asking for support.
If you've noticed a change in your child's emotional wellbeing or behaviour, or you're simply wondering whether they might benefit from having a therapeutic space of their own, it's reasonable to explore that question.
Asking for more information doesn't commit you to anything.
Sometimes it is simply the first step towards understanding what support might be helpful.
Play Therapy in Norwich & Norfolk
I'm Amy, a Certified Play Therapist and founder of Little Buds Creative Therapies.
I provide child-centred play therapy for children and young people in Norwich and across Norfolk.
If you're wondering whether play therapy might be suitable for your child, you're welcome to get in touch. We can have an initial conversation about what you've been noticing and consider together whether play therapy may be an appropriate next step.
Where little buds are supported to flourish.
