“I Get That Play Therapy Works… But How?”

You’ve heard that play therapy helps kids—but maybe part of you still wonders, how exactly does it help?

If you’ve ever been in therapy yourself, you probably experienced something like this: You sat down with a therapist, talked about what was going on in your life, maybe explored your emotions, thoughts, patterns, or past experiences. And through that process, you gained new understanding, processed your feelings, or practiced new ways of coping.

Now imagine if your therapist had told you, “Instead of words, let’s process all of this using math equations.”
That would feel pretty frustrating, right? You’d probably shut down—or at least feel misunderstood.

That’s what it’s like for many children when we expect them to express and process their experiences through adult-style talking.

Kids Don’t Talk the Way Adults Do—They Play.

Children process emotions and life experiences through play the same way adults process through conversation. Play is how children express what’s going on inside, explore tough situations, and work through overwhelming emotions. It’s not just cute or fun—it’s communication, problem-solving, and healing in their native language.

In play therapy, toys become the child’s words. A sand tray can become their past. A puppet show can reveal their worries. A game of “good guy vs. bad guy” might be their way of processing powerlessness, conflict, or even fear.

Let’s Put It in Adult Terms

Still trying to picture it? Here are some adult-to-child therapy comparisons that might help:

• You vent to a friend after a hard day.
  A child throws playdough across the room after a frustrating school week.

• You tell your therapist how your boss made you feel invisible.
  A child draws themselves as a tiny figure next to a huge, loud parent puppet.

• You journal to make sense of a breakup.
  A child re-enacts a hospital scene over and over again in the dollhouse after a grandparent passed away.

• You explore boundaries and assertiveness with your therapist.
  A child sets up a fortress in the playroom and says, “No one’s allowed in unless I say so.”

Just like words help adults untangle what’s going on inside, play helps children do the same—but in a way that’s natural and accessible to them.

So What Does the Therapist Actually Do?

The play therapist isn’t “just watching them play.” We’re trained to track patterns, reflect emotions, and build safety in the relationship. We follow the child’s lead while offering a consistent structure and emotional presence. Over time, the play becomes more purposeful, and healing unfolds—because the child finally feels seen, heard, and understood.

Sometimes, a child will work out a trauma story over many sessions, using metaphor and imagination. Other times, they test limits, express anger safely, or show what it feels like to be out of control—all in the safety of a space where the goal is not to “fix” behavior but to understand what’s underneath it.

What Parents Often Say

Parents often tell me,

“I didn’t understand what was happening in there at first… but my child sleeps better now. They’re less reactive. They talk more. They don’t melt down as much.”

That’s the power of healing in their language.

So yes, play therapy works. And now, hopefully, you can see a little more clearly how it works, too.

If you're looking for a bilingual child therapist in Tustin, CA who specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy, I’d be honored to support your family. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Let’s work together to help your child feel understood, empowered, and emotionally safe—through the language of play. 🎨🧸🌱