Why Play Therapy Still Works for Older Kids — Even When They Can Talk
As children grow older, they become more verbal, more logical, and often more private. So when a child seems capable of holding conversations, many parents ask:
“Wouldn’t talk therapy be more appropriate now?”
It’s a valid question. But here’s what I’ve found again and again as a play therapist:
Just because a child can talk doesn’t mean they can process deep emotions through words.
Talking ≠ Emotional Processing
Nine-year-olds can explain a math problem or describe what happened on the playground — but when it comes to fear, shame, grief, or anger, words often fall short. That’s not a flaw. That’s developmentally normal.
Older children still feel first before they understand what they feel — and play gives them a direct outlet to explore those inner experiences safely and symbolically.
Play Is the Language of Safety
In Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), the toys are not just toys — they are words in action. A child may never say, “I feel powerless,” but you’ll see it in how they trap and free figures, how they set up obstacles, how they test boundaries and rules in the room.
Older kids especially benefit because:
They often have learned to mask their emotions in daily life
They’re navigating more complex peer pressure, self-image, and performance stress
They’re more likely to feel ashamed of vulnerability — but play disarms that pressure
When Talking Is Too Exposing, Play Gives Relief
Even articulate children may shut down when asked, “How are you feeling?”
In CCPT, we don’t push for answers. We create a space where what needs to come out naturally surfaces — through sand, art, movement, or dramatic scenes that mirror their inner world.
Play lets kids be in control of the pace and the process. And that’s incredibly healing.
But Isn’t Play Therapy Just for Younger Kids?
It’s a common myth.
CCPT isn’t just about age — it’s about how a child best processes emotional material. Think of it like this:
A 5-year-old might build their story with blocks
A 10-year-old might act it out with superhero battles
A 12-year-old might draw it in quiet metaphor or create a game around rules and justice
In all cases, the healing doesn’t come from explaining feelings — it comes from experiencing them safely with a therapist who offers reflection, acceptance, and consistency.
Real Confidence Doesn’t Come from Words Alone
I’ve worked with many older kids who’ve said little during sessions, but week by week, I watched their self-esteem grow, their anger settle, or their sadness shift — not because they were given advice, but because they were given space.
That’s what CCPT offers: not performance or persuasion, but presence.
Want to Know If CCPT Is Right for Your Older Child?
If your child is struggling with emotional outbursts, anxiety, low self-worth, or seems disconnected — even if they “seem fine” at school or can explain things well — they may still be carrying more than they can say.
I’m happy to talk with you about what therapy could look like for your child.
🧸 Schedule a free 15-minute parent consultation »
