Unlocking Growth Through Play: How Play-Based Therapy Helps Children Thrive

As parents, we want to support our children in the best way possible, especially when they face emotional, social, or developmental challenges. One powerful and effective approach is play-based drama therapy. But why is play so essential for a child’s well-being, and how does it foster emotional growth and resilience?

The Language of Play

Play is the natural language of children! Through play, they explore their world, express emotions, and make sense of complex experiences. In a safe and supportive therapeutic setting, children use play to build self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of control over their emotions.

Children thrive when they can experiment with cause and effect in a structured environment. Play therapy & drama therapy provide this space, allowing them to work alongside a trained professional in developmental and mental health practice. Using toys, actions, narratives, and metaphors, children externalize their internal world, making it easier to process and understand their feelings.

When Might Your Child Benefit from Play-Based Drama Therapy?

There are many reasons to consider play/drama-based therapy for your child. Some include:

• ADHD

• Giftedness

• Autism (ASD) 

• Emotional dysregulation

• Trauma or grief

• Behavioral challenges

• Difficulty communicating or making friends

• Selective mutism

• Recent life changes (such as divorce, relocation, or new siblings)

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety or difficulty adjusting to a new diagnosis

If you have a hunch that therapy might help your child, it is worth exploring the benefits of a play-based approach.

Supporting Neurodivergent Kids: ADHD, ASD, Gifted, 2e (Twice-Exceptional) and Highly Intense (GTIm) Children

Children who are twice-exceptional (gifted and have learning differences or another diagnosis/exceptionality such as ADHD, Autism, or mental health issues) or are highly intense often experience asynchronous development, meaning they may have advanced abilities in some areas but struggle in others. Play-based Drama therapy provides a space where they can instinctively explore their unique needs without pressure.

In this setting, the child takes the lead, using improvisation or child-directed play to navigate their thoughts and emotions. By allowing them to set the pace and direction of therapy, play-based therapy fosters confidence and reduces anxiety in a world that often demands rigid structure and compliance. For example, a child who chooses to play with a kitchen set may be developing their understanding of real-world rules or exploring themes of nurturing and care. The therapist follows the child’s lead, supporting their emotional and cognitive growth organically.

Emotional Expression Through Play-Based Drama Therapy

Children learn not only words but also tone and emotional expression through play. They can process everyday events, experiment with their narrative, and explore emotions through creative therapies. Play-based therapy allows kids to understand who they are and how they can relate in the world. Early therapy engagement can support healthy brain development and shape how emotions are expressed and understood throughout life.

By acting out different scenarios in therapy—whether through role-playing, storytelling, or creative games—children can safely explore emotions like anger, sadness, joy, or fear in a low-pressure environment. This practice builds emotional resilience and equips them with tools to navigate their emotions in the real world.

For instance, a child who repeatedly plays with a doctor’s kit may be working through fears related to medical experiences or exploring a sense of control over health-related situations. The therapist observes and gently engages, allowing the child to express their emotions, practice problem-solving, and build confidence in a safe environment.

A key aspect of play-based therapy is co-regulation. The therapist meets the child where they are emotionally, modeling self-regulation strategies that help the child gradually learn to manage their feelings independently.

What If My Child Doesn’t Play?

Many parents wonder if play therapy is suitable for older children or those who seem to have outgrown traditional play. The good news is that play therapy is adaptable!

Teens and older children may engage in play-based therapy through board games, poetry, storytelling, or creative writing. For those who have experienced negative associations with play, therapy can gently reintroduce play as a tool for self-expression and emotional processing.

Final Thoughts

Play-based and drama therapy offer children a unique and powerful way to process emotions, develop social skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Whether your child is facing a specific challenge or you simply want to provide them with a space for emotional exploration, play therapy can be a valuable tool.

If you’re considering therapy for your child, reach out to a Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre  to learn more about how this approach can support your child’s unique needs, development, and growth.

www.acornandanchor.com

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Written by Venus Lukic, M.A., RP (Qualifying), Grad Cert. Play Therapy, CPRT lvl 1 Certified Associate/Parent Educator, B.A. Psychology

Edits by Michelle Guy, MSW, RSW, CYC, Psychotherapist.

March 2025