Children’s Play Therapy
Play Therapy for Kids in Utah County | Palisades Counseling
Helping kids process big feelings through play.
Children often express their thoughts and emotions through behavior, not words. When a child is struggling—whether due to anxiety, trauma, family changes, or other stressors—traditional talk therapy may not be the most effective approach. That’s where play therapy can help.
At Palisades Counseling, we offer child-centered play therapy to support children in making sense of their internal world in a developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe way. Through play, children can explore feelings, practice problem-solving, and build emotional resilience—all within the context of a professional therapeutic relationship.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally sensitive form of therapy used to support children with emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges. Just as adults use words to express themselves, children use play.
Play therapy is grounded in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language. It allows trained therapists to observe themes, provide emotional support, and help children gain insight and coping skills—without relying solely on verbal expression.
Depending on the child’s needs, play therapy may include:
- Imaginative or symbolic play
- Art or sand tray activities
- Games that build emotional regulation
- Role-playing or storytelling
- Emotional identification and expression through toys or puppets
When to Consider Play Therapy
Children may not always say when they are struggling, but their behavior often speaks volumes. Play therapy may be helpful if your child is experiencing:
- Anxiety, fears, or excessive worry
- Difficulty adjusting to family transitions (divorce, new sibling, moving, etc.)
- Behavioral outbursts or emotional dysregulation
- Trouble in peer relationships or social settings
- Grief, loss, or trauma
- Low self-esteem or shame
- Withdrawal, regression, or acting out
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse to seek support. Early intervention can be key to helping your child navigate emotions and build a healthier foundation for growth.
The Role of the Therapist
In play therapy, the therapist is trained to observe, attune, and gently guide the therapeutic process using play as the primary medium. The goal isn’t to control the child’s behavior, but to understand and support the underlying emotional experience. Over time, this can help your child feel safer, more confident, and more equipped to manage life’s challenges.
While each therapist has their own style, all are trained to foster a safe and consistent environment where children feel seen and understood. Therapists also offer regular guardian consultations to keep caregivers informed and involved in the process, while maintaining appropriate boundaries to support the child’s autonomy in therapy.
ADHD and Austism Assessments for Children
If you or your child’s provider are wondering about attention, sensory processing, or developmental differences, Palisades Counseling also offers formal assessments for ADHD and autism. These evaluations can support accurate understanding, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Support for the Whole Family
When a child is struggling, it can affect the entire family system. At Palisades Counseling, we recognize the importance of the parent-child relationship. While the child is the primary client, we often work closely with caregivers to build emotional literacy, foster connection, and support the child’s progress beyond the therapy room.
We welcome collaboration, questions, and ongoing check-ins so that you feel supported too.
Begin Play Therapy in Utah County
If your child is struggling with big emotions or difficult transitions, play therapy can help them process their experience in a way that makes sense to them.
Reach out today to be matched with a therapist who specializes in working with children.