Understanding the unique needs of children
Children often struggle to express complex emotions, especially during times of stress, trauma, or transition. Unlike adults, they may not have the language or developmental skills to articulate what they feel. For young children, behaviors like withdrawal, aggression, or regressive actions are often their only way of communicating distress. Fortunately, professional counseling offers vital tools to support children’s emotional and mental well-being—and one of the most effective approaches is play therapy.
The power of play therapy
Play therapy is a research-backed modality specifically designed to meet children at their developmental level. According to the Association for Play Therapy (APT), play allows children to express feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and process traumatic experiences in a safe and symbolic way (Landreth, 2012). In the therapeutic setting, toys become the child’s words, and play becomes their language.
At Family Strategies Counseling Center, we recognize the importance of this modality and offer it as part of our comprehensive counseling in Mesa Arizona. Our specialty therapists are trained in child development and certified in play therapy techniques. They use structured sessions to help children navigate emotional challenges, build self-esteem, and improve behavior.
How play therapy works
In a typical play therapy session, children engage with carefully chosen toys, games, and art supplies while under the guidance of a trained therapist. These tools are not random; they are specifically selected to foster expression, insight, and emotional release. Over time, children build trust with their therapist and learn healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions and situations.
Play therapy is particularly effective for children experiencing anxiety, depression, family changes (like divorce), trauma, or social difficulties. Research has shown that this approach can lead to significant improvements in emotional regulation, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships (Bratton et al., 2005).
Why specialized training matters
Effective play therapy requires more than a general background in counseling. At Family Strategies Counseling Center, our therapists undergo specialized training to ensure ethical, developmentally appropriate care. They understand how to interpret non-verbal cues, engage with children at their comfort level, and guide sessions with purpose and sensitivity. This expertise is crucial to building trust and helping children feel safe enough to open up.
Our services for counseling in Mesa Arizona include play therapy as part of a holistic strategy to support families. Whether a child is dealing with trauma, adjustment issues, or behavioral concerns, our trained professionals are equipped to help.
Hope through compassionate care
Parents often feel helpless when their child is struggling emotionally. But with the right therapeutic support, children can develop resilience, confidence, and emotional awareness. Play therapy provides them with a powerful outlet for growth and healing, especially when guided by a skilled and compassionate counselor. At Family Strategies Counseling Center, we accept a variety of insurance providers including Blue Cross, Aetna, Tricare, and Cigna, making access to quality care more convenient for families.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 for a wide variety of mental health issues. Our programs for families, individuals and children can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies Counseling Center.
References
Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376–390. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.36.4.376
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.
