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Children do not always have the words to describe what they are feeling or experiencing — but they can show it through play. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of therapy that uses toys, art, games, and creative activities as the primary means of communication between your child and their therapist. At Guzman & Baker, our play therapists create a safe, accepting space where children can work through difficult emotions and experiences at their own pace.

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What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a structured, theoretically grounded approach to psychotherapy for children typically between the ages of 3 and 12. A trained play therapist observes and interacts with a child through play, using the content and themes of play to understand the child’s inner world and facilitate healing.
Play therapy is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and has decades of research supporting its effectiveness with children.

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Types of play therapy

The child leads the play session completely. The therapist reflects the child’s feelings and actions without directing the activity. This approach builds trust, autonomy, and self-expression.
The therapist introduces specific activities, games, or prompts to address targeted issues such as trauma, social skills, or anxiety. This is more structured and goal-focused.
A specialized approach that uses play to help children process traumatic experiences safely, often combined with Trauma-Focused CBT principles.

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What to expect

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For your child

Sessions are typically 45–50 minutes and take place in a specially equipped playroom containing sand trays, art supplies, puppets, dollhouses, and other therapeutic materials. Your child is free to choose how they spend their time in the room. The therapist is a consistent, warm presence who reflects your child’s feelings and tracks themes across sessions.

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For you as a parent

Your therapist will meet with you regularly — typically every 4 to 6 sessions — to share progress, provide psychoeducation, and give you strategies to support your child at home. Some approaches, such as Filial Therapy, also involve teaching parents to conduct supervised play sessions themselves.
You will not typically observe your child’s play therapy sessions, as the presence of parents can shift the child’s behavior. Your therapist will keep you informed about themes and progress in regular parent consultations.

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Who benefits from play therapy?

Play therapy is well-suited for children experiencing:
  • Anxiety, worry, or fears
  • Depression or withdrawal
  • Trauma, abuse, or neglect
  • Grief and loss
  • Behavioral problems or aggression
  • Adjustment difficulties (divorce, relocation, new sibling)
  • Social difficulties or friendship challenges
  • ADHD and self-regulation challenges

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At Guzman & Baker

Our play therapists bring warmth, patience, and clinical expertise to every session. We work closely with parents throughout the process and collaborate with schools and other providers when appropriate to ensure your child receives consistent support across all settings.
You do not need a specific diagnosis to start play therapy. If your child is struggling — behaviorally, emotionally, or socially — play therapy can help them develop the coping tools they need to thrive.