By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
For many children, expressing feelings with words is difficult — sometimes even impossible. When emotions are complex, overwhelming, or confusing, play becomes their natural language. Through play, children can explore their inner world, process experiences, and begin to heal.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, our play therapy in Brooklyn provides a compassionate and developmentally appropriate way for kids to communicate, cope, and grow emotionally. Whether a child struggles with anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, or social stress, play therapy offers a safe and supportive space for healing.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses the language of play to help children express emotions, understand experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping. Instead of relying solely on verbal conversation, therapists use toys, art materials, games, and storytelling to help children process what they feel.
During sessions, trained clinicians observe how the child interacts with toys, navigates challenges, and expresses creativity. Each choice — a drawing, a role-play, or a story — becomes a window into the child’s emotional life. Over time, this process helps children gain insight, reduce emotional distress, and strengthen self-regulation skills.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, our play therapy sessions are designed with both structure and flexibility. We meet children where they are — emotionally and developmentally — to create an environment of trust and connection.
Why Play Therapy Works
Children naturally communicate through play. It allows them to experiment, explore, and make sense of their world in a way that feels safe and familiar. Research consistently shows that play therapy helps improve emotional regulation, social skills, and behavior.
Some of the key benefits include:
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Improved Emotional Expression – Kids can show what they feel through play when words fall short.
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Reduced Anxiety and Fear – Symbolic play helps children process difficult experiences safely.
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Enhanced Problem-Solving – Interactive play teaches coping strategies and flexible thinking.
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Stronger Relationships – As children experience empathy and acceptance in therapy, they learn to apply these behaviors in daily life.
Play therapy is particularly effective for children dealing with trauma, adjustment issues, family changes (like divorce or relocation), or school-related stress.
What a Play Therapy Session Looks Like
Each session is tailored to the child’s age, personality, and therapeutic goals.
A typical session might include:
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Free play time to build trust and observe natural expression.
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Guided activities using art, storytelling, puppetry, or sand trays to help children communicate specific emotions or experiences.
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Role-play exercises that encourage empathy, confidence, and new perspectives.
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Calming techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness games to manage strong emotions.
Parents are often included through periodic consultations, where therapists share insights and strategies to reinforce progress at home. This collaboration ensures that healing continues beyond the therapy room.
The Role of Play Therapy in Group Settings
While many children benefit from individual play therapy, group sessions add another layer of growth through peer interaction.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we also offer group therapy for kids, which combines elements of play, creativity, and emotional skill-building. Children learn from one another in a supportive, guided environment — practicing empathy, cooperation, and communication.
For children struggling with social anxiety or confidence issues, group therapy complements play therapy beautifully. It provides real-world opportunities to apply emotional tools in a safe community.
Why Brooklyn Families Choose Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Families across Brooklyn trust Resilient Mind Psychotherapy because of our holistic, compassionate approach to child therapy. Our clinicians specialize in helping children and teens navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges with evidence-based care and genuine warmth.
Here’s what sets us apart:
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Experienced, Licensed Therapists: Each clinician is trained in child development, play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
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Safe and Welcoming Environment: Our Brooklyn office is designed to help children feel comfortable and engaged.
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Collaborative Family Involvement: We work with parents every step of the way to ensure progress is consistent at home and school.
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Accessible Mental Health Care: We accept major insurance plans (Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU) and offer affordable private-pay options to make care accessible to all families.
Our mission is simple — to help children build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional balance through therapy that feels natural, supportive, and empowering.
How Parents Can Support the Process
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing the lessons learned through play therapy. Small, consistent actions at home can strengthen your child’s progress.
Here are a few suggestions:
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Set aside time for unstructured play — without screens or expectations.
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Validate emotions by naming them (“It looks like you’re feeling frustrated”) instead of dismissing them.
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Use open-ended questions during play (“What’s happening here?” or “What made your character feel better?”).
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Praise effort and creativity, not just results.
These small moments of connection help children feel heard and supported, reinforcing the healing that begins in therapy.
When to Consider Play Therapy
You might consider play therapy if your child:
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Struggles with anxiety, sadness, or irritability
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Has difficulty adjusting to changes at home or school
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Displays frequent tantrums or withdrawal
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Has trouble making or keeping friends
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Shows signs of trauma or loss
Early intervention through play therapy can prevent deeper emotional challenges later in life. It offers children the tools to process feelings and build lifelong resilience.
The Gentle Path to Growth
Healing doesn’t always happen through words — sometimes it happens through a child’s imagination, laughter, or a simple drawing. Play therapy provides that gentle, transformative path where children can grow emotionally, socially, and psychologically.
If you’re searching for child therapy near me or seeking compassionate mental health support for kids, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy is here to help.
Together, we can turn play into progress — one session at a time.
FAQs
1) What makes play therapy different from regular talk therapy for kids?
Play therapy allows children to express emotions through play and creativity rather than words. It’s especially effective for younger kids who may not yet have the vocabulary to describe their thoughts and feelings.
2) How old should my child be to start play therapy?
Play therapy is most effective for children ages 3 to 12, but certain techniques can also help older kids and teens who respond well to creative, hands-on approaches.
3) Can play therapy help with trauma or grief?
Yes. Play therapy helps children process painful memories safely by using symbols, stories, and role-play to express what they cannot say directly. It’s commonly used for trauma recovery, loss, and major life transitions.
4) How long does it take to see progress in play therapy?
Every child is unique. Some show improvement after a few sessions, while others may need several months of consistent therapy to develop emotional regulation and coping skills.
5) Is play therapy covered by insurance in Brooklyn?
Yes. At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, play therapy sessions are often covered under behavioral health benefits. We accept major insurance plans including Cigna, Aetna, Fidelis Care, and 1199SEIU, and offer affordable private-pay options.
References
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American Psychological Association (2023). Play Therapy: Evidence-Based Interventions for Children.
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Landreth, G. (2021). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. Routledge Press.
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Association for Play Therapy (2022). The Power of Play in Emotional Development. https://www.a4pt.org/
- National Institute of Mental Health. Children and Mental Health.
