A bright playroom with a dollhouse and an art easel

Therapy

Play Therapy and Art Therapy for Children

Young children rarely explain feelings in words. Through play and art, they show what is going on and practice new ways of coping.

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Play is how children talk

A four-year-old will not tell you she is scared about the new baby or her parents' divorce. She might act it out with dolls, draw it, or melt down at bedtime. In play therapy, the therapist uses toys, art and stories to understand what a child is feeling and to help them work through it at their own level.

Play and art therapy can help with

Big emotions and frequent tantrums
Anxiety, fears and clinginess
Grief after a loss
Adjusting to divorce, a move or a new sibling
Behavior problems at home or school
Low self-esteem

How it works

1.
Parents first
The therapist meets with parents to learn the history and your concerns.
2.
Getting comfortable
Your child explores the playroom and builds trust.
3.
Working through play
The therapist guides activities that let feelings and skills come out.
4.
Regular check-ins
Parents learn what is emerging and how to help at home.

A young girl drawing with crayons in a bright playroom

Our play therapy clinician

Nikki Holmes, MEd, LPC Associate, is a former school counselor with 19 years of experience helping children, teens and families. She uses play therapy, art therapy, solution-focused therapy and CBT, and sees children from age 3. She is supervised by Dr. Sunetra Martinez, LPC-S.

What parents can expect

Sessions can look like simple play from the outside. Inside it, your child is practicing calming down, naming feelings and solving problems. Change often shows up first at home, as fewer meltdowns or easier bedtimes.

Other options for young children

Michelle Mitchell, LMFT, sees children from age 4 and often uses play with young children, including parents in the work. Family therapy can help when the whole household is under strain.