Understanding Play Therapy: Healing Through Play - A Safe Space for Kids to Express and Grow
Children often communicate through play before they can fully express emotions in words. That’s why play therapy is one of the most effective tools in child counseling—providing kids with a developmentally appropriate way to explore their thoughts, manage emotions, and build resilience.
At OMNI, we use play therapy to support kids’ mental health in a warm, welcoming, and age-appropriate environment. Whether your child is facing anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, or emotional distress, play therapy can help them feel heard, understood, and empowered to heal.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of child therapy that uses play—the natural language of children—as a way for therapists to help kids process emotions, develop coping skills, and resolve difficult experiences. It’s a hands-on, interactive approach guided by licensed mental health professionals trained in child development and therapeutic techniques.
In play therapy, toys become words, and play becomes a path to healing.
Rather than relying solely on verbal conversation, therapists observe and interact through the child’s play to uncover emotional challenges, support emotional regulation, and build healthy communication.
Who Can Play Therapy Help?
Play therapy is most often used with children ages 3 to 12, but can also be adapted for teens or those with developmental delays. It’s especially beneficial for kids who may struggle to express themselves through traditional talk therapy.
Common signs your child may benefit from kids therapy or play therapy:
Changes in behavior or mood
Difficulty in school or with peers
Increased anxiety, fear, or sadness
Regression (e.g., bedwetting, clinginess)
Aggression or outbursts
Withdrawn or isolating behavior
Play therapy can also help children navigate family changes like divorce, grief, trauma, or moving to a new home.
What Issues Does Play Therapy Help With?
Play therapy can be an effective intervention for a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
Anxiety and fears
Depression or prolonged sadness
Grief and loss
Divorce or family transitions
Trauma and abuse
Behavioral issues (aggression, defiance, tantrums)
Attention difficulties (including ADHD)
Social skills and peer relationships
When combined with family therapy, play therapy can also strengthen parent-child relationships and improve communication at home.
What Happens During a Play Therapy Session?
Play therapy sessions typically occur in a specially designed space filled with therapeutic toys, art supplies, games, sand trays, puppets, and creative tools that encourage self-expression. The therapist may:
Observe the child’s play to identify themes or concerns
Join the child in play to build trust and connection
Use storytelling, drawing, or role-play to explore emotions
Gently guide play toward problem-solving or emotional insight
Work with caregivers to support progress outside of sessions
Every child’s session is unique—tailored to their age, needs, and comfort level.
How OMNI Supports Kids and Families
OMNI offers child counseling, play therapy, and family therapy as part of our holistic mental health services. We believe in partnering with families to create safe, supportive environments where kids can thrive—emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
Our licensed counselors are trained in:
Child-centered play therapy
Trauma-informed care
Parent-child relationship therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for children
We also work closely with parents and caregivers to share tools and strategies that support emotional growth at home.
When to Reach Out
If your child is struggling and you’re not sure where to turn, OMNI is here. Whether you’re navigating big emotions, major life changes, or simply want to strengthen your child’s well-being, play therapy can offer comfort, connection, and hope.
Why Choose OMNI for Play Therapy?
We provide:
Play therapy near you in Buffalo Grove, Libertyville, Wheeling, and virtually
Bilingual counseling services
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and virtual appointments
Evidence-based trauma therapy and emotional support
Your Local Resource for Healing and Hope
For over 50 years, OMNI has been a trusted resource for mental health counseling and trauma recovery in the community. We work closely with kids ages 5+, teens, adults, and families who have experienced anxiety, depression, stress, violence, abuse, PTSD, or other forms of trauma.