5 Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Play Therapy
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As parents, it can be hard to know when your child’s worries, behaviors, or emotions are a normal part of growing up—or a sign they need extra support. Many parents search online for “does my child need therapy?” or “signs my child needs counseling.” One of the most effective approaches for children is play therapy, which allows kids to express emotions and learn coping skills in a safe, supportive environment. Here are five common signs your child could benefit from play therapy.
1. Frequent Anxiety or Worry
If your child shows constant worry about school, friendships, or daily routines, play therapy may help. Through play, children can explore fears, learn coping strategies, and build resilience against anxiety.
2. Sudden Behavioral Changes
Has your child become withdrawn, aggressive, or unusually quiet? Sudden shifts in behavior can signal underlying stress, trauma, or emotional struggles. In play therapy, kids can safely process these emotions, often revealing what they can’t express in words.
3. Difficulty Coping with Life Changes
Divorce, moving, changing schools, or the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming for children. Play therapy provides a space for kids to work through transitions and develop problem-solving skills to adapt to change.
4. Trouble with Friendships or Social Skills
If your child struggles to make or keep friends, or avoids social situations, it may be more than shyness. Play therapy helps children practice communication, empathy, and teamwork—skills that strengthen peer relationships.
5. Emotional Outbursts or Withdrawal
Frequent tantrums, crying, or shutting down may indicate your child is overwhelmed. Play therapy for children helps kids regulate emotions, improve communication, and feel more in control of their feelings.
Benefits Parents Notice from Play Therapy
Parents who choose play therapy for their child often report:
- Improved confidence and problem-solving skills.
- Healthier ways of handling anger or frustration.
- Better adjustment to school and home routines.
- Stronger emotional connection with family.
Tips for Parents Considering Play Therapy
If you think your child could benefit, here’s how to support them:
- Listen without judgment – Encourage open conversations.
- Encourage play at home – Creative play helps children relax and express themselves.
- Validate feelings – Remind your child it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or angry.
- Stay involved – Ask the therapist how you can reinforce skills at home.
How EmpathyHQ Supports Families
At EmpathyHQ, licensed therapists specialize in play therapy for children of all ages. Sessions are available in-person at Fort Worth and Arlington offices, or virtually via telehealth across Texas. With sliding scale fees and financial assistance programs, families can access affordable care tailored to their child’s needs.
If your child struggles with anxiety, behavioral changes, or emotional challenges, it may be time to consider play therapy. By providing a safe space for children to express themselves and develop coping strategies, therapy helps kids thrive at home, at school, and in relationships. EmpathyHQ is here to guide your child toward a healthier, more confident future.
We Are Here to Answer Your Questions
What does your organization do?
EmpathyHQ provides counseling to individuals, groups, and families and empowers communities to live authentically and thrive. We break down barriers to accessing care, offering comprehensive and accessible mental health support on your journey to health and self-discovery. We are here to pave the way to a better you—and a better community.
With over 12,000 individuals benefiting from 100,000 hours of evidence-based mental health care and case management in the past four years alone, EmpathyHQ is making a tangible difference in the lives of Texans.
For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit our Get Support section.
How can I get involved?
We welcome individuals who are passionate about mental health support and increasing access to resources. If you care about these issues, we'd love to have you join us. We support remote and in-person volunteer opportunities.
Visit our Get Involved section to find out ways to learn more, donate, or volunteer.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We take our responsibility to our community and donors seriously, striving to ensure EmpathyHQ's long-term sustainability. Our funds are used to provide mental health services for clients in need.
What is your organization's privacy policy?
Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and protects the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our clients, volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations—public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.
Do I have to have custody agreement or court order for my child to receive services?
YES. If your child does not live with both biological parents and there is any court order or custody agreement in place, it must be on file. In order for a counselor to see your child, they must have obtained and reviewed the MOST RECENT custody agreement or court order, and any applicable part of a divorce decree that mentions custody. When federal or state statutes provide an exemption to secure consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing services to a minor, the counselor must follow the protocol set forth in such federal or state statutes. If documentation is not provided, your child cannot be seen by a counselor.
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