Helping Children Grow Through the Language of Play

Children often communicate differently than adults. While adults use words to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences, children naturally communicate through play. Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children process emotions, build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and work through challenges in a way that matches their developmental stage. Through carefully selected toys, materials, and therapeutic techniques, children can express experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

At Kindred Collective, we believe children deserve therapy that honors how they naturally communicate, learn, and heal.

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What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is more than simply playing with toys during a counseling session. Play therapists are trained to understand the meaning behind children's play, recognize emotional themes, support healthy expression, and facilitate growth through developmentally appropriate interventions.

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Through play therapy, children can:

• Develop emotional awareness

• Improve self-regulation skills

• Build confidence and resilience

• Strengthen relationships

• Process grief, trauma, or difficult life experiences

• Learn healthy coping skills

• Improve social and communication skills

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Because play is a child's natural language, play therapy often allows children to express thoughts and feelings more effectively than traditional talk therapy alone.

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What Concerns Can Play Therapy Help With?

Play therapy may support children experiencing:

• Anxiety 

• Behavioral challenges

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Family transitions

• Divorce or separation

• Grief and loss

• Trauma and stressful experiences

• Friendship and social concerns

• School-related challenges

• Self-esteem and confidence struggles

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What Happens During a Play Therapy Session?

Every child's experience is unique, but sessions may include:

• Child-centered play

• Sand tray therapy

• Art and creative expression

• Storytelling

• Therapeutic games

• Role play

• Emotional regulation activities

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While sessions may look playful from the outside, each intervention is selected intentionally to support your child's goals and emotional growth.

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Why Specialized Training Matters

Working with children requires specialized knowledge and skills beyond what is typically covered in graduate counseling programs.

Many therapists use games, toys, or creative activities when working with children. Play therapy, however, is a specialized treatment modality with its own research base, theories, competencies, and training standards.

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Effective play therapy requires advanced knowledge of:

• Child development

• Attachment

• Family systems

• Trauma-informed care

• Therapeutic play interventions

• Parent-child relationships

• Developmentally appropriate treatment planning

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Our clinicians are committed to ongoing training, consultation, supervision, and professional development to ensure children receive high-quality, evidence-based care.

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What Is a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™)?

The Registered Play Therapist™ credential is a nationally recognized designation awarded by the Association for Play Therapy.

To earn the RPT™ credential, therapists complete extensive requirements beyond graduate education and professional licensure, including:

• Specialized play therapy coursework

• Direct play therapy experience

• Clinical experience with children

• Play therapy-specific supervision

• Ongoing continuing education

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The RPT™ credential reflects advanced training and demonstrated competency in the practice of play therapy.

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What Does "Play Therapist in Training" Mean?

A Play Therapist in Training is a licensed or provisionally licensed mental health professional actively pursuing advanced education and supervision in play therapy.

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This process includes:

• Specialized play therapy training

• Ongoing consultation and supervision

• Additional education focused on children and families

• Clinical experience using play therapy interventions

• Working toward becoming an RPT™

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At Kindred Collective, we value lifelong learning and support clinicians in pursuing specialized training that enhances the care we provide to children and families.

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How Do I Choose a Play Therapist?

Finding the right therapist for your child can feel overwhelming.

When researching providers, it may be helpful to ask:

• What specialized training have you completed in play therapy?

• Do you receive play therapy-specific supervision or consultation?

• Are you a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) or pursuing credentialing?

• How do you involve parents and caregivers in treatment?

• What experience do you have working with concerns similar to my child's?

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Families deserve to understand a therapist's education, training, and approach so they can make informed decisions about their child's care.

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Why Families Choose Kindred Collective

Kindred Collective was built with children and families in mind.

Our approach includes:

• Specialized training in child development and play therapy

• Ongoing supervision and consultation

• Purposefully designed therapeutic play spaces

• Strong parent collaboration

• Developmentally appropriate, child-centered care

• A commitment to ethical and evidence-based practice

• Continuous professional growth and education

Play therapy is not simply one service we offer - it is a foundational part of how we support children and families.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is play therapy just playing?

No. Play therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach. While children engage in play, therapists use specialized training to understand, assess, and respond therapeutically to what emerges during sessions.

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What ages benefit from play therapy?

Play therapy is most commonly used with children ages 3–12, though play-based approaches can also be beneficial for adolescents and families.

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Will parents be involved?

Yes. Parents and caregivers are an important part of the therapeutic process. We regularly collaborate with families to support growth both inside and outside of sessions.

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How long does play therapy take?

The length of therapy varies based on each child's needs, goals, and circumstances. Your therapist will discuss recommendations throughout the treatment process.

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How is play therapy different from talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy relies heavily on verbal communication. Play therapy allows children to communicate through their natural language - play - making therapy more accessible and effective for many children.

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How do I know if my child needs play therapy?

If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, socially, or following a difficult life event, a consultation can help determine whether play therapy may be beneficial.

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