How Play Therapy Helps Children Heal and Grow

When children face big emotions, they don’t always have the words to explain what’s happening inside. That’s where play therapy comes in. Play is how children process the world around them — and play therapy allows children to safely express feelings, build emotional regulation skills, and work through challenges using the language they know best.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a research-supported approach where trained therapists use play materials — like art, sandtray, dolls, or games — to help children explore and process emotions.

At Foye-Fletcher Therapy, we use Child-Centered Play Therapy, which allows children to lead the sessions while the therapist creates a safe, supportive environment for healing to unfold.

Through play therapy, children can:

• Express feelings they may not know how to say

• Build confidence and self-esteem

• Learn emotional regulation and calming skills

• Work through anxiety, trauma, grief, or behavior struggles

• Strengthen problem-solving and coping abilities

How Our Approach is Unique

We believe true healing comes from working with both the child and their support system. That’s why our play therapy services include:

• Connection:

  • We partner with caregivers through regular parent consultations, helping you understand your child’s emotional needs and strengthen your bond.

• Books:

  • Storytelling, bibliotherapy, and interactive books help children understand emotions, build empathy, and feel seen.

• Nature:

  • Outdoor play therapy and nature-based techniques promote calming, grounding, and nervous system regulation — helping kids feel safe both in and out of sessions.

• Play:

  • We use developmentally appropriate, brain-based play interventions that allow children to explore emotions, practice new skills, and process experiences at their own pace.

Who Benefits from Play Therapy?

• Children ages 3–11 with anxiety, trauma, or grief

• Kids struggling with behavior, emotional outbursts, or school stress

• Families navigating divorce, moves, or big life transitions

• Neurodivergent children who need safe, supportive emotional care

• Caregivers wanting support in understanding and responding to their child’s needs

Play is Powerful

When we meet children where they are — through play — we open the door to real emotional healing. If your child is struggling with big feelings, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Schedule your free clarity call to learn how play therapy can help your child thrive.

Foye-Fletcher Therapy: Serving Kansas City and online clients across Kansas and Missouri.