What is Play Therapy?
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How Play Therapy Helps
Play therapy lets children express feelings naturally when words fail. Through play, therapists understand their emotions, build trust, aid emotional management, teach problem-solving, and support healing, coping, and social skills—all age-appropriate and effective.
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What It Looks Like in a Session
In play therapy, the room has toys, art supplies, and materials that encourage kids to express themselves. The therapist watches and gently guides the child during play, using this natural way to help them understand emotions, solve problems, and learn coping skills. Through stories, role-play, and imagination, the therapist helps the child understand their feelings in a safe and quiet way. This lets children work through challenges at their own speed, making therapy easier and more comfortable.
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Your Role as a Caregiver
Caregivers are essential part of the healing process. Therapist offers regular check-ins and collaborate with caregivers to support your child’s progress both in and out of sessions.
What is EMDR with Children?
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How EMDR Helps
EMDR with play therapy helps children heal from trauma by letting them express feelings through play and using guided eye movements or tapping to rework memories. This method eases emotional pain, keeps kids interested, and reduces anxiety. It helps children become stronger, manage emotions better, and heal in a safe, child-friendly setting.
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What It Looks Like in a Session
Therapists use EMDR with children by making it simple and suited to their age. They help kids safely process upsetting memories.
First, therapists build trust and explain EMDR in easy-to-understand ways, often using stories, play, or drawings. During the main part, instead of only eye movements, they might use tapping, buzzing, or lights to keep it fun and less scary.
Kids focus on the upsetting memory while doing these activities. Therapists watch closely, giving breaks and comfort when needed. They adapt the process to the child's way of expressing themselves.
Throughout, therapists help kids change negative thoughts to positive ones and learn ways to handle emotions. EMDR with children is gentle, interactive, and helps them heal and grow stronger over time.
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Your Role as a Caregiver
Parents are key to the success of EMDR therapy for children. They learn about the therapy, help set goals, and offer emotional support. Therapists teach parents how EMDR works and how to notice their child’s progress. Parents share important information about their child's feelings, helping therapists adjust the treatment.
Between sessions, parents keep communication open, create a safe space, and use therapist’s advice to help their child cope. This teamwork boosts the therapy’s success and helps parents support their child’s healing. Involving parents makes EMDR a team effort that goes beyond the therapy room.