Children often find it challenging to express their emotions through words alone. That’s where play therapy comes in. At Darien Wellness, we specialize in helping children in the New Haven, Connecticut, community navigate their feelings and experiences through the transformative power of play. Our in-office therapy and telehealth therapy options ensure that your child can access support in a way that works best for your family.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play as a means for children to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By engaging in activities such as drawing, role-playing, or using toys, children can express themselves in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. A trained therapist observes and interacts with the child to gain insights into their emotional world and guide them toward healing and growth.
How Play Therapy Helps Children
Play therapy fosters emotional resilience, enhances problem-solving abilities, and helps children feel understood and supported. It’s a proven method for improving a child’s emotional and mental well-being in a way that feels natural and engaging to them. Through play therapy, children can:
- Process and express difficult emotions like anger, sadness, or fear.
- Develop better coping mechanisms for stressful or traumatic events.
- Build self-esteem and improve their social skills.
- Strengthen their ability to communicate effectively with others.
This approach is especially beneficial for children dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or the aftermath of trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about this form of therapy, don’t hesitate to connect with the team at Darien Wellness. You can also explore these FAQs to see if your question has already been answered:
Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?
Children experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, or trauma-related stress often see significant benefits with play therapy sessions. While primarily designed for children aged 3–12, this form of therapy can also be helpful for adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges.
How Long Does Play Therapy Take?
As with other types of therapy, 50-60-minute sessions are common. The duration of treatment depends on the child’s needs and the severity of their challenges. Many children participate in weekly sessions over several months, while some have short-term therapy. Our therapists will continually assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Is Play Therapy Still Effective for Children Who Are Shy or Nonverbal?
Absolutely. In fact, play therapy is especially valuable for children who struggle to communicate verbally. Through activities, even nonverbal or shy children can express their thoughts and emotions in ways they might not have been able to before.
Can Parents Be Involved in Play Therapy?
Parent involvement can be an essential component of treatment in some cases. Our therapists can provide guidance on how parents can support the healing process for their children. Family sessions are always available if that is preferable.
Is Play Therapy Covered by Insurance?
At Darien Wellness, we accept most major insurances, including Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Anthem, Husky (Medicaid), and Medicare. Coverage for play therapy varies by plan, but our staff can assist with verifying benefits.
Schedule Your Child’s Play Therapy Appointment Today
Give your child the tools they need to thrive. Contact Darien Wellness to schedule an in-office or telehealth play therapy session in New Haven. Let’s work together to help your child navigate their emotions and achieve a brighter future.