When a child has experienced trauma whether it’s a car accident, medical trauma, abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence - the emotional impact can linger long after the event ends. Children may not have the words to describe their fear, sadness, or confusion, but they often show it through play, behavior, or body language.
At Layers Counseling Specialists, we believe that play therapy offers a powerful, developmentally appropriate way to help children heal from trauma and begin to feel safe again. Here’s what makes it so effective and what parents can expect from the process.
Play therapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses play, a child’s natural language, as the medium for expression and healing. Rather than relying on conversation alone, therapists use toys, art, sand trays, and games to help children express what’s happening inside.
According to the Association for Play Therapy (APT), play therapy helps children “communicate, explore repressed thoughts and emotions, and experience personal growth.” It’s not just “playing” - it’s structured and intentional, led by a trained therapist who understands how to interpret and guide the child’s experience.
Trauma can disrupt a child’s ability to use words or logical thinking to process experiences. Play provides a safe, symbolic way for children to express complex emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, shame without needing to verbalize them.
The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) emphasizes that trauma recovery begins with safety and connection. In play therapy, the consistent, attuned presence of a therapist helps rebuild a child’s sense of trust in others and confidence in themselves.
Children who’ve experienced trauma often struggle with emotional regulation they might have big reactions, meltdowns, or seem “shut down.” Through play, they can gradually learn to identify, name, and manage emotions. Play also engages the body and senses, which supports the nervous system’s natural process of calming and grounding.
Trauma can fragment memory and create “stuck” feelings or patterns. Using play, children can symbolically re-enact, reimagine, and gain mastery over frightening experiences, transforming helplessness into empowerment.
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At Layers Counseling Specialists, we tailor play therapy to your child’s developmental stage, personality, and trauma history. Our playroom is stocked with expressive tools — dolls, puppets, art materials, miniature figures, sand trays, and sensory toys — designed to give children freedom to explore and process safely.
Parents are an essential part of the healing process. We may invite you to participate in parts of sessions, provide feedback, or join parent-only consultations to support your child’s growth at home. The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights that parent involvement improves outcomes in child therapy, especially for trauma.
While sessions are private to protect the child’s sense of safety, our therapists communicate with parents regularly about themes, progress, and goals without breaking the child’s trust.
Play therapy typically occurs weekly for 45–50 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on your child’s needs, but we’ll review progress together along the way.
If these sound familiar, your child might be showing signs of unresolved trauma or stress. Early intervention can make a lasting difference in their emotional health.
At Layers, we specialize in trauma-informed care for children, teens, and families in Plano,Texas both in-person and online. Our play therapists are licensed professionals with advanced training in child trauma, attachment, and developmental psychology.
We create a safe, nurturing space where healing feels possible, not forced and where children can rediscover joy, curiosity, and resilience.
If your child has experienced trauma, help is available and healing is possible.
Reach out to Layers Counseling Specialists today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about our Child Therapy in Texas and Trauma Therapy for Families services.
Let’s help your child rebuild a sense of safety, one play session at a time.
