Therapy for children is a specialized form of mental health support designed to help young individuals understand and manage emotions, behaviors, and life challenges in ways that align with their developmental stage. Children often experience and express distress differently than adults, which is why effective child therapy goes beyond traditional talk-based approaches.
At Innova Counseling, we use Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT) to support children as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
What Is Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT)?
Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT) is a child-centered, evidence-informed approach that integrates:
- Somatic Experiencing – a body-based method for processing stress and trauma
- Experiential Play Therapy – using play as a natural form of expression
- Neuroscience-informed principles – supporting nervous system regulation and resilience
Rather than relying on verbal processing alone, SEPT helps children connect physical sensations, emotions, and experiences through play. This approach supports nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and the release of stored stress in ways that feel natural and non-threatening to children.
Children often lack the developmental ability to change emotions or behaviors through reasoning alone. Play therapy meets children where they are, using metaphor, imagination, and symbolic expression to help them process experiences, build coping skills, and develop a sense of mastery over difficult emotions. Over time, this can lead to improved emotional regulation, increased confidence, and healthier behavior patterns.
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is most commonly used with children ages 3 to 12, though adapted approaches can also benefit adolescents.
How is play therapy different from talk therapy?
Children often communicate more effectively through play than through words. Play therapy meets children at their developmental level and allows them to express feelings symbolically rather than verbally.
What concerns can play therapy help with?
Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, trauma, grief, social difficulties, school-related stress, and major life changes.
How does play therapy work?
Through guided and intentional play, children are given opportunities to safely express emotions, practice new skills, and make sense of their experiences in a supportive environment.
How will play therapy help my child if they are “just playing”?
Play is a child’s natural language. In therapy, play is used intentionally by a trained therapist to support emotional growth, healing, and skill development.
Is play therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Play therapy is supported by research and is widely recognized as an effective and developmentally appropriate approach for children.
How long are play therapy sessions?
Sessions typically last about 45 to 50 minutes.
How often does my child attend play therapy?
Most children attend weekly sessions, though frequency may change depending on needs and progress.
How long does play therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others require longer-term therapy based on their goals and challenges.
Will my child talk during play therapy?
Some children talk a great deal, while others communicate primarily through play. Both are completely appropriate and part of the therapeutic process.
Do parents or caregivers participate in sessions?
Parent involvement varies and may include check-ins, parent sessions, or joint sessions when helpful and appropriate.
How are parents kept informed about progress?
Therapists provide regular updates on general themes, progress, and recommendations through parent sessions, while respecting the child’s privacy.