What is Play Therapy? A Child-Focused Approach to Emotional Healing
- Prue Longstaff, Psychotherapist
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
At Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, we understand that children don’t always have the words to describe how they’re feeling — but they do have play. That’s where play therapy comes in. As a recognised and evidence-based therapeutic approach, play therapy uses the language of play to help children express themselves, process emotions, and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment.
If you’ve been wondering, what is play therapy? or what does play therapy look like?, you’re in the right place. As child and family counsellors, we offer expert guidance and tailored support to help families navigate emotional and behavioural challenges through play therapy.
Understanding What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a specialised form of counselling designed specifically for children. It recognises that kids often communicate their inner world more comfortably through play than through direct conversation. This therapy uses toys, art, role-play, and games as tools to help children explore their feelings, work through difficulties, and develop healthy coping skills.
At Better You HQ, we tailor each play therapy session to the child’s developmental stage and unique needs. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, or school difficulties, play therapy provides a non-threatening space where healing and growth can take place.
What Does Play Therapy Look Like?
You might imagine a play therapy session looking like ordinary playtime — but there’s more happening beneath the surface. Sessions are designed to help children express what they may not yet be able to say.
In our clinic, children may engage with puppets, draw pictures, play games, or use stories to tell their stories. A play therapist may observe or gently participate, depending on what best supports the child’s goals. Every activity is purposeful and designed to foster emotional insight, problem-solving, and connection.
The Role of a Qualified Play Therapist
As qualified professionals with specialised training in child development, therapeutic play, and trauma-informed care, our team at Better You HQ creates a safe, respectful environment where children feel truly seen and understood.
Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, including advanced training with the Australian Childhood Foundation, where we learned to use powerful therapeutic tools such as the Big Tree House Dolls to support children impacted by trauma.
These resources allow us to help children externalise their experiences safely and symbolically, making complex emotions more manageable and understandable.
At Better You HQ, play therapists don’t simply observe — we attune to the story behind the play, using clinical insight and compassion to gently guide children towards self-awareness, emotional healing, and lasting growth. This approach is particularly effective for children experiencing anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges, or adjustment difficulties, and allows them to process at their own pace in a child-led, empowering way
Why Play Therapy Works
So, why does play therapy work so well for kids? Because play is a child’s natural language. Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to process big emotions and experiences they can’t yet verbalise.
Here’s how play therapy helps:
Allows safe expression of emotions and thoughts
Encourages problem-solving and emotional regulation
Builds confidence, autonomy, and social skills
Helps resolve trauma and internal conflict through symbolic play
Strengthens the child–therapist relationship as a model of trust and support
At Better You HQ, we’ve seen the transformative effects of play therapy firsthand. When children feel understood and empowered, real growth happens.
Play Therapy Mansfield – Local Support You Can Trust
If you’re based in Mansfield or the surrounding areas, our play therapy Mansfield services offer accessible, expert care for your child. We provide a warm, engaging space where children feel safe to explore their emotions and experiences through therapeutic play.
We know how important it is for families to access support locally. That’s why Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic is proud to offer play therapy to Mansfield families and beyond —in-person.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing?
If you're still asking yourself, what is play therapy? or wondering whether it’s the right fit for your child, we’re here to help. At Better You HQ, we specialise in working with children and families to create lasting emotional change through compassionate, evidence-informed care.
👉 Contact us today to book an initial consultation or learn more about how play therapy could benefit your child. 📍 Based in Mansfield, VIC — offering online sessions Australia-wide. 📞 Visit www.betteryouhq.com.au or call us to get started
About Prue and Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic
Prue is an ACA registered and qualified child and family counsellor and psychotherapist with a passion for helping children and parents navigate emotional challenges. As the founder of Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, she specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development. With experience in education and a deep understanding of childhood mental health, Prue offers evidence-based, compassionate support to families.
Better You HQ provides in-person counselling in Mansfield, Victoria, and online services Australia-wide, including assessments, emotion coaching, and parent support. Prue believes that emotional skills can be taught and that every child deserves a roadmap to thrive.