How Play Therapy Helps Children Cope with Anxiety and Depression
Feb 19, 2025
When big emotions feel too overwhelming for little voices, children often struggle to express their feelings in words. That’s where play therapy comes in. Through structured and guided play, children can process their emotions, develop coping skills, and find relief from overwhelming feelings. If you’ve been searching for play therapy near me, Intentional Counseling in Frisco, Texas, offers expert services tailored to your child’s needs.
At Intentional Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor Intern Monica Pagan specializes in child’s play therapy. She uses evidence-based techniques to help young clients navigate their emotions in a safe environment.
What Is Play Therapy?
You may be wondering, “What is play therapy”? Play therapy is a form of counseling that allows children to express their thoughts and emotions through play rather than words. Therapists use toys, art, and role-playing to help children work through emotional and behavioral challenges.
This approach is especially beneficial for children experiencing anxiety and stress. Play therapy gives them a way to externalize their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and regain a sense of control over their experiences.
How Play Therapy Helps with Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety can manifest in children in many ways, including excessive worrying, trouble sleeping, irritability, and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Child’s play therapy helps alleviate these symptoms by:
- Encouraging Emotional Expression
Many children struggle to verbalize their fears and worries. Play therapy creates a non-intimidating space where they can communicate their emotions through actions, symbols, and creative play. Licensed Professional Counselor Intern Monica Pagan uses carefully selected toys and activities to help children express their anxiety in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
- Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Children experiencing stress often lack the coping skills to manage their emotions effectively. Through guided activities, play therapy helps children build resilience and practice healthy coping strategies like deep breathing, self-soothing techniques, and problem-solving skills.
- Reducing Fear and Worry
By engaging in play, children can process their fears in a safe and controlled environment. Whether through storytelling, art, or role-playing, Monica Pagan helps children explore their worries and reframe their thoughts, making anxiety feel more manageable.
- Building Confidence and Control
Stress often stems from feeling out of control. Play therapy provides children with a sense of mastery over their emotions and experiences. By engaging in activities that allow them to make choices and solve problems, they build self-confidence and feel empowered to handle challenges.
- Improving Communication and Social Skills
Anxiety can make it difficult for children to connect with others. Child’s play therapy fosters healthy social interactions, helping children learn how to express their needs, navigate relationships, and positively manage conflicts.
Meet Monica Pagan: Your Child’s Play Therapy Specialist
If you’ve been searching for play therapy near me, you’ll want to meet Monica Pagan, LPC-Intern, at Intentional Counseling in Frisco, Texas. Monica is passionate about helping children navigate anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges through the power of play.
With her compassionate approach and specialized training, she creates a supportive space for children to express themselves. Monica works closely with parents to provide guidance and support, ensuring that play therapy benefits extend beyond the therapy room.
Is Play Therapy Right for Your Child?
If your child is struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional difficulties, child’s play therapy can be a transformative tool for healing and growth. Here are some signs your child may benefit from play therapy:
- Excessive worrying or fearfulness
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Irritability or mood swings
- Trouble expressing emotions
- Withdrawal from family or friends
At Intentional Counseling, we are committed to providing high-quality play therapy near me for families in Frisco, Texas, and surrounding areas.
Get Started with Play Therapy Today
Help your child cope in a supportive and effective way, child’s play therapy may be the answer. Guide your child on a journey toward emotional well-being through personalized play therapy sessions. Make an appointment and explore how play therapy can make a difference in your child’s life.