The Power of Play and Art Therapy

How creativity helps children process big feelings and heal

Play is a child’s language. Art is their voice. In therapy, children show us their inner world through imagination and expression.

Last week, a little boy in my office stood quietly at the art table. His mom had described him as “shut down” — withdrawn since his parents’ separation. Without saying a word, he began to press clay between his fingers, rolling it and reshaping it over and over. After a few minutes, he built a small house. One wall leaned and then collapsed. He paused, frowned, and softly said, “I can fix it.”

In that simple moment, he wasn’t just building with clay — he was rebuilding his sense of safety and control. Through his play, he was telling a story his words couldn’t yet express.

This is the heart of play and art therapy. Children use creativity to communicate their inner worlds, to process fear, sadness, and change, and to begin healing in a way that feels natural to them.

Play is a child’s language. Art is their voice. In therapy, we meet them there — in the world of imagination, expression, and connection.

Why Play Works:

- Builds emotional regulation

- Supports trauma processing

- Strengthens problem‑solving

- Increases confidence and trust

Art Therapy Benefits:

- Gives feelings form

- Encourages self‑expression

- Reduces anxiety

- Helps children communicate safely

How Parents Can Support Creativity:

- Provide open‑ended materials

- Embrace mess and exploration

- Invite play — don’t control it

Play isn’t “just play.” It’s healing.

Rooted Counseling offers child, family, and individual therapy in Folsom and Loomis.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your family’s growth and connection.

Written by Heather Peterson, LMFT