Is your child struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges that are difficult to understand? Have you noticed changes in their mood, behavior, or ability to communicate? Are they having trouble adjusting to new situations or processing difficult experiences?
At Joyful Living Behavioral Health, we understand how complex and overwhelming these situations can be. It’s why we offer play therapy to help children in the Eugene, Oregon, area navigate and overcome a variety of challenges. We provide a safe and nurturing environment where young clients can explore their emotions, express themselves, and work through challenges in a creative and engaging way.
The Power of Play Therapy
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to counseling for children and adolescents. Through play, young clients can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally. Play therapy allows them to process emotions, develop coping skills, and enhance self-esteem in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
Research highlights the effectiveness of this approach. The Association for Play Therapy reports that play therapy can yield positive outcomes in up to 71% of cases involving children with emotional and behavioral difficulties (APT, 2021). Additionally, studies have shown that play therapy significantly improves communication skills and emotional awareness in children.
Ways Play Therapy Can Help Your Child
Play therapy at Joyful Living Behavioral Health in Eugene can help children cope with various emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. This form of therapy is especially effective for conditions where verbal expression may be difficult or overwhelming for the child. As a result, play therapy can support children dealing with:
Anxiety
Through toys, games, and creative activities, children can safely externalize their anxious feelings. This allows our child therapists to better understand the sources of their anxiety and develop strategies to help them manage it. Over time, this process helps children feel more in control of their emotions and less overwhelmed by their anxious thoughts.
Depression
Play therapy provides insight into a child’s inner emotional world. By observing their play, therapists can uncover the underlying emotions contributing to sadness or withdrawal and help children find healthier ways to cope. Over time, children can develop greater resilience and learn positive coping strategies that enhance their emotional well-being.
Grief
Children often process grief through symbolic play. Play therapy offers a gentle, supportive space for children to explore their feelings of loss, especially when they struggle to understand or discuss death and change. This safe environment helps them build emotional resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Behavioral Disorders
Children with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or other behavioral concerns benefit from play therapy’s structured yet creative approach. Through play, they learn emotional regulation, impulse control, and positive behaviors. These sessions also help children build trust and improve their ability to focus and engage in positive interactions.
Social Challenges
Play therapy supports children who struggle with friendships, bullying, or adjusting to changes such as a new school or family dynamics. It helps them build communication skills, empathy, and resilience in social settings. Over time, these improvements can lead to stronger peer relationships and greater confidence in social interactions.
Trauma
Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma often process their experiences through play. Our licensed and experienced therapists create a secure, nurturing space where children can safely work through difficult emotions at their own pace. This process helps children rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and emotional security in their world.
Play Therapy in Eugene, Tailored to Each Child’s Needs
Our play therapists are trained professionals who understand the unique needs of children and adolescents. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including:
- Art therapy – Drawing, painting, and crafts help children express feelings that may be hard to articulate in words.
- Music – Singing, playing instruments, or listening to music offers a creative outlet for emotional expression and relaxation.
- Storytelling – Reading, writing, or acting out stories helps children make sense of their experiences and process emotions in a safe way.
- Role-playing – Pretend play and role-play scenarios allow children to practice problem-solving, communication, and coping strategies.
- Therapeutic games – Structured games designed to teach emotional regulation, patience, and interpersonal skills.
Each play therapy session is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the child, allowing for personalized and effective treatment.
Building Confidence, Resilience, and Emotional Awareness
Through our play therapy services, children and adolescents in Eugene learn to navigate challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience. They also gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, which can lead to improved behavior, communication, and relationships both at home and in school.
Contact Us to Learn How Play Therapy Can Help Your Child
If you believe that your child could benefit from play therapy, we’re here to help. Contact Joyful Living Behavioral Health in Eugene, OR, to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our play therapy services can support your child’s emotional growth and well-being.