Play Therapy
Play Therapy helps children express emotions, learn coping skills, and strengthen social relationships in a supportive setting. By using a child's natural language—play—we create practical opportunities for emotional growth and connection. When services are authorized by a school district/DOE program or New York State Early Intervention (birth–3), they are provided at no cost to eligible families. Many insurance plans also cover mental/behavioral health services.
Fostering Emotional Growth Through Play
Play therapy offers a safe space to explore feelings, work through challenges, and practice healthy coping. At Knowledge Road, licensed clinicians trained in play therapy balance child-led exploration with guided activities to build emotional understanding, problem-solving, and social interaction.
We specialize in early intervention for ages 0–3 and also serve preschool and school-age children who benefit from support with emotional and social skills.
With this service, we provide:
- One-on-one or small-group sessions with a licensed mental health professional trained in play therapy
- A welcoming play space with toys, art materials, and role-play props
- Non-directive play where children lead while therapists observe, reflect, and support
- Targeted activities—storytelling, puppetry, sand and art play—to build regulation, social skills, and problem-solving
- Caregiver coaching and home-based play ideas to reinforce progress
- Regular updates and collaborative planning with families
This service is designed to:
- Help children express emotions through play and creative activities
- Teach coping strategies for frustration, transitions, and change
- Encourage curiosity, cooperation, and peer interaction
- Build resilience, confidence, and adaptability
- Strengthen emotional vocabulary and self-regulation
Why This Service Matters
Many young children show what they feel through play before they can say it. Play therapy uses that natural process to help children understand emotions, communicate needs, and build strong relationships at home and in school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is play therapy for young children?
It's a therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express feelings, work through challenges, and learn coping skills. Through toys and creative activities, children communicate in ways that match their developmental level.
How does play therapy help with emotional development?
Sessions provide a safe setting to explore themes in play, name feelings, and practice strategies for calming and problem-solving—building emotional vocabulary, self-regulation, and confidence.
What should I expect in a session?
Typical sessions last 30–45 minutes and include a brief check-in, child-led play, targeted therapeutic activities, and a simple closing. Families receive regular updates and ideas to use at home.
Service Overview
Children from birth through adolescence; specialized programming for ages 0–3 through Early Intervention
In-school, in-home, community-based, or in our dedicated play therapy space (where available).
Typically 30–45 minutes per session; frequency set by evaluation and treatment plan.
At no cost to eligible families when authorized by DOE/school-district programs or NYS Department of Health Early Intervention; many insurance plans cover mental/behavioral health services.
What Families Receive
- An individualized session plan aligned to the child's needs
- Regular progress updates and caregiver guidance
- Play-based activities and home strategies to reinforce skills
- Coordination with other therapy providers
- A safe, supportive environment for emotional growth
Who This Is For
Children who would benefit from a structured, creative approach to processing emotions, learning coping skills, and improving social interactions—especially toddlers in early intervention and students managing emotional or behavioral challenges.
Request ServicesReady to Support Your Child's Emotional Growth?
Contact us to learn more about Play Therapy and how our creative, child-centered approach can help your child express emotions, build coping skills, and develop stronger social connections.