5 Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Play Therapy in Naperville
- heather006948
- Nov 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Did you know that children who engage in child-centered play therapy show significant improvements in emotional and social well-being?
Research from the University of Arkansas highlights how this therapeutic approach helps children build confidence, manage emotions, and develop healthier relationships.
At Anew Leaf Counseling, we specialize in play therapy in Naperville, offering a compassionate and tailored approach to help your child overcome challenges and thrive emotionally.
Our dedicated team is here to guide your family toward a brighter, more balanced future.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help children address emotional and behavioral challenges. Instead of talking through their problems (as adults often do in therapy), children use play as their form of communication.
Toys, games, art supplies, and other tools help them express feelings they might not have the words to describe.
At Anew Leaf Counseling, we specialize in play therapy in Naperville, providing children with the tools they need to improve their emotional and social well-being.
This therapy is especially beneficial for kids who may struggle to articulate their emotions but can "speak" volumes through their actions and play.
5 Signs Your Child Needs Play Therapy
Would your child benefit from play therapy? Here are some key signs that it could be time to seek professional guidance.
Social Withdrawal
Has your once-bubbly child suddenly started avoiding friends or refusing to participate in group activities? Isolation can be an indication of emotional hardship or low self-esteem.
Through play therapy, children can build confidence, process what's troubling them, and practice social skills in a safe environment.
Frequent Tantrums or Emotional Outbursts
All children have big emotions at times, but if your child experiences intense, frequent tantrums or seems unusually irritable, it may signal underlying frustration, anxiety, or anger.
Play therapy helps children explore why they’re feeling overwhelmed and teaches them healthier ways to cope.
Difficulty Adjusting to Change
Life changes like moving to a new place, starting a different school, or welcoming a new sibling can be hard for kids.
If your child shows signs of distress, such as reverting to younger behaviors (e.g., bedwetting) or clinging to you excessively, play therapy can smooth the transition and provide emotional support.
Trauma Responses
Big life events like divorce, a family loss, or even an accident can leave lasting effects on a child. Signs of trauma may include nightmares, flashbacks, or unexplained fears. One of the key benefits of play therapy for children is its ability to help them process trauma at their own pace.
Difficulty Expressing or Recognizing Feelings
If your child has trouble naming or explaining their emotions, they might bottle up their feelings, which can lead to further emotional challenges. Through engaging activities, a play therapist helps children learn to identify and express emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
The Role of Parents in Recognizing These Signs
Parents play a vital part in spotting when something might be going on with their child. If you’ve noticed changes in behavior, it’s important to trust your instincts.
Observe your child carefully, keep a log of concerning behaviors, and, most importantly, talk openly with your child. While they might not always be able to articulate what’s wrong, physical comfort and supportive discussions can encourage them to share more.
For parents in Naperville, organizations like Anew Leaf Counseling offer child therapy services in Naperville designed not just for children but for families as a whole.
Collaboration between parents and therapists ensures that everyone is working together to support the child’s emotional growth.
Success Stories from Play Therapy
To highlight the tangible impact of play therapy, let's explore a few (de-identified) examples of children who’ve benefited from this type of care:
Case 1: A seven-year-old boy began isolating himself following his parents’ divorce. Through several months of play therapy, he learned to handle his sadness while rebuilding his confidence to make new friends.
Case 2: A five-year-old girl with frequent tantrums started using play therapy to express her frustration. With the therapist’s guidance, she developed new strategies for managing her anger, which also brought peace to her home life.
These success stories remind us of how impactful play therapy can be in nurturing the emotional well-being of kids in Naperville and beyond.
Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being
At Anew Leaf Naperville, we understand that every child has a unique story, and we’re committed to providing personalized play therapy that meets their individual needs.
With our compassionate approach and expertise in fostering emotional growth, we help children overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
Schedule a consultation with one of our licensed child therapists!
Contact Us Today and take the first step toward lasting change!
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