The Healing Power of Play: How Children Benefit from Play Therapy During Grief

Author: Rachel Silberman, Clinical Trainee ​

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience for anyone, but for children, navigating grief can be especially confusing and overwhelming. They may struggle to understand their emotions or find it difficult to express themselves verbally. In times like these, traditional talk therapy might not be the most effective approach for children to cope with their grief. This is where play therapy comes in.

Play therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and express their feelings through play. Whether it's using toys, art materials, or engaging in imaginative play, children are given the freedom to communicate in a way that feels natural to them. Here's how play therapy can benefit children who are grieving:

1. Non-verbal expression: Children often find it challenging to articulate their emotions verbally, especially during times of grief when their feelings may be complex and overwhelming. Play therapy provides them with a non-verbal outlet to express themselves, allowing them to communicate through play rather than words.


2. Emotional processing: Through play, children can symbolically reenact their experiences and emotions, helping them process and make sense of their grief in a way that feels safe and manageable. Whether it's role-playing scenes from their past or creating artwork that reflects their feelings, play therapy encourages emotional exploration and understanding.


3. Normalization of feelings: Grief can be isolating, especially for children who may feel like they're the only ones experiencing such intense emotions. In play therapy, children realize that their feelings are normal and valid. They see that it's okay to express sadness, anger, or confusion, and they learn healthy ways to cope with these emotions.


4. Building coping skills: Play therapy equips children with coping skills and strategies to navigate their grief journey. Through guided play activities, they learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and develop resilience in the face of adversity. These skills not only help them cope with grief but also empower them to face future challenges with confidence.


5. Strengthening relationships: Play therapy can also facilitate communication and strengthen relationships between children and their caregivers. By engaging in therapeutic play together, families can bond, share experiences, and support each other through the grieving process.


In conclusion, play therapy offers a unique and effective approach to supporting children who are grieving. By providing a safe space for expression, emotional processing, and skill-building, play therapy helps children navigate their grief journey in a healthy and constructive way. Through play, children can find healing, resilience, and hope as they learn to cope with loss and embrace life once again