When Words Aren’t Enough: How Play Therapy Helps Children Process Hurt

Sometimes children experience situations they don’t yet have the words to explain—like when a child shares that they are being hurt at school. These moments are heartbreaking for parents and caregivers, and they can leave us wondering how best to help our little ones heal and feel safe again. This is where play therapy can be an invaluable tool.

Why Play Therapy?

For children, play is more than fun—it’s their natural language. Through toys, art, and creative expression, kids reveal their inner world. Play therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children can work through difficult emotions and experiences, even when they struggle to talk about them directly.

How It Works

In play therapy, trained therapists use play-based activities to help children:

• Express feelings they may not know how to verbalize

• Re-enact experiences in safe and symbolic ways

• Build problem-solving skills and coping strategies

• Develop a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience

For example, a child who has been hurt at school might use dolls or figures to show what happened. The therapist gently supports the child, helping them process the situation and find healthier ways to cope and respond.

What Parents Can Do

If a child shares that they are being hit, the first step is always ensuring their

by addressing the situation with the school immediately. Beyond that, emotional support is equally important. Parents and caregivers can:

• Listen calmly and validate the child’s feelings (“I believe you. I’m so sorry this happened.”)

• Reinforce safety at home by creating consistent routines and warm connection

• Consider professional play therapy to help the child process their experience in a way that feels safe and natural for them

Healing Through Play

Play therapy isn’t just about managing a single incident—it helps children build long-term resilience. Kids gain confidence, emotional vocabulary, and the skills to face future challenges. Most importantly, they feel less alone.

Final Thoughts

When children encounter harm, even in places that should feel safe like school, it can shake their sense of security. Play therapy offers a gentle yet powerful path to healing. At Creative Counseling Solutions, we create a nurturing environment where children can use play to find their voice, process their experiences, and begin to feel whole again.

If your child—or a child you love—has gone through something difficult, know that there are supportive, effective ways to help them heal. Play can be their bridge back to safety and joy.