15 May How Play Therapy Helps Kids with Anxiety
When children are overwhelmed, they don’t always talk about it — they show it.
Through big emotions, challenging behavior, or silence, kids often communicate their struggles without words. More families are noticing increased anxiety, defiance, or withdrawal in their children — and they’re left wondering: How do I help my child when they can’t explain what’s wrong?
Play therapy offers a powerful answer.
At Still Waters Psychology, Ashley Shaw and her team specialize in child play therapy techniques in Calgary. Her evidence-based, child-centered approach helps young clients express emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills — all through the natural language of play.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach designed specifically for children. Because kids often lack the vocabulary to articulate complex feelings, play becomes a safe and effective way for them to express what they’re experiencing internally.
In play therapy, children use toys, games, art, and storytelling to act out thoughts and emotions. Guided by a trained therapist, these activities are more than just play — they become tools for healing, processing, and growth.
For kids who struggle to verbalize how they feel, play therapy opens the door to communication, emotional regulation, and connection.
Why Play Therapy Is Effective for Kids with Anxiety
Anxiety in children can show up in many ways — trouble sleeping, frequent meltdowns, excessive worry, avoidance of activities, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.
Play therapy creates a safe, non-judgmental space where children can explore their fears without pressure. Through techniques like role-playing, sand tray play, and guided storytelling, they’re able to “try on” coping strategies, rehearse problem-solving, and build confidence in facing fears.
Over time, children learn to recognize their anxious feelings, understand them, and respond in more empowered ways — all through a process that feels engaging and natural.
Addressing Behavioral Issues Through Play Therapy
Play therapy isn’t only for anxiety — it’s also effective in addressing behavioral challenges such as:
- Aggression or anger outbursts
- Defiance or power struggles
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty with transitions or following directions
Therapists like Ashley Shaw use targeted play-based techniques to help children build skills in emotional regulation, self-control, and problem-solving. Over time, children begin to shift their behavior as they gain insight into their emotions and learn healthier ways to express them.
Many parents are amazed to see their child begin to show more patience, empathy, and flexibility after just a few weeks of consistent play therapy.
The Role of Parents in Child Play Therapy
Parental involvement is a key part of the healing process. At Still Waters Psychological Services, Ashley Shaw partners closely with parents to help support progress outside the therapy room.
Parents receive guidance on:
- Understanding their child’s emotional triggers
- Setting supportive boundaries at home
- Reinforcing therapeutic strategies through daily routines
This collaborative approach ensures that the gains made in therapy are supported, strengthened, and sustained at home.
Benefits of Choosing Play Therapy in Calgary with Still Waters Psychology
Ashley Shaw brings extensive training and experience in child therapy, with a warm, developmentally attuned approach that helps children feel safe, seen, and understood.
Choosing a local Calgary-based therapist offers added convenience and continuity of care — and Ashley Shaw’s personalized, child-centered approach means every child receives support tailored to their unique emotional and developmental needs.
Whether your child is anxious, overwhelmed, or acting out, Ashley creates a therapeutic space where healing can begin — through connection, creativity, and play.
What to Expect in a Play Therapy Session
In a typical session, your child will:
- Engage in open-ended play with carefully selected toys, games, or art materials
- Be gently guided by Ashley Shaw or other therapist in processing thoughts, feelings, or challenges through play
- Begin developing coping tools, emotional language, and problem-solving skills
Sessions are usually 45-50 minutes long and are offered on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on the child’s needs. Children often feel calm, understood, and lighter after sessions — many even look forward to returning.
How to Get Started with Play Therapy for Kids with Anxiety
Getting started is simple:
- Book a consultation at www.stillwaterspsych.com
- Discuss your child’s needs and goals with your therapist
- Schedule an initial play therapy session
- Prepare your child with gentle reassurance: “You’ll get to play and talk with someone who’s really good at helping kids.”
Have questions? We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Anxiety and behavioral challenges can feel overwhelming — both for children and their parents. But support is available. Play therapy offers a developmentally appropriate, effective way for kids to express themselves, overcome challenges, and build lasting emotional strength.
If your child is struggling and you’re not sure where to turn, know this: You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact Still Waters Psychology today to learn how play therapy in Calgary can help your child thrive — one session at a time.
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