Play Therapy in Colorado Springs: Helping Children Heal from Trauma
For children, play isn’t just fun—it’s how they make sense of the world. When a child has experienced trauma, anxiety, or big life changes, they often don’t have the words to describe what they’re feeling. Play therapy in Colorado Springs gives children a safe and natural way to express themselves, process difficult experiences, and begin to heal.
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What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that uses toys, games, storytelling, and creative activities to help children share what they’re going through. Instead of focusing on words alone, children use play as their language and toys as their words. A trained play therapist observes and interacts with the child, helping them explore emotions, build coping skills, and process trauma in a supportive environment.
Why Play Therapy Works for Trauma
Trauma can be overwhelming for children, leaving them feeling powerless or unsafe. Play therapy offers a structured yet flexible space where healing can occur by:
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Creating safety and trust – the playroom is a place where children know they are accepted and understood.
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Allowing symbolic expression – through play, children can “act out” experiences and feelings they can’t yet verbalize.
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Promoting emotional regulation – play helps children practice calming strategies and learn new coping tools.
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Rebuilding control and confidence – choosing how to play and what to create helps children regain a sense of agency.
Play Therapy for Different Ages
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Young Children: Play therapy provides a safe, non-threatening way to work through fears, grief, or traumatic memories.
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School-Age Kids: It helps children develop problem-solving skills, emotional awareness, and healthy ways of coping.
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Teens: While play therapy may look different for adolescents, creative and activity-based approaches can still open doors to healing.
Integrating Play Therapy with Other Approaches
At Dynamic Counseling, play therapy is often combined with other trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and art therapy. Together, these approaches help children process painful memories, express emotions, and build resilience in a safe and supportive way.
Play Therapy in Colorado Springs
If your child is struggling after trauma, a loss, or ongoing stress, play therapy can provide the tools they need to heal and thrive.
👉 Learn more about our play therapy services and meet Beth Branigan, a Colorado Springs therapist who specializes in play therapy, art therapy, and EMDR for children, teens, and families.