How Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR Therapy in Colorado Springs Helps Children Heal from Trauma

Art therapist in Colorado Springs guides a young boy through expressive drawing techniques, enhancing emotional exploration and communication.

When children experience trauma, they often don’t have the words to explain what happened or how it made them feel. Traditional talk therapy alone may not be enough. That’s why Beth, one of our Colorado Springs therapists, integrates creative and evidence-based approaches such as art therapy, play therapy, and EMDR therapy to help children process their experiences in ways that feel safe and natural to them.

Why Trauma Affects Children Differently

Children’s brains are still developing, which means trauma can deeply impact their emotions, behaviors, and ability to trust others. Instead of sharing their feelings directly, children may act out, withdraw, or show signs of anxiety, depression, or aggression. Effective therapy for kids needs to meet them at their level of development and help them express what they can’t yet put into words.

The Power of Art Therapy in Colorado Springs

Art therapy provides children with a creative outlet to express thoughts and feelings that might feel overwhelming or confusing. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, kids can externalize their emotions and begin to make sense of their story. Art therapy is not about creating something “perfect” but about using the process as a tool for self-expression and healing.

How Play Therapy Builds Safety and Trust

Play is a child’s natural language. In play therapy, toys, games, and storytelling give children a safe way to express emotions and experiences. A trained therapist observes and interacts with the child during play, helping them process difficult feelings and practice new coping skills. This creates a foundation of trust, safety, and connection that is essential before deeper trauma processing can happen.

EMDR Therapy for Children

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy) is a highly effective treatment for trauma in both adults and children. For kids, EMDR is adapted into a more playful, developmentally appropriate approach. Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound), EMDR helps children reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Over time, children can think about their trauma without experiencing the same level of fear or distress.

Why These Therapies Work Best Together

Each of these therapies—art, play, and EMDR—offers unique benefits. When combined, they create a comprehensive approach to healing:

• Art therapy gives children a way to express their emotions visually.

• Play therapy builds safety and helps kids communicate their inner world.

• EMDR therapy helps reprocess trauma so it no longer holds power over them.

Together, these approaches meet children where they are and guide them toward resilience, self-confidence, and emotional stability.

Finding the Right Therapy in Colorado Springs

If your child is struggling with trauma, anxiety, or behavioral changes, working with a therapist trained in these methods can make a profound difference. We are excited to welcome Beth to our team of therapists in Colorado Springs, as she offers integrated approaches like art therapy, play therapy, and EMDR for children and families.

Healing is possible—and children don’t have to go through it alone. With the right support, they can move from surviving to thriving.