Play Therapy for Adopted Kids | Expressive Healing

Adoption can bring a range of emotions for children. While some adjust easily, others may struggle with anxiety, grief, attachment issues, or behavioral challenges. Young adoptees, especially those with early trauma or foster care experiences, may find it difficult to put their feelings into words.

Play Therapy provides a structured, research-backed way for children to express and process their emotions. Through guided play, they can work through challenges, build trust, and improve emotional regulation.

At the Gladney Center for Adoption, we offer Play Therapy at our counseling centers, helping adoptees work through emotions in a way that feels natural and supportive.

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps children communicate their emotions and experiences through play instead of verbal conversation. Trained therapists guide children using toys, games, and creative activities to:

• Process difficult emotions like loss, fear, or confusion
• Develop coping skills for anxiety or frustration
• Strengthen trust and attachment with caregivers
• Improve self-expression and confidence

This type of therapy is commonly used for children who have experienced trauma, major life changes, or difficulty adjusting to new environments. For adoptees, Play Therapy can help them make sense of their experiences in a way that feels safe and non-threatening.

How Play Therapy Supports Adopted Children

Adopted children may struggle with feelings they don’t fully understand. Play Therapy helps by:

1. Encouraging Emotional Expression

Many adoptees, especially young children, don’t have the vocabulary to describe their emotions. Play Therapy allows them to:

• Act out their feelings using toys, dolls, or figures
• Create artwork or drawings that reflect their thoughts
• Engage in structured games that reveal emotional patterns

2. Strengthening Parent-Child Attachment

Children who have experienced early separation or inconsistent caregiving may struggle to trust. Play Therapy can help:

• Build secure attachment through interactive play
• Strengthen communication between children and caregivers
• Create a safe space where children feel heard and understood

3. Processing Trauma and Change

For children with early loss or foster care transitions, Play Therapy provides a way to:

• Work through fears of abandonment or instability
• Role-play their adoption story in a way they can control
• Address grief, confusion, or anxiety about their past

4. Teaching Coping Skills

Some adoptees experience tantrums, withdrawal, or difficulty regulating emotions. Play Therapy helps them:

• Learn calming techniques through structured activities
• Develop problem-solving and frustration management skills
• Gain confidence in handling challenging situations

What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?

A typical Play Therapy session at Gladney’s Counseling Center is designed to help children express emotions at their own pace.

1. Free Play Selection

Children explore different toys, figures, and activities to choose what feels right for them.

2. Structured Play Exercises

A therapist may introduce activities like:

• Puppet storytelling to act out emotions
• Building blocks or sand play to explore control and problem-solving
• Interactive games to strengthen emotional skills

3. Observing and Processing

As children play, the therapist:

• Watches for patterns in their choices and behaviors
• Asks simple questions to help the child process emotions
• Helps parents understand how to support their child at home

4. Parent Involvement (When Appropriate)

• Some sessions may include parents to practice positive interactions
• Therapists may provide guidance on continuing play-based support at home

Play Therapy is not just about play—it is a structured, therapeutic approach that helps children process emotions and develop important emotional skills.

Why Choose Play Therapy at Gladney?

At Gladney’s counseling centers in Fort Worth, Addison, and Houston, our therapists specialize in adoption-informed Play Therapy. We provide:

• Experienced therapists trained in adoption-related challenges
• A structured approach to help children express emotions safely
• Support for parents on how to strengthen attachment and communication

We tailor therapy sessions to each child’s specific needs, ensuring they receive the best possible support in their emotional development.

Get Started with Play Therapy

If your adopted child is struggling with emotional expression, attachment, or behavioral challenges, Play Therapy can provide a safe, effective way to help them work through their emotions.

Call today to schedule an appointment: 817-672-9581 or email counseling@gladney.org
Visit Gladney’s Counseling Center to learn more