Play Therapy For Worry and Big Emotions.
How I Use Play Therapy for Worry and Big Emotions
When I work with an elementary-aged child ages 7 - 11 who struggles with worry or big emotions, we don’t make the goal “never feel anxious” or “calm down before doing something hard.” Instead, I help children learn that feelings can be uncomfortable without being dangerous—and that they can move forward even when worry is making a lot of noise. Through games and playful activities, we might give worry a name, learn to recognize its tricks, separate real danger from a false alarm, talk back to unhelpful thoughts, and practice doing things that feel scary or uncomfortable.
Play gives children a way to practice these skills without turning therapy into a lecture. A child can learn, through play and repeated practice, “I can feel worried and still do it,” “My worry doesn't get to make all my decisions,” and “Big feelings are something I can handle.” The goal isn't to eliminate worry or big emotions. It is to help children become more confident in handling them.
Reading Recommendations for Parents
My Book About Play Therapy — Sandra Wilson
A child-friendly introduction to play therapy that helps children understand what therapy is, what to expect, and how play can help them express themselves and work through difficult feelings.
View My Book About Play Therapy on Amazon
How to Outsmart a Worry — Sandra Wilson
A playful book that helps children see worry as something that can be bossy and convincing—but doesn’t have to be in charge. It encourages kids to talk back to worry, take brave steps, and do things even when they feel scared.
What Is Worry? — Sandra Wilson
A simple, age-appropriate explanation of worry, the brain’s alarm system, and the fight-or-flight response. It helps children understand that sometimes the brain sends a warning even when they aren’t actually in danger.
Find How to Outsmart a Worry and What Is Worry? on Amazon
Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents — Lynn Lyons & Reid Wilson
A practical book about breaking the cycle of worry, reassurance, and avoidance. I especially like the emphasis on helping children become more comfortable with uncertainty rather than continually trying to make them feel safe.
Freeing Your Child from Anxiety — Tamar E. Chansky, PhD
A parent-friendly guide to understanding childhood anxiety and helping children respond differently to fearful and anxious thoughts. It offers concrete strategies for parents without treating anxiety as something that has to be completely eliminated.
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD — Eli R. Lebowitz, PhD
This is a good choice for parents who want to better understand how family responses can unintentionally maintain anxiety. It provides a structured approach for changing patterns of accommodation and helping children build greater independence.
Helping Your Anxious Child — Ronald M. Rapee, Ann Wignall, Susan Spence, Vanessa Cobham & Heidi Lyneham
A step-by-step guide that gives parents practical ways to understand anxiety and help their child face fears and build confidence. It is also included on several professional pediatric anxiety resource lists.
What to Do When You Worry Too Much — Dawn Huebner, PhD
This one is actually written for children ages 6–12, so it can be something a parent and child work through together. It uses CBT concepts and playful language to help children understand worry and begin responding to it differently.