• Mental Health

Art and Play Therapy: How it Works for Adults and Children

Traditional talk therapy may not be ideal for everyone. A talk therapy setting may feel intimidating because of the pressure to talk about things that may be uncomfortable saying out loud.

For those who find comfort in a messy art room or kids who are most open with their imagination, art and play therapy may be a great option for mental health treatment.

Play therapy — also known as cognitive behavioral play therapy (CBPT) — is a form of expressive therapy for kids that connects the senses and emotions to games. Art therapy for both adults and children teaches therapy techniques using artistic expression.

Art and play therapy are great alternative therapy options for people who prefer having a different way to express their emotions beyond saying what they feel.

How is Therapy Different for Adults and Children?

Art therapy and play therapy are great options for those who struggle with verbally expressing their emotions. Play therapy is geared more towards children, whereas art therapy is for people of all ages. 

When it comes to treatment, a therapist may rephrase questions during a session in a different way with children than they would with adults. The types of activities offered are also different for adults and children in art or play therapy. 

The length of treatment may also be longer for children than adults. However, each therapy experience is individualized regardless of age. How a therapist communicates with a person and the art skills they focus on also depend on the individual.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy — also commonly referred to as vocational art therapy — is a method that uses artistic expression to convey emotions and thoughts with a licensed therapist. This form of therapy gives the person a safe space to communicate difficult topics. It’s used to help improve cognitive, motor, and social skills.

How Does Art Therapy Work?

During an art therapy session, a healthcare provider gives a person art tools to create collages, paintings, writing, and clay models to show their feelings. A person may also use art therapy to express options for conflict resolution and improve communication skills.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is when children play under the supervision of a therapist. This type of therapy emphasizes the therapist following the child’s lead in how they want to communicate. It helps to build trust between the healthcare provider and the child.  

How Does Play Therapy Work?

In play therapy, a child may choose from different activities like puzzles, dolls, and clay to express themselves. Through the games, a therapist learns more about how a child sees the world from their imagination and abstract thoughts.

Who Benefits from Play Therapy?

This form of therapy still allows for dialogue where the child feels comfortable enough. Play therapy may be especially beneficial for children experiencing drastic changes in their lives.

Play therapy may benefit children experiencing:

• A sudden loss

• Divorce of parental figures

• Starting a new school

• Coping with anxiety

• Having a new sibling

• Social withdrawal

During some sessions, a child may use some of the objects they’re playing with to explain experiences or describe their emotions. For kids who have anxiety, this form of therapy can help those who have trouble pushing past fear to open up in a clinical setting.

Children who exhibit aggressive behavior or throw constant temper tantrums may benefit from play therapy. It’s a positive environment for children to open up in if they are resistant to low-energy environments.

If  a child has certain developmental disorders, they may benefit from play therapy as well. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if a child has the following:

• Sleep disorders

• Eating disorders

• Autism 

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

What are the Different Types of Play Therapy?

There are different approaches a therapist may take with play therapy. Two main types of play therapy are Alder’s therapy and child-centered play therapy. Each child has a different personality and set of experiences that may make them feel more comfortable with one type of therapy over another. 

Adler’s therapy is a form of treatment crafted for kids who have trouble feeling like they have a home base or a sense of belonging. A healthcare provider may provide more direction during therapy. This form of play therapy is ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.

Child-centered play looks at childhood development as a non-linear journey of selfhood. This form is more about the child directing the session than the therapist. Children who have behavioral problems and mental disorders allow the therapist to meet them where they are in communication style.

How to Find an Art Therapist

Art therapists offer individual, couple, and group therapy. A licensed art therapist typically has a master’s degree in art and therapy. 

If you cannot find a licensed art therapist through your health insurance provider, many local institutions may offer it. Hospitals, schools, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities may offer more affordable options for art therapy.

Where Can I Learn More About My Mental Health?

Many local organizations may offer mental health support through free counseling. If receiving help in person is not an option, LifeMD can help you learn more about other alternative forms of therapy.

LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services at least 95% of subscribers. Still, there are tips and alternate options for care for people without health insurance. 

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