Play Therapy vs Art Therapy: What’s Right for Your Child?
When your child is struggling—emotionally, socially, or behaviourally—it can be hard to know how to help. Talk therapy might seem too grown-up. You might wonder: Will they even know what to say? Will they open up?
That’s where child-focused approaches like play therapy and art therapy come in. Both are powerful ways to help kids express themselves, build emotional resilience, and feel more in control of their inner world. But they do so in different ways—and knowing which one fits your child best can make all the difference.
In our practice, we offer both child therapy in Toronto and parent guidance to help families find the support that feels right.
Why Traditional Talk Therapy Often Isn’t Enough for Kids
Children don’t usually walk into therapy saying, “I’m feeling emotionally dysregulated and struggling with attachment needs.” They show their distress through play, behaviour, or creativity. They may act out, withdraw, or struggle to name what they’re feeling at all.
Therapy for children has to meet them where they are—using tools that feel natural, safe, and familiar. That’s why play and art aren’t just “fun extras.” They’re the language of healing.
What Is Play Therapy?
Children might:
Act out themes through dolls or figurines
Use sand trays to show how they see relationships or events
Play out fears or conflicts using role-play
Build emotional vocabulary through storytelling or games
Play gives children control, which is especially helpful when they’re navigating stress, change, or trauma.
We’ve written more about the power of play therapy here.
Best for: Younger children (typically ages 3–10), children who are nonverbal or shy, and kids who express distress through behaviour.
What Is Art Therapy?
In art therapy, the focus isn’t on the end product—it’s on the process of creating. Children may:
Draw what anxiety or sadness feels like in their body
Create masks or self-portraits to explore identity
Use abstract colour or form to represent emotions
Build narratives around their artwork to tell stories safely
Art gives form to things that are hard to say out loud—and for some children, it offers a much-needed sense of mastery and control.
We’ve seen especially powerful outcomes with children on the autism spectrum. You can read more in our post on the benefits of art therapy for children with ASD.
Best for: Children ages 6+, kids who prefer drawing or crafting, neurodivergent children, and those who struggle with anxiety, trauma, or identity-related challenges.
What If You’re Not Sure?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Many of the families we work with come in unsure of what approach to choose. Often, our child therapists use both play and art-based tools, depending on the child’s age, temperament, and presenting challenges. We also keep parents involved with regular check-ins, so you’re supported every step of the way.
Therapy is most effective when it’s tailored. That’s why we begin with a thoughtful assessment—not just of symptoms, but of strengths, preferences, and what helps your child feel safe.
Supporting Your Child Starts with Understanding
Whether your child is acting out, withdrawing, struggling at school, or simply going through a big life change, therapy can help them find their footing—and their voice.
We offer developmentally appropriate, creative, and compassionate child therapy in Toronto that meets kids where they are.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist in Toronto to find out which approach might be the best fit for your child.
