Play Therapy Available in The Chicago, IL, Area
At Illinois Behavioral Group, we offer play therapy to children throughout the Chicago, Illinois area. Play makes a difference by providing children with a natural, engaging way to explore their emotions and experiences. Play is not just a fun or enjoyable activity—it’s also a vital part of healthy childhood development. Through play, children communicate thoughts and feelings they may not yet have the words to express.
Play can elevate a child’s spirit, reduce stress, and bring a sense of comfort and safety. It allows children to process difficult emotions, build problem-solving skills, and gain a greater sense of control in their lives. It also fosters trust, encourages self-expression, and supports emotional regulation.
Whether a child is facing big life changes or navigating everyday challenges, play therapy provides a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
What does Play Therapy help?
Play therapy is a powerful and effective approach used to help children express themselves, process emotions, and work through challenges in a developmentally appropriate way.
Because children often lack the verbal skills to fully articulate their thoughts and feelings, play becomes their natural language—and a skilled therapist can use it to gain insight into a child’s inner world.
Play therapy helps children:
- Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Why Clients Choose Us
Clients choose Illinois Behavioral Health Group because of our compassionate, client-focused approach and commitment to delivering high-quality mental health care. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where individuals and families feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey.
Our experienced therapists tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every client, using evidence-based practices that promote long-term healing and personal growth. Whether seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, clients trust us to provide thoughtful guidance and meaningful support.
Contact Us
Are you ready to help your child take the next step toward healing and growth? We're here to help. At Illinois Behavioral Health Group, our compassionate team is committed to supporting children with play therapy. Whether you have questions about our services or want to schedule your first appointment, contact our team today.