This article has been researched and written by Mariam. AI has not been used in producing this article.

 

Play therapy in Dubai is a structured, evidence-based form of psychological therapy in which a trained therapist uses play as the primary medium for communication and healing. For children who do not yet have the language to express what they are feeling, play is not a distraction from therapy — it is the therapy.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is grounded in the understanding that play is the natural language of children. Through dolls, sand trays, puppets, art, role play, and storytelling, children can express experiences, emotions, and conflicts that they cannot yet verbalise — often without even realising they are doing so.

A trained play therapist creates a safe, consistent, and non-judgmental environment in which the child can explore their inner world at their own pace. The therapist observes, follows, and sometimes gently participates in the play, reflecting what they observe and helping the child develop greater emotional awareness and resilience.

 

Who Is Play Therapy For?

Play therapy is primarily designed for children aged 2–12, though the approach can be adapted for older children in some circumstances. It is helpful for a wide range of difficulties, including:

Anxiety and excessive worry or fear. Behavioural difficulties — aggression, defiance, or emotional outbursts. Trauma — following accidents, abuse, medical procedures, parental separation, or bereavement. Adjustment difficulties — following a move, a new sibling, or a change in family structure. Social difficulties and problems with peer relationships. Selective mutism. Emotional withdrawal or significant mood changes. Children on the autism spectrum who may benefit from a play-based social-emotional intervention.

Types of Play Therapy

 

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)

The most widely practised form, CCPT follows the child’s lead entirely. The therapist creates a safe space and reflects what the child expresses through play, building the therapeutic relationship over time. It is based on the work of Virginia Axline and is rooted in humanistic psychology.

 

CBT Play Therapy

This approach combines the structured techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with play-based methods, making CBT accessible to younger children. It is particularly effective for anxiety, phobias, and OCD in children.

 

Sand Tray Therapy

Sand tray therapy is a projective technique in which the child (or adult) creates scenes in a tray of sand using miniature figures and objects. It externalises the inner world and allows for powerful processing of emotions and experiences. At ClearMinds, sand tray therapy is used as part of our child therapy approach.

 

Filial Therapy

Filial therapy trains parents to conduct special play sessions with their own children at home, under the guidance of the therapist. It strengthens the parent-child relationship and is particularly effective for children with attachment difficulties or anxiety.

 

What to Expect in a Play Therapy Session

A play therapy session typically lasts 45–50 minutes and takes place in a dedicated playroom equipped with a range of therapeutic toys, art materials, and a sand tray. The child is told that this is their special time, where they can play in almost any way they choose.

Children often do not appear to be “doing therapy” in any obvious sense during sessions — they may simply be playing. This is normal. The therapeutic work is happening through the content and process of the play, observed and guided by the therapist.

Progress may not be immediately obvious to parents, and that is expected. Play therapy works gradually, deepening the child’s capacity for emotional expression and self-regulation over time. Therapists provide parents with regular updates and guidance on how to support the work at home.

 

How Many Sessions Does Play Therapy Take?

The number of sessions varies considerably depending on the child’s situation, the severity of the difficulties, and how the child responds. Short-term play therapy may involve 8–12 sessions. For children who have experienced significant trauma or have complex needs, longer-term work is often more beneficial.

 

Finding a Certified Play Therapist in Dubai

In Dubai, play therapists should be licensed by the DHA or CDA and ideally hold a specialised qualification in play therapy from a recognised professional body such as the Association for Play Therapy (APT) or the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). At ClearMinds, our play therapists hold APT-recognised qualifications and have years of clinical experience working with young children. Contact our team to learn more or book a first consultation.

If you are also navigating a developmental assessment for your child, our EMDR for children may complement the play therapy work where trauma is part of the picture.

Book a play therapy consultation in Dubai — +971 58 557 6220 | ClearMinds, JLT

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Play therapy has a robust evidence base. Research shows that it is effective for reducing anxiety, behavioural difficulties, trauma symptoms, and social-emotional difficulties in children. The mechanism is well understood: play externalises internal experience, reduces the shame and defensiveness that direct questioning can trigger, and allows the child to process difficult emotions in a way that feels safe and natural.

In most play therapy models, parents do not observe sessions directly, as the therapeutic relationship between child and therapist works best when the child has their own private space. However, your therapist will provide regular feedback and may involve you in specific sessions where appropriate, particularly if filial therapy components are used.

Resistance before the first session is common and rarely persists. Most children become comfortable — and often look forward to their sessions — very quickly once they experience the non-judgmental, child-led environment. Prepare your child by framing the sessions positively and acknowledging that it is okay if they feel nervous at first.