Play Therapy for Children (Ages 3 - 17)
Supporting emotional regulation, expression, and resilience through developmentally appropriate therapeutic work.
“Children don’t say, “I had a hard day; can we talk?
They say, “Will you play with me?””
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling — especially when emotions feel big, confusing, or overwhelming. Play therapy offers children a safe, structured space to express and process their inner experiences in ways that feel natural to them.
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I work with children in Bengaluru and online, supporting emotional regulation, relational safety, and meaningful emotional growth through a carefully attuned therapeutic relationship.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed specifically for children. It recognises that play is a child’s first language - how they explore emotions, process experiences, and make sense of the world around them.
I practise Synergetic Play Therapy®, a research-informed approach that integrates emotional attunement, nervous system regulation, and relationship-based care. This means I don’t simply observe your child’s play - I actively support regulation, safety, and connection in the room.
This approach is relational, body-based, and developmentally attuned, allowing therapy to feel grounded, empowering, and safe.
How Play Therapy Supports Your Child
In this short video, you’ll see glimpses of how children express emotions, build trust, and process experiences through play. You’ll also see moments of how I work with parents alongside their child’s therapeutic journey—supporting regulation, connection, and emotional growth in ways that feel safe and attuned.
Children don’t always say how they feel - but they often show it through their play.
Through therapeutic play, children are supported in:
Building emotional regulation and resilience
Processing fear, anger, grief, confusion, and other complex emotions
Feeling seen, heard, and supported in a non-judgemental space
Developing greater emotional awareness and self-confidence
Sessions are child-led and unfold at your child’s pace, without pressure or expectation.
What Play Therapy Can Look Like in Practice
Maya’s story (name changed)
Maya was six years old when she began therapy following a significant separation in her family. In one session, she placed three toy eggs into a sand tray - two nestled together in a nest, and one buried beneath the sand.
I gently reflected,
“I notice two eggs resting together, and one hidden under the sand. I wonder what it’s like for that egg to be separated.”
Through symbolism and metaphor, Maya was able to express feelings that felt too big for words. Over time, her play revealed deeper emotional themes, supporting her sense of safety, clarity, and emotional strength.
This is the quiet power of play therapy - healing through metaphor, movement, and meaning.
Who Play Therapy Is For
I work with children and teens aged 3 - 17. Play therapy can be especially helpful for children experiencing:
Emotional distress: anxiety, sadness, fears, nightmares
Behavioural challenges: emotional outbursts, aggression, defiance
Relational stress: separation, divorce, loss, adoption
Trauma and overwhelm: bullying, violence, neglect
Social or school difficulties: withdrawal, attention challenges, learning stress
My approach is trauma-informed, neurobiologically attuned, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Therapy is always tailored to each child’s unique needs.
What to Expect: The Process
Step 1: Complimentary 15-Minute Discovery Call
We connect briefly to understand your concerns and explore whether play therapy feels like the right fit.
Step 2: Initial Consultation (75 minutes)
A deeper conversation to understand your child’s history, current challenges, and emotional needs. Together, we clarify therapy goals.
Step 3: Ongoing Play Therapy Sessions (40 minutes)
Consistent sessions - typically weekly - help build emotional safety, trust, and momentum.
Step 4: Parent Support
Parents receive thoughtful updates, reflections, and guidance to support emotional growth at home, while respecting the child’s therapeutic space.
Why Work With Me
If you’re seeking a therapist who understands how to connect with your child - emotionally, developmentally, and relationally - you’re in the right place.
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and PCI® Certified Parent Coach, I bring together neuroscience, child psychology, and heart-centred care. Whether you’re based in Bengaluru or connecting online from elsewhere, your child will receive focused, personalised support in a space designed for healing.
What Families Say
Real reflections from parents and children who’ve experienced play therapy.
“Over the past year, Anya has been such a beautiful presence in our daughter’s life… choosing play therapy and choosing Anya was one of the best decisions we ever made for our child.”
— Christina, mother to a 10-year-old (Singapore)
“Play therapy with Anya has been instrumental in the development of my child… I am grateful for her reassuring guidance and patience.”
— Meera, parent in Bengaluru
“I am happy because Anya is friendly.”
— Shivani, age 5
All names have been changed to protect confidentiality.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t have to do this alone. If your child is navigating big feelings, emotional overwhelm, or behaviour that feels hard to understand, support is available.
Book a complimentary discovery call to explore whether play therapy is the right fit for your child and family.