Play Therapy and Behavioral Therapy: Understanding the Difference
When your child is struggling with big emotions, anxiety, or challenging behaviors, it can be hard to know what kind of therapy will help. Two effective and evidence-based options I often discuss with parents are Play Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. Both approaches can make a meaningful difference—but they help children in different ways.
As a child therapist in Palm Beach, I often blend both approaches to help children feel safe, build confidence, and make lasting changes in how they think, feel, and behave.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy uses a child’s natural language—play—to help them express emotions, process experiences, and build self-awareness. Through play, art, and imagination, children share what’s happening in their inner world in a way that feels safe and familiar.
As a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern trained in Play Therapy in Palm Beach, I guide children’s play in a therapeutic setting to help them explore emotions, develop self-regulation, and strengthen connection with themselves and others. Play Therapy is especially helpful for children experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, or attachment challenges.
At its heart, Play Therapy helps me understand the why behind a child’s behavior—not just the behavior itself.
What Is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral Therapy focuses on helping children learn specific skills and behaviors that improve daily functioning. This approach uses structured strategies—like modeling, positive reinforcement, and clear routines—to teach coping skills and reduce unwanted behaviors.
Behavioral Therapy is often goal-oriented and works well for challenges such as ADHD, oppositional behaviors, anxiety, or difficulty following directions. Parents are active partners in this process, learning how to apply tools at home for consistency and success.
How I Integrate Both Approaches in My Practice
In my work with children and families, I use Play Therapy as a foundation for behavioral change. When children feel safe and understood, they’re more open to learning new skills and practicing healthier ways to manage their emotions and behaviors.
Through play, I help children build trust, express themselves, and strengthen emotional awareness. Once that foundation is in place, I incorporate behavioral techniques to support practical skill-building—such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication.
This integrated approach helps children not only change how they act, but also understand why they feel and respond the way they do. The result is deeper emotional growth, improved self-esteem, and more positive behavior patterns both at home and school.
Play Therapy vs. Behavioral Therapy: Key Differences
| Aspect | Play Therapy | Behavioral Therapy |
| Focus | Emotional expression and processing | Skill-building and behavior change |
| Method | Play, creativity, relationship-based | Structured interventions, reinforcement |
| Best For | Emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, attachment | ADHD, defiance, anxiety, daily functioning |
| Parent Involvement | Indirect (through therapist guidance) | Direct (coaching and practice at home) |
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child
Both Play Therapy and Behavioral Therapy can be powerful, evidence-based tools for helping children grow emotionally and behaviorally. Often, combining both approaches provides the most balanced and lasting results.
If you’re looking for a child therapist in Palm Beach who integrates Play Therapy and Behavioral Therapy, I would be honored to support your child’s journey toward confidence, connection, and emotional wellness.
Contact me today to learn more about Play Therapy in Palm Beach or to schedule a consultation!