If your child has been struggling with anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, or big emotions, you may be wondering what kind of therapy actually works for young kids. Many parents search for play therapy, while others are recommended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At Little Futures, we combine both—offering a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that helps children build confidence, adjust to life stressors, and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
Why Play Therapy? Because Play Is How Children Communicate
For young children, talking about feelings is hard—but play is their natural language. Through toys, games, storytelling, and creative activities, kids express emotions, try out new ideas, and process what’s going on in their lives.
Our approach to play therapy is fun and engaging, but also carefully structured to support emotional growth. We don’t just “watch your child play”—we use play intentionally to teach coping skills, increase frustration tolerance, and boost self-awareness.
How We Use CBT with Kids
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for children dealing with:
- Anxiety and worry
- Anger and impulse control issues
- Low self-esteem or negative self-talk
- Difficulty adjusting to change, loss, or family transitions
- Emotional outbursts and poor frustration tolerance
We adapt CBT techniques for young children by integrating them into play-based, hands-on activities that feel safe and age-appropriate. This helps children learn:
- How their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected
- How to recognize and manage emotional triggers
- How to cope with challenges in flexible, confident ways
What Happens in Play-Based CBT Sessions?
Your child might:
- Use puppets to act out feeling frustrated and problem-solving calmly
- Read stories that explore being nervous or left out, then discuss what the characters might be thinking
- Play games that encourage taking turns, managing disappointment, and calming down after losing
- Create art that builds a positive self-image and sense of identity
- Practice using coping skills proven to help with emotion regulation
Because your child is actively involved and learning through play, these skills are more likely to stick and be used in real-life moments.
What Kinds of Challenges Does This Help With?
Play therapy with CBT strategies can help children who are:
- Struggling with big feelings that seem out of proportion
- Facing life changes, like divorce, a new sibling, school transitions, or moves
- Getting frustrated easily or having frequent meltdowns
- Showing signs of low self-confidence or talking badly about themselves
- Acting out when anxious, overwhelmed, or misunderstood
We Involve Parents—Because You’re the Most Important Part
We work closely with caregivers to help them understand what their child is learning and how to support progress at home. We may meet with you individually, provide coaching, or include you in sessions to build connection and reinforce skills in real time. Parents will leave each visit knowing what to practice over the next week.
Support That Meets Your Child Where They Are
Your child doesn’t have to struggle alone—and you don’t have to keep guessing what might help. At Little Futures, we offer therapy that’s rooted in science but delivered with warmth, flexibility, and fun. Whether your child is working on self-esteem, emotional regulation, or adjusting to big changes, we’re here to help.