For children, play is more than fun—it’s a vital form of communication and emotional growth. Through play, children express feelings, explore experiences, and make sense of their world. At Therapy in Benoni, Pakeeza Carrim, an experienced psychologist, uses child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg to help children process emotions, build confidence, and heal through creative, play-based techniques that feel natural and empowering.
Why Play Matters in a Child’s Emotional Development
Play allows children to say what words cannot. When children experience fear, sadness, confusion, or trauma, they may not have the language to express those emotions. Play provides a safe and familiar outlet where their feelings can emerge symbolically—through stories, toys, drawings, or role-playing.
Through child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg, children learn to:
- Process overwhelming emotions.
- Explore difficult experiences safely.
- Build problem-solving and social skills.
- Strengthen self-esteem and emotional awareness.
- Develop resilience in the face of challenges.
By observing play, psychologists gain insight into a child’s thoughts and feelings, allowing therapy to meet the child exactly where they are—emotionally and developmentally.
How Play Therapy Promotes Healing
Healing happens when a child feels understood, accepted, and safe. In therapy sessions with Pakeeza Carrim at Therapy in Benoni, play is the bridge that connects emotional experiences with healing and understanding.
1. Emotional Expression
Children use toys and creative activities to express feelings that are too big or confusing to talk about directly.
2. Processing Trauma
Through guided play, children can revisit difficult experiences in a safe and controlled environment, gaining mastery over emotions linked to those events.
3. Developing Coping Skills
Play therapy helps children build healthy ways to handle frustration, fear, or sadness—skills they carry into daily life.
4. Strengthening Relationships
When children learn to communicate and regulate emotions, their relationships with family, teachers, and peers improve naturally.
The power of play lies in its ability to engage both emotion and imagination—helping children heal not through instruction, but through experience.
The Role of the Therapist in Play Therapy
In child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg, Pakeeza Carrim provides a calm, structured space where play becomes purposeful and healing. She observes patterns, identifies themes, and gently guides the child toward understanding and growth.
Her therapeutic approach often includes:
- Play Therapy Techniques such as storytelling, drawing, and sandtray therapy.
- Cognitive-Behavioural Tools to help children link thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
- Parent Guidance to help caregivers understand their child’s emotional world.
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation exercises tailored for children.
Each session is adapted to the child’s individual needs, ensuring that therapy remains safe, supportive, and effective.
How Parents Can Support the Healing Process
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s emotional journey. At Therapy in Benoni, Pakeeza Carrim works closely with parents to strengthen communication and connection at home.
As a parent, you can support your child by:
- Encouraging open and judgment-free conversations.
- Recognising emotions without minimising them.
- Offering consistency and reassurance.
- Modelling calm, emotionally healthy behaviour.
When parents and therapists work together, children feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow emotionally.
When to Consider Play Therapy
It’s not always easy to know when a child needs professional support. However, certain behaviours can indicate emotional distress that may benefit from therapy. You may want to explore child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg if your child:
- Struggles with anxiety, fear, or separation.
- Has frequent mood swings or outbursts.
- Withdraws from friends or family.
- Has difficulty concentrating or adjusting to school.
- Has experienced a loss, trauma, or major life change.
Early intervention can prevent emotional challenges from becoming long-term difficulties, supporting your child’s overall wellbeing.
Therapy in Benoni: A Safe Space for Children to Grow
At Therapy in Benoni, Pakeeza Carrim provides compassionate, evidence-based care that helps children thrive emotionally and mentally. Her expertise in child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg focuses on creating an environment where play becomes a tool for discovery, healing, and growth.
Each session is guided by empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of childhood development—helping children rediscover confidence, calm, and connection.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Through Play
If your child is struggling to express emotions or cope with challenges, therapy can help them feel understood and supported. Through child therapy in Linksfield, Johannesburg, your child can learn to process feelings, develop resilience, and heal in a nurturing environment.
Contact Therapy in Benoni today to schedule an appointment with Pakeeza Carrim, and help your child find peace and strength through the power of play.