Play Therapy and Art Therapy
Where Children Communicate Through Creativity — Not Just Words
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we meet many children who struggle to talk about their feelings. But when given a brush, a dollhouse, or a tray of sand, their stories start to emerge.
Play therapy and art therapy are evidence-based approaches that help children express emotions, process difficult experiences, and build emotional resilience — all through creative, child-centred work. Both expressive therapies used to help individuals, particularly children, explore
and process their emotions and experiences. Play therapy utilizes the natural language of play, while art therapy uses creative art-making as a medium for expression and healing. Both approaches can be beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, trauma, and other emotional or mental health challenges.
We offer these therapies in safe, nurturing spaces across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Are Play and Art Therapies?
They are structured forms of psychological support where the child leads — using play or art to communicate what they might not yet have words for.
These therapies support children who:
- Have experienced stress, loss, or trauma
- Struggle with anxiety, anger, or withdrawal
- Are facing major life transitions (e.g., divorce, illness, moving)
- Find traditional talk therapy difficult or overwhelming
- Need help understanding and expressing emotions
It’s not about drawing “well” or playing “right.” It’s about giving emotional experience a safe outlet.
When Might Your Child Benefit?
Play or art therapy may help if your child:
- Acts out emotions through behavior rather than words
- Becomes silent or withdrawn when upset
- Has experienced bullying, grief, or family changes
- Shows aggressive, fearful, or overly clingy behavior
- Needs emotional support but resists direct conversation
- Is young (ages 3–10) and best expresses themselves through play
These approaches are gentle, flexible, and meet your child where they are.
How Creative Therapy Works at KidsHeart
Here’s what our process looks like:
- Initial Parent Consultation: We understand your child’s emotional history, strengths, and struggles.
- Child-Centered Play or Art Sessions: Sessions use toys, drawing, storytelling, or sensory play based on your child’s needs.
- Therapist Observation and Reflection: We track themes, emotional shifts, and behavioral patterns gently and non-invasively.
- Periodic Parent Feedback: We help you understand what your child may be working through, and how to support it at home.
- Ongoing Review and Closure Planning: Therapy continues for as long as it’s helpful, with goals revisited regularly.
We don’t rush. We listen through play. And we let healing unfold at the child’s pace.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Licensed therapists trained in creative therapeutic methods
- Child-friendly therapy rooms designed for expression and safety
- Flexible approaches tailored to age and emotional readiness
- Parental guidance to extend emotional support into daily life
- Clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because not all children can say what they feel, but every child deserves to be heard.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
When Emotions Feel Too Big for Words, Let’s Try a Different Language
Art therapy encompasses a wide range of techniques and modalities. It’s not limited to traditional forms of art like painting, drawing, or sculpture. Digital and multimedia art forms are also used, reflecting the diversity of creative expression.
The choice of technique often depends on the individual’s preferences and therapeutic goals. For instance, someone dealing with trauma might find sculpture more expressive, while another person might prefer painting to manage stress. The role of the art therapist is to guide the individual in exploring different modalities.
Through play and creativity, we help children feel seen, safe, and supported — no matter what they’re facing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Play therapy is guided by a trained therapist and focused on emotional expression and healing, not entertainment.
Yes. While younger children often use play, older ones may use drawing, journaling, or story-building.
Usually, no children open up best in a private, secure setting. We update parents separately.
Not always. But it often complements them by supporting emotional readiness.
It varies — some children benefit after a few sessions, others need longer-term support.