Play therapy is a structured, evidence-based intervention used to help children process emotions, improve behaviour, and develop coping skills through play. More parents in Singapore are exploring this technique for children who struggle with emotional management, social skills, or developmental delays. But how do you know if play therapy is the right fit for your child?

Not every child needs play therapy, but specific behaviours or challenges may indicate that it is beneficial. Understanding these signs can help parents make informed decisions about early intervention and seek timely support through appropriate channels, including therapy and learning centres or EIPIC centres across Singapore.

Behavioural Signs That May Indicate a Need for Play Therapy

Children don’t always express distress in the same way adults do. Instead of saying they feel anxious or sad, they may act out, withdraw, or become clingy. A child could be signalling emotional struggles if they show sudden changes in behaviour, such as frequent meltdowns, aggression, sleep issues, or school refusal.

Likewise, if your child finds it difficult to manage transitions, express their feelings appropriately, or interact with peers, these behaviours may suggest they could benefit from professional support.

Play therapy is especially useful for younger children who are not yet able to articulate their thoughts and emotions verbally.

Developmental Concerns and Delays

Parents often approach a therapy and learning centre after observing delays in communication, fine motor skills, or social interaction. A developmental assessment is recommended if your child is not meeting expected milestones for their age, such as talking, playing cooperatively, or following simple instructions.

Centres that offer early intervention services, such as an EIPIC centre (Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children), often include play therapy as part of a broader support plan.

Play therapy, in these cases, serves not only to build emotional resilience but also to support overall developmental progress.

When a Child Has Experienced Trauma or Major Life Changes

Children who have experienced trauma, whether from illness, loss, family separation, or exposure to stressful environments, may not openly discuss what they’re going through. Instead, they may re-enact troubling scenarios during play or show signs of emotional numbness.

Play therapy helps trained therapists observe these expressions and gently guide the child toward healthier emotional processing. Therapy and learning centres in Singapore often work alongside families and schools to support a child’s recovery and adjustment through play-based sessions.

Referral Through a Professional

A child, in some cases, may be referred for play therapy by a preschool teacher, paediatrician, or educational psychologist. You’ll likely be guided toward either an EIPIC centre or a private therapy and learning centre if your child has had a formal developmental assessment and recommendations for intervention were made.

These professionals can determine whether play therapy should be a primary intervention or part of a multidisciplinary approach that may include occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, or behavioural support.

Parental Gut Feeling and Proactive Steps

You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis to seek help. Many parents approach therapy centres simply because they feel “something isn’t right.” Trusting your instincts is valid, especially if you’re seeing prolonged challenges in your child’s emotional well-being or day-to-day functioning.

Booking an initial consultation with a centre that offers play therapy can help provide clarity. A professional will assess your child’s behaviour and development, then advise whether play therapy is suitable.

Conclusion

Identifying if your kid requires play therapy in Singapore is not always easy, but recognising the signs—emotional discomfort, developmental delays, trauma, or behavioural changes—is a critical first step. Whether through an EIPIC centre or a private therapy and learning centre, early support can make a significant difference in your child’s developmental and emotional outcomes.

Contact FunFeats and let us empower your child with the emotional tools they need.