Their natural language
Children express through play what they cannot put into words.
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Evidence-based therapy approach
Play Therapy for Children in Bangladesh
Children often cannot put big feelings into words — but they can show them through play. Play therapy gives children a safe way to express, process and heal. Work with a licensed child psychologist online across Bangladesh, or in person in Dhaka.
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Play therapy at a glance
- Age
- Mainly children aged 3–12
- Typical length
- Often 12–20 weekly sessions
- Each session
- About 60 minutes
- Parents
- Regular parent meetings to share progress and ideas for home
- Style
- Child-led play with toys, art and stories in a safe room
- Format
- In person works best for young children; parent guidance also online
Meet the psychologists →In plain language: Play is a child’s natural language. In play therapy, a trained psychologist uses toys, drawing and games to help a child express what they cannot say in words — and gently guides them toward feeling and coping better.
The basics
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a form of counselling designed for children, using play as the main way to communicate and heal.
Young children rarely have the words — or the self-awareness — to talk through their worries like adults. But through play they naturally act out, explore and make sense of their experiences. A play therapist creates a safe, accepting space with carefully chosen toys and activities, watches what the child expresses, and responds in ways that help them process difficult feelings, build coping skills and feel understood. It is usually for ages 3–12, and is often combined with support and guidance for parents. In Bangladesh, where children’s emotional struggles are easily missed or dismissed, play therapy offers a child-friendly, respectful path to help.
Who is involved
Support around your child
In play therapy the child leads the play, but they are not on their own. Parents and, when useful, school are part of the work, so changes carry over into daily life.
- Child-led sessionsToys, sand, art and stories are a child’s words. The therapist follows, reflects and helps them make sense of feelings.
- Parents as partnersYou meet the therapist regularly to understand progress and learn ways to respond at home.
- School when neededWith your consent, simple steps can be agreed with teachers so support is consistent.
Illustration of how child therapy usually involves the people around the child.
How it works
Why play helps children
A safe distance
Toys and stories let a child explore hard feelings at a safe remove.
Feeling understood
A therapist who “gets” them without pressure to explain.
Processing experience
Working through events like loss, change or frightening experiences.
Building skills
Learning to name and manage emotions and behaviour.
Parent partnership
Guidance so parents can support change at home.
Where it helps
What play therapy can help with
Anxiety & worries
Fears, clinginess, or worry a child cannot explain.
Behaviour & anger
Outbursts, defiance or difficulty managing emotions.
Big changes
Divorce, a new sibling, moving, or loss and grief.
Trauma
Processing frightening or distressing experiences safely.
Developmental needs
Supporting communication and regulation for autistic children.
Low confidence
Shyness, low self-esteem or social difficulties.
Choosing well
Is play therapy right for my child?
A good fit if you
- is struggling with fears, anger, clinginess, sleep or sudden behaviour changes
- has been through something hard, such as a divorce, a death, a hospital stay, a move or a new sibling
- finds it hard to talk about feelings
- has worries at school that nobody can quite explain
Another approach may suit first if
- a child may be in danger or experiencing abuse: safety comes first, call 999 in an emergency
- your child is 13 or older: talk-based counselling with a child psychologist usually suits teenagers better
- you are worried about speech, development or autism: a developmental assessment comes first
- the difficulties sit mainly in the family as a whole: family therapy
Not sure? A first meeting with you, the parent, helps the psychologist suggest the right support for your child.
Inside the work
What sessions involve
Meet the parents
Understanding the child’s history and what is worrying you.
A safe playroom
The child plays freely while the therapist observes and connects.
Gentle guidance
The therapist helps the child process and build skills through play.
Support at home
Regular guidance so parents can reinforce progress.
Who can help
Psychologists you can talk to about play therapy
These licensed psychologists can assess whether play therapy suits you and, if a specialist fits better, refer you to the right colleague. Not sure who to choose? We will match you.
Shaheen Nafisa Siddique
From ৳4,500
Mostak Ahamed Imran
From ৳2,500
Esmot Jahan
From ৳1,500
Mesbahul Islam
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Tamima Tanjin
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Salma Parveen
From ৳4,500BCPS-verified
Hazera Khatun
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Dr. Tarun Kanti Gayen
From ৳4,500BCPS-verified
Ishrat Shermin Rahman
From ৳4,000BCPS-verified
Nazme Ara
From ৳3,000BCPS-verified
Samsun Nahar
From ৳2,200BCPS-verified
Mst. Hasina Khatun
From ৳4,000
Choosing safely
Questions to ask a child therapist
- What training and experience do you have with children?
- How will you involve me as a parent?
- What might sessions look like for my child’s age?
- How will we know if it is helping?
- What should I do to support my child at home?
- Can it be adapted to our language and culture?
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What age is play therapy for?
It is mainly for children aged around 3–12, adapted to the child’s age and needs. Older children and teens are usually supported with talking-based approaches.
Is play therapy just playing?
No. The play is purposeful and guided by a trained therapist who uses it to help the child express, process and heal. It looks like play, but it is skilled therapeutic work.
Will I be involved as a parent?
Yes. Parents are an essential part of play therapy. The therapist works with you to understand your child and support progress at home.
Can play therapy be done online?
Some play-based work can be delivered online with parent support, though many families prefer in-person for younger children. Your psychologist advises on the best format. In-person sessions are available in Dhaka.
Is it available in Bangla?
Yes. Chum child psychologists work in Bangla or English.
How much does a session cost?
Chum Wellness sessions start from BDT 1,000 and vary by psychologist. The exact fee is confirmed before you book.
Read more
Related articles & guides
Practical, Bangladesh-specific reading from the Chum blog on this topic.
How to Start Therapy from Abroad with a Bangladesh-Based PsychologistRead article →Online Therapy from the UK with a Bangla-Speaking PsychologistRead article →Free and Low-Cost Therapy in Dhaka and Across Bangladesh: What Is Actually AvailableRead article →Your First Therapy Session: What to Expect (and How to Prepare)Read article →
Ready when you are
Your child comes before the technique
Tell Chum what your child is going through, and we will match you with a licensed child psychologist who can help — online across Bangladesh, or in person in Dhaka.
