As well as being a hobby, play is a powerful tool for emotional and psychological healing. Mai Alumran, a play therapist at Mosanada, shares how this transformative approach is changing lives.
Play therapy is a type of therapy that uses play as a way for children to express their thoughts, emotions and experiences. While adults might talk, kids do their ‘talking’ through toys, games and imagination. Play becomes their language when words fall short, helping them process emotions and experiences that might be too big or confusing to explain otherwise.
“I’ve always felt a natural pull toward helping others and have been drawn to the mental health field for as long as I can remember,” says Ms. Alumran. “But it wasn’t until I returned to school for my Master’s in Mental Health Counselling that I discovered play therapy. And that’s when everything clicked.
“I’d always loved working with children, and play therapy felt like the perfect fit. Instead of relying on talking alone, children use play and their own language to act out their experiences, work through emotions and build resilience.”
Her own path reflects deep dedication. “I did my undergrad in Psychology at Boston University and later earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counselling from the University of Massachusetts Boston,” she says. “Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children, teens and young adults in a variety of settings, from schools in Boston and Bahrain to private counselling centres. Each role gave me a deeper understanding of how young people think, feel and understand their world.”
This passion found its home at Mosanada, founded in 2016 by Dr. Siham Suwaigh. “Her vision was to create a space that nurtures not just the emotional and psychological health of children, but also equips parents with the tools and insight to support their kids more effectively,” says Ms. Alumran. “Mosanada offers play therapy for children, counselling for teens, parent workshops and even summer camps. There is a focus on creating a strong, supportive circle around the child because when the whole family feels supported, real progress happens.”
Explaining what happens in a typical session, she says: “A play therapy session might look like a child having fun with toys, drawing, building something in a sand tray or playing a game, but there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. The therapist observes how the child plays, what themes or emotions come up, and how they express themselves through these interactions. We adapt based on the child’s needs and age, but the goal is always to help them feel safe, seen and empowered to cope with whatever life is throwing at them. ”
Ms. Alumran has seen a major shift in Bahrain’s perception of mental health: “Since COVID, mental health awareness has grown significantly. Parents are far more willing to seek support for their kids, and there’s a growing understanding that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.
“If I was to advise anything, it would be please don’t underestimate the power of play. It might seem simple, but it’s absolutely vital for a child’s healthy development and long-term well-being.”
