Introduction

Children learn best through play. When guided intentionally, play becomes a therapeutic tool for building empathy, understanding emotions, and strengthening relationships. The Six Hats Approach, developed by Edward de Bono, encourages children to explore different perspectives — helping them think creatively, reason critically, and communicate empathetically. Emocare integrates this approach into Play Therapy games at home to improve both interpersonal and intrapersonal development.

Understanding the 6 Hats Approach

The Six Thinking Hats represent six distinct ways of thinking. When applied in play therapy, each “hat” becomes a lens through which children can express, reflect, and understand emotions more deeply.

• White Hat: Focus on facts — children observe and describe without judgment.
• Red Hat: Express emotions — allows free sharing of feelings during play.
• Black Hat: Cautious thinking — helps assess potential risks or negative outcomes.
• Yellow Hat: Optimistic thinking — encourages positivity and solution-focused discussions.
• Green Hat: Creative exploration — stimulates imagination and problem-solving.
• Blue Hat: Reflection and control — promotes planning, sequencing, and emotional regulation.

Play Therapy Games at Home Using the 6 Hats

1. Emotion Sorting Game: Children identify emotions using the Red and White Hats to name and analyze their feelings.
2. Problem-Solving Scenarios: Use Green and Yellow Hats to find creative solutions and see positives in tough situations.
3. Family Role Reversal: Let each family member wear a different “hat” and discuss a scenario to promote empathy and listening.
4. Decision Dice: Roll a dice with hat colors — children answer questions or make decisions based on the hat drawn.
5. Reflective Drawing: The Blue Hat helps children review what they learned through drawing and storytelling.

Benefits of the 6 Hats Play Therapy Approach

• Develops emotional vocabulary and empathy
• Improves problem-solving and creativity
• Encourages teamwork and family bonding
• Enhances self-awareness and self-control
• Strengthens communication and listening skills

Emocare’s Expertise in Play Therapy

At Emocare, we integrate play, storytelling, and creative thinking models to enhance both cognitive and emotional development. The Six Hats approach allows children to balance logic and emotion — a foundation for better self-management and interpersonal understanding.

Our counselors guide parents in conducting these games at home, transforming ordinary family moments into opportunities for growth and healing.

Parent Testimonials

FAQ

About Emocare

Emocare is a leading mental wellness and counseling organization founded by Seethalakshmi Sivakumar. We specialize in child psychology, play therapy, and family counseling, empowering families to foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and growth through evidence-based techniques.