Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

In contrast to traditional “talk therapy”, play therapy uses play (the natural language of children) to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings.

  • Anger

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Chronic & Terminal Illness

Play Therapy can address:

  • Depression

  • Grief and Loss

  • Self Esteem

  • Social Skills

  • Sensory Processing

What to Expect

1.
Are we a
good fit?

Schedule a free 15 minute. phone consultation to see if we can meet your therapeutic needs. 

2.
Intake Session

We will gather information about you and/or your child. We will then work together to identify goals for treatment and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps reach those goals.

3.
Follow Up
Session

Through a safe, supportive, and consistent environment, we will follow your tailored treatment to achieve your goals and meet your child’s needs.

4.
Parent
Session

We work collaboratively with parents as an active participant in therapy and provide psychoeducation, support, and tools to best help the child and family as a whole. 

Benefits of Play Therapy

  • Play therapy helps children express themselves and communicate their feelings and emotions in a safe and non-threatening environment. Through play, children can act out scenarios and express their thoughts and feelings in ways that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

  • Play therapy fosters a sense of mastery and control in children, which can help them feel more confident and self-assured. Through play, children can explore their own abilities and strengths, and develop a sense of competence in their abilities.

  • Play therapy helps children learn new coping skills and strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. Through play, children can practice problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional regulation skills in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Play therapy encourages children to use their imaginations and creativity to explore new ideas and possibilities. Through play, children can develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think outside of the box.

  • Play therapy can help children improve their social skills and develop positive relationships with others. Through play, children can practice social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation, which can help them build stronger relationships with peers and adults.