Typically used as a therapeutic treatment for children, play therapy is a method of meeting and responding to the mental health needs of young people in a language they understand – namely, play. Play therapy is seen an effective and suitable intervention in dealing with children’s brain development. It is considered to be one of the most beneficial ways to help children who are experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. A therapist specializing in play therapy will create a safe and comfortable space where the child can play (typically in a non-directive way) with very few limits or rules. The therapist will observe the child at play. The goal is to help children learn to better express themselves and resolve their problems. Think this approach might be right for a child in your life? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s play therapy experts today.
Play is the language of children, and often how we find out more about what they're thinking and feeling. I like to use play therapy as a way to engage with younger clients, whether the session is focused around undirected play or if we're simply playing a game together while we talk. I utilize dollhouses, sand trays, and therapeutic games in-session.
— Peter Lachman, Social Worker in Chicago, ILI love utilizing play therapy techniques in my work with individuals in couples. Depending on your level of interest and needs, we may draw, paint, play with clay, or utilize sand trays in session.
— Nic Sutherland, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, ORMany therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 hours of practice, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.
— Kimberly Koljat, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland, OHI do Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy, two therapies that use play to help parents and children overcome difficulties and process difficult feelings. In Parent Child Interaction Therapy, I will help you follow along with your child's play, while also setting limits. In Child Parent Psychotherapy, I will also help you follow along with you child's play, and help your child use play to process difficult experiences.
— Carly Steinberger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , CAI use play therapy techniques to help youth learn self-trust, self-compassion, and process and heal from difficult life experiences. I love developing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust with my kiddo clients, and helping them learn that they are inherently strong and resilient.
— Eva Belzil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, COI offer sand try therapy and play therapy from a Polyvagal lense.
— Leisha Tompkins, Clinical Psychologist in Edmond, OKI use play therapy techniques to help youth learn self-trust, self-compassion, and process and heal from difficult life experiences. I love developing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust with my kiddo clients, and helping them learn that they are inherently strong and resilient.
— Eva Belzil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, COIn play therapy, children engage in various activities like drawing, storytelling, role-playing, or using toys and games to represent their thoughts and emotions. I will create a safe, supportive environment where your child feels free to explore their emotions and experiences without judgment. I will work with your child to help them identify and understand their feelings, explore solutions to challenges, and develop coping strategies.
— Mandi Porras, Marriage & Family Therapist in OKlahoma City, OKMany therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.
— Kimberly Koljat, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland, OHMy office offers teletherapy play sessions with children and is also easily transformed into a space comfortable for adolescents, adults, and couples. For more than 15 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and emotional challenges.
— Samantha Levinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bryn Mawr, PATrained in play therapy, I work with children from ages 3 and up utilizing child-centered and cognitive-behavioral play therapy approaches to help children accomplish their emotional, social, and behavioral goals. I work with kids who experience trauma, anxiety, depression, social/behavioral problems at school or home, co-parenting and blended family issues.
— Kristen Goltz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, COWhen working with children, I offer child-centered play therapy during in-person visits. These modalities compliment children’s natural language of play and creativity, and allow them to work through their feelings in a comfortable and safe way. Young people are so often being directed and required to perform. I believe having a space where they get to exercise their agency and voice their opinions and preferences is a therapeutic experience.
— Ella Mamanta Davidson, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CAAs a registered drama therapist, I integrate elements of play therapy to help you safely explore emotions and experiences in a non-threatening way. Play therapy provides a space for creativity and spontaneity, allowing you to access deeper insights and process difficult feelings. This approach is especially effective for unlocking unconscious patterns and fostering emotional growth in a safe and engaging environment.
— Sean Paul Carleton, Creative Art Therapist in New York, NYThrough course studies at the University of North Texas I learned the basics of Play Therapy with some of the leaders in the field of play therapy and after graduation I continued my studies to get supervision to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
— Jacqueline Young, Licensed Professional Counselor in ,Play is the natural language of children, and in treatment, toys are their words. In treatment, kids use the natural language of play to make meaning of what they are experiencing and to explore new possibilities. Training: Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School's practicum for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Currently pursuing Registered Play Therapist Credentials from the American Association for Play Therapy;
— Christina Borel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Torrington, CT