What is Play Therapy?

Play is an integral part of human growth, development, learning, and fostering relationships. Traditional talk therapy can be beneficial to adults, as adults typically use words to communicate.

In Play Therapy, children are provided with a space to better process their experiences and express their thoughts and feelings, as play is a child’s natural language, and the carefully selected toys are their words.

The Association for Play Therapy 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.”

The Association for Play Therapy provides answers to frequently asked questions about Play Therapy here.

As a Registered Play Therapist™, I am experienced working with children (ages 3-12) who are struggling with emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges at home and other settings, which Play Therapy has been found to be helpful with.

Areas of focus include:

• Anxiety (including separation anxiety, selective mutism, and social anxiety)

• Grief and loss

• Life adjustments

• Self-esteem

• Physical and sexual abuse

• Social/emotional needs

• Trauma, PTSD

Research suggests that Play Therapy works best when parents and caregivers are involved in the treatment process. Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in regular consultation sessions to discuss treatment progress, current concerns, and the implementation of parenting skills/strategies to support your child at home and in other environments.

Take the Next Step

Call or complete the online consultation inquiry form to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to learn more about how play therapy may help your child and to explore if we are a good fit.