Play Therapy in Paradise Valley, AZ
![Photo of Suzana Adams - Suzana Adams Psy.D. LLC, PsyD, LLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3579ee51-9633-4dfa-a6fa-1466775a6907/2/320x400.jpeg)
Most of my work involves working with depression, anxiety, trauma, losses, and life adaptations with early and late adolescents, adults, and couples. I have a strong experience working cross-culturally and including the family in the therapy if necessary. My approach is Existential-Humanistic with a strong Psychodynamic base. I may use cognitive therapy, and techniques such as EMDR, Play, Art, or IFS when necessary.
Most of my work involves working with depression, anxiety, trauma, losses, and life adaptations with early and late adolescents, adults, and couples. I have a strong experience working cross-culturally and including the family in the therapy if necessary. My approach is Existential-Humanistic with a strong Psychodynamic base. I may use cognitive therapy, and techniques such as EMDR, Play, Art, or IFS when necessary.
![Photo of Gina De Simone, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f41ab5e1-88f5-469e-9202-5db271c8731b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and Registered Play Therapist working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have helped families successfully address a wide variety of issues related to home, school, and work, including: ADHD, Autism, Depression, grief and loss, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Self-Esteem Issues, Stress Management, and family conflict. When working with children and teens, it is important that the family be involved as well, to support the individual, increase family connectedness, and help generalize skills, strategies, and insights beyond the therapy hour.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and Registered Play Therapist working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have helped families successfully address a wide variety of issues related to home, school, and work, including: ADHD, Autism, Depression, grief and loss, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Self-Esteem Issues, Stress Management, and family conflict. When working with children and teens, it is important that the family be involved as well, to support the individual, increase family connectedness, and help generalize skills, strategies, and insights beyond the therapy hour.
![Photo of Linda C Gray - Heartful Solutions for Families, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed58763-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heartful Solutions for Families
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Waitlist for new clients
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
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David Blackstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
While the "mode of interaction" with adults is talk, my favored approach with young children is play therapy with parent guidance.
My approach to doing psychotherapy is a contemporary psychoanalytic approach. This approach is a form of psychotherapy which helps patients heal through the safe, mutual exploration of previous life experiences and current life circumstances. More importantly, transformation in psychoanalytic therapy occurs through the participation by the patient in a relationship with the therapist in which the two partners, through their mutual exploration of life history, relationships, and the here-and-now experience of relating in therapy, come to help patients heal wounds, know themselves better, and lead healthier and more satisfying lives.
While the "mode of interaction" with adults is talk, my favored approach with young children is play therapy with parent guidance.
My approach to doing psychotherapy is a contemporary psychoanalytic approach. This approach is a form of psychotherapy which helps patients heal through the safe, mutual exploration of previous life experiences and current life circumstances. More importantly, transformation in psychoanalytic therapy occurs through the participation by the patient in a relationship with the therapist in which the two partners, through their mutual exploration of life history, relationships, and the here-and-now experience of relating in therapy, come to help patients heal wounds, know themselves better, and lead healthier and more satisfying lives.
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Cristina Yturralde
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE Hello, glad that you are seeking support. I am here to support families with children and will address issues of early childhood through the teen years and the management of chronic illness. I use play therapy and am a Story Play practitioner which is a mind, body spirit approach that focuses on resiliency and inner strengths. I sincerely believe that this approach can help a child/family express themselves and find the strength within them to overcome life's challenges. I use a strength-based approach which promotes hope and healing while honoring the child's needs. I also offer Brainspotting.
EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE Hello, glad that you are seeking support. I am here to support families with children and will address issues of early childhood through the teen years and the management of chronic illness. I use play therapy and am a Story Play practitioner which is a mind, body spirit approach that focuses on resiliency and inner strengths. I sincerely believe that this approach can help a child/family express themselves and find the strength within them to overcome life's challenges. I use a strength-based approach which promotes hope and healing while honoring the child's needs. I also offer Brainspotting.
![Photo of Kimberly Anne Popkey, MA, LPC, CEDS, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48d7a579-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Anne Popkey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEDS, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
I have had additional training in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, art and play therapy.
I have been in private practice in the Scottsdale area for 23 years. I attended Arizona State University as an undergrad and completed my graduate work at the University of San Francisco. I work with individuals, couples, families and children. Divorce, grief, addiction, sexually alternative lifestyles, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety/depression & ADD/ADHD are just a few of my specialties. I have flexible morning and evening hours a couple days a week. I am a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider & have flexibility for Telehealth counseling sessions. I am on numerous insurance plans as well as working on a sliding scale.
I have had additional training in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, art and play therapy.
I have been in private practice in the Scottsdale area for 23 years. I attended Arizona State University as an undergrad and completed my graduate work at the University of San Francisco. I work with individuals, couples, families and children. Divorce, grief, addiction, sexually alternative lifestyles, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety/depression & ADD/ADHD are just a few of my specialties. I have flexible morning and evening hours a couple days a week. I am a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider & have flexibility for Telehealth counseling sessions. I am on numerous insurance plans as well as working on a sliding scale.
![Photo of Amanda Reed, PhD, PLLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f8a0e4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have a strong background in cognitive-behavioral therapy, but I have also been trained in mindfulness and acceptance-based, trauma-focused, and play therapy techniques.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in the treatment of mood issues (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, behavioral or academic problems, social skills deficits, trauma/grief issues, incontinence issues (enuresis and encopresis), and relationship difficulties. In addition, I work with children and families experiencing separation or divorce and other major life stressors, and I provide parenting skills training.
I have a strong background in cognitive-behavioral therapy, but I have also been trained in mindfulness and acceptance-based, trauma-focused, and play therapy techniques.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in the treatment of mood issues (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, behavioral or academic problems, social skills deficits, trauma/grief issues, incontinence issues (enuresis and encopresis), and relationship difficulties. In addition, I work with children and families experiencing separation or divorce and other major life stressors, and I provide parenting skills training.
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Training and Certifications include: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Narrative Therapy, ACT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Neurodivergent-Affirming Techniques.
I believe that experiences and circumstances shape how we see the world and ourselves. Negative experiences can affect our self-esteem, relationships, feelings, and the way we problem-solve. I believe that people can grow to overcome negative experiences through understanding their past, present and future, as well as develop better awareness and coping skills. In our work, I will help you build insight into yourself, identify your strengths, heal from the past, and learn new skills. Schedule an appointment at our website WWW.HopScotchClinical.com.
Training and Certifications include: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Narrative Therapy, ACT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Neurodivergent-Affirming Techniques.
I believe that experiences and circumstances shape how we see the world and ourselves. Negative experiences can affect our self-esteem, relationships, feelings, and the way we problem-solve. I believe that people can grow to overcome negative experiences through understanding their past, present and future, as well as develop better awareness and coping skills. In our work, I will help you build insight into yourself, identify your strengths, heal from the past, and learn new skills. Schedule an appointment at our website WWW.HopScotchClinical.com.
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Accepting Clients. Do you wake up each morning or go to bed craving more vitality in your work as a therapist or other helping professional and/or desire more creative connection in your personal/professional life? Are you longing to connect to life in a deeper and more meaningful way again despite all your achievements thus far? Do you desire to feel more confidence and a sense of sacred direction? What if you could live, work and connect with life in a way that feels like full-time play? Ready to move beyond the boredom, exhaustion and/or even low-grade depression and anxiety? It's possible. I'd love to show you the way.
Accepting Clients. Do you wake up each morning or go to bed craving more vitality in your work as a therapist or other helping professional and/or desire more creative connection in your personal/professional life? Are you longing to connect to life in a deeper and more meaningful way again despite all your achievements thus far? Do you desire to feel more confidence and a sense of sacred direction? What if you could live, work and connect with life in a way that feels like full-time play? Ready to move beyond the boredom, exhaustion and/or even low-grade depression and anxiety? It's possible. I'd love to show you the way.
![Photo of Jodie Howe, MS, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/188af87d-5324-4d83-9eb3-ba2ca3ee0df4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jodie Howe
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Waitlist for new clients
I have formal training in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and use components of attachment therapy, play therapy, and sandtray play therapy.
Have you or your child experienced significant trauma? After early trauma, children can struggle to attach to caregivers which can impact their ability to form healthy future relationships. Adults sometimes struggle when approaching difficult topics surrounding early childhood trauma, which can contribute to added barriers within the parent child relationship. While many adults are willing and motivated to help their children overcome adverse experiences, they may have their own unresolved trauma that continues to interfere.
I have formal training in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and use components of attachment therapy, play therapy, and sandtray play therapy.
Have you or your child experienced significant trauma? After early trauma, children can struggle to attach to caregivers which can impact their ability to form healthy future relationships. Adults sometimes struggle when approaching difficult topics surrounding early childhood trauma, which can contribute to added barriers within the parent child relationship. While many adults are willing and motivated to help their children overcome adverse experiences, they may have their own unresolved trauma that continues to interfere.
![Photo of Mackenzie Francis, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b871b116-0568-467b-be22-1aff385cd0dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mackenzie Francis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
I work exclusively with children ages 4-10 using play therapy, sand play, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Between the phone calls home from school and the changes in their mood and behavior, when your child is struggling, it is stressful. You want to help them, but you don't know how to respond when they're in the midst of it. You've considered reaching out for help, but taking that next step is difficult because it's hard to imagine that anyone could understand what your child and family are going through.
I work exclusively with children ages 4-10 using play therapy, sand play, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Between the phone calls home from school and the changes in their mood and behavior, when your child is struggling, it is stressful. You want to help them, but you don't know how to respond when they're in the midst of it. You've considered reaching out for help, but taking that next step is difficult because it's hard to imagine that anyone could understand what your child and family are going through.
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Kathleen Costello Lpc Play Therapist -Supervisor Az Play Therapy Board
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, BCPCC, CATP, MA, MSEd
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
My specialized training in play therapy, sand tray therapy, grief education, and other areas means I can provide the compassionate, age-appropriate support you or your child needs.
Are you a parent who’s concerned about your child or a woman navigating a new season of life? Sometimes, these burdens can become too much to bear on your own. Your child may have started behaving differently, worrying excessively, or having difficulties at school. You love your child, and it’s so difficult to watch them struggle and not know how to help them! Perhaps you’re walking through a season of grief or loss due to death, divorce, or another big life change. You haven’t felt like “yourself” in a long time, and it’s starting to impact the way you work, feel about yourself, and connect to the people close to you.
My specialized training in play therapy, sand tray therapy, grief education, and other areas means I can provide the compassionate, age-appropriate support you or your child needs.
Are you a parent who’s concerned about your child or a woman navigating a new season of life? Sometimes, these burdens can become too much to bear on your own. Your child may have started behaving differently, worrying excessively, or having difficulties at school. You love your child, and it’s so difficult to watch them struggle and not know how to help them! Perhaps you’re walking through a season of grief or loss due to death, divorce, or another big life change. You haven’t felt like “yourself” in a long time, and it’s starting to impact the way you work, feel about yourself, and connect to the people close to you.
![Photo of Morgan Winder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/094f1caf-bc7b-4cf2-a7c9-4f6e5cfd90cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Morgan Winder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
My approach and space is a judgement free zone to assist with you healing and feeling your best self. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a concentration of direct practice with children, youth and families. I also have obtained a Bachelors degree in Psychology .My therapeutic approach and training is in Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, DBT, Parent-Child Relationship Therapy, and Play-Based Therapy. I am passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression & looking to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
My approach and space is a judgement free zone to assist with you healing and feeling your best self. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a concentration of direct practice with children, youth and families. I also have obtained a Bachelors degree in Psychology .My therapeutic approach and training is in Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, DBT, Parent-Child Relationship Therapy, and Play-Based Therapy. I am passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression & looking to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Jessica Lynn Levin Bozek, MA, LPC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a50f6ab-f74a-4a4d-835e-8606f7c0221a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Lynn Levin Bozek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
I am a licensed professional counselor who has worked in the mental health field since 2007. I have worked with individuals and families from various cultures and backgrounds.
I am a licensed professional counselor who has worked in the mental health field since 2007. I have worked with individuals and families from various cultures and backgrounds.
![Photo of Dr. Della S. Lusk (Psypact), PSYPACT, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b729d13-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Arizona Behavioral Health Associates provide comprehensive treatment programs for clients seeking guidance through changes and difficulties in their lives. Our providers have extensive experience in counseling children, adolescents and families. Dr. Della Lusk's practice focuses primarily on individual psychotherapy, but she also offers group, couples and family counseling. Our practice also offers services by Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychology Interns.
The Arizona Behavioral Health Associates provide comprehensive treatment programs for clients seeking guidance through changes and difficulties in their lives. Our providers have extensive experience in counseling children, adolescents and families. Dr. Della Lusk's practice focuses primarily on individual psychotherapy, but she also offers group, couples and family counseling. Our practice also offers services by Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychology Interns.
![Photo of Tamar Shindel, LPC, NCC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/270d1f7d-3599-445c-ad25-e9b57e63681d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tamar Shindel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Whole Hearts Counseling provides compassionate and strength-based therapy to support you in living life wholeheartedly. Many of my clients have been very diligent in their healing process and have explored a wide array of services from yoga to acupuncture and everything between! Though they have experienced some sense of “better”, they do not feel entirely whole or fully settled in their bodies. With compassion and humor (Yes, humor! We are allowed to have fun on this journey of healing), we begin to explore with curiosity what may be blocking the ability for you to shift into greater connection with self and others.
Whole Hearts Counseling provides compassionate and strength-based therapy to support you in living life wholeheartedly. Many of my clients have been very diligent in their healing process and have explored a wide array of services from yoga to acupuncture and everything between! Though they have experienced some sense of “better”, they do not feel entirely whole or fully settled in their bodies. With compassion and humor (Yes, humor! We are allowed to have fun on this journey of healing), we begin to explore with curiosity what may be blocking the ability for you to shift into greater connection with self and others.
![Photo of Ralph Earle - PCS- Psychological Counseling Services, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41810372-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
PCS- Psychological Counseling Services
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
PCS has over 40 years of experience offering outpatient psychological care. We have more than 25 therapists to provide individual, marriage, family, and group counseling. We help people with depression, anxiety, sex addiction and other compulsive disorders among other life issues. Search and learn about our clinical therapists by visiting our website www.pcsearle.com. And feel free to call and speak to any of our friendly schedulers about appointment scheduling and fees.
PCS has over 40 years of experience offering outpatient psychological care. We have more than 25 therapists to provide individual, marriage, family, and group counseling. We help people with depression, anxiety, sex addiction and other compulsive disorders among other life issues. Search and learn about our clinical therapists by visiting our website www.pcsearle.com. And feel free to call and speak to any of our friendly schedulers about appointment scheduling and fees.
![Photo of Francesca Marie Mirizio, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61d4e0e7-de3a-47f2-80bf-691241326d94/2/320x400.jpeg)
Francesca Marie Mirizio
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (Online Only)
I can work with you as an ally during the most difficult phases of your life. You set the goals for change, and I will help guide you to reach them. I also have a great understanding of the dynamics of a healthy relationship and can also offer great insight to clients who struggle with relationship issues. As an Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, I can help you to master your emotions, reduce your stress, and develop emotional intelligence.
I can work with you as an ally during the most difficult phases of your life. You set the goals for change, and I will help guide you to reach them. I also have a great understanding of the dynamics of a healthy relationship and can also offer great insight to clients who struggle with relationship issues. As an Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, I can help you to master your emotions, reduce your stress, and develop emotional intelligence.
![Photo of Francesca Schultz, MC, LPC, EMDR, SE, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/340e93c0-4d31-4180-9c4f-906ce2ca791b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Francesca Schultz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, EMDR, SE
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Are you hurt and angry about the DISCOVERY or DISCLOSURE of your partner's or spouse's SEXUAL SECRETS? Have some of the things you once trusted and relied upon in life later proven to be false or been buried beneath layers and layers of deception? Do you know the experience of wanting stability as you attempt to stand on the shifting sands of overwhelming uncertainty? Your distress is valid and what you're feeling is quite normal, and yet it's all incredibly disconcerting. Fortunately, you do have someone to talk to. I'll listen, answer your questions, and help guide you through this difficult time. I hope you'll give me a call!
Are you hurt and angry about the DISCOVERY or DISCLOSURE of your partner's or spouse's SEXUAL SECRETS? Have some of the things you once trusted and relied upon in life later proven to be false or been buried beneath layers and layers of deception? Do you know the experience of wanting stability as you attempt to stand on the shifting sands of overwhelming uncertainty? Your distress is valid and what you're feeling is quite normal, and yet it's all incredibly disconcerting. Fortunately, you do have someone to talk to. I'll listen, answer your questions, and help guide you through this difficult time. I hope you'll give me a call!
![Photo of Bonnie Barness, Growth, Hpnosis, Chakras, Healing, Happy, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4052576c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bonnie Barness
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, Growth, Hpnosis, Chakras, Healing, Happy
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Are you feeling that something has to change? Are you ready to take the step that will create a new beginning, allow healing from the past and the experience of more joy and peace than you ever have had? Whether you are depressed, anxious, grieving, in an unhealthy relationship, overwhelmed or desire to change the direction of your life, a personal/ workplace relationship, behavior or addiction that is getting in the way of your happiness, you can do it! I am here to support you in your journey towards greater joy, empowerment, spirituality & fulfillment utilizing Intuitive SHIFT Therapy, CBT, Hypnotherapy and Chakra Alignment.
Are you feeling that something has to change? Are you ready to take the step that will create a new beginning, allow healing from the past and the experience of more joy and peace than you ever have had? Whether you are depressed, anxious, grieving, in an unhealthy relationship, overwhelmed or desire to change the direction of your life, a personal/ workplace relationship, behavior or addiction that is getting in the way of your happiness, you can do it! I am here to support you in your journey towards greater joy, empowerment, spirituality & fulfillment utilizing Intuitive SHIFT Therapy, CBT, Hypnotherapy and Chakra Alignment.
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Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.