Play Therapy in North Lauderdale, FL
![Photo of Tanashia Taylor - F.A.V.O.R Therapeutic Services , LCSW, QS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf51b195-bee2-4f21-a46c-3b7373c468c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
F.A.V.O.R Therapeutic Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Lauderdale, FL 33068 (Online Only)
I help parents with family/behavior interventions for families struggling with oppositional behaviors and use a mix of CBT and play therapy to help children.
Are you a parent seeking help for a child or adolescent who is experiencing grief or was exposed to trauma? Are you seeking guidance on how to deal with your child’s oppositional behavior, or looking for a therapist experienced in treating anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues in children of all ages? Is your child making all the wrong choices? If so, I can help. I address these issues with children and adolescents to eliminate the barriers such as fear, anxiety, depression, social skills, and relationship issues.
I help parents with family/behavior interventions for families struggling with oppositional behaviors and use a mix of CBT and play therapy to help children.
Are you a parent seeking help for a child or adolescent who is experiencing grief or was exposed to trauma? Are you seeking guidance on how to deal with your child’s oppositional behavior, or looking for a therapist experienced in treating anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues in children of all ages? Is your child making all the wrong choices? If so, I can help. I address these issues with children and adolescents to eliminate the barriers such as fear, anxiety, depression, social skills, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Nicole Ceusters, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e54f8af1-f133-46df-b5df-6b5c8c75a9cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a mental health therapist licensed in Florida with over 10 years of experience working in social services, either in vocational rehab, case management or mental health therapy. I have worked with a variety of Clients reporting different concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, parenting difficulties, but specializing in ADHD, autism and trauma. I hold a Masters in Counseling with Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as a Master's certificate in Play Therapy. I am currently working on a PhD in Developmental Psychology.
I am a mental health therapist licensed in Florida with over 10 years of experience working in social services, either in vocational rehab, case management or mental health therapy. I have worked with a variety of Clients reporting different concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, parenting difficulties, but specializing in ADHD, autism and trauma. I hold a Masters in Counseling with Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as a Master's certificate in Play Therapy. I am currently working on a PhD in Developmental Psychology.
![Photo of Abigale Allison Thomas, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dc3f275-b17c-4090-aad1-8a7d720f4e10/1/320x400.png)
Abigale Allison Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Lauderdale, FL 33068
We all have been exposed to something that has left us questioning ourselves and our current circumstances. Often times these circumstances involve feeling trapped, stuck, hopeless, or like you are in a never-ending cycle. I hope to empower you with various tools in the work we do together. Creating opportunities to elevate beyond your circumstances. I want to work with you and your relationships to improve your connections. Our connections are the foundation of life. As a black woman and a child of Haitian and Jamaican immigrants, I have unique experiences. Experiences that may be true for many individuals with similar identities.
We all have been exposed to something that has left us questioning ourselves and our current circumstances. Often times these circumstances involve feeling trapped, stuck, hopeless, or like you are in a never-ending cycle. I hope to empower you with various tools in the work we do together. Creating opportunities to elevate beyond your circumstances. I want to work with you and your relationships to improve your connections. Our connections are the foundation of life. As a black woman and a child of Haitian and Jamaican immigrants, I have unique experiences. Experiences that may be true for many individuals with similar identities.
![Photo of Christopher A Gentles, EdD, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2ea68f7-11da-4d13-bc32-3dbeef0e3e84/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher A Gentles
Counselor, EdD, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Lauderdale, FL 33068 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a variety of experience in both private and public entities, I will help you navigate your challenges and guide you to realistic solutions. Let me help you understand your why, and develop a strategic pathway to accomplishing your goals using therapeutic skills that best suit your needs.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a variety of experience in both private and public entities, I will help you navigate your challenges and guide you to realistic solutions. Let me help you understand your why, and develop a strategic pathway to accomplishing your goals using therapeutic skills that best suit your needs.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Andrea Clare Mazzarino - Monocacy Therapy, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d7e3e84-788f-4587-af97-924e7c239d9e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Monocacy Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326 (Online Only)
I strive to help people manage distressing emotions so that they can live a fuller life. I am committed to providing quality mental health care in individual, family, and group settings. As a PhD-level anthropologist, I strive to learn as much as I can about your culture and worldview in order to tailor my therapeutic approach to your values, needs, and goals. I have effectively utilized cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, play- and art-based, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals living with a variety of conditions and problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
I strive to help people manage distressing emotions so that they can live a fuller life. I am committed to providing quality mental health care in individual, family, and group settings. As a PhD-level anthropologist, I strive to learn as much as I can about your culture and worldview in order to tailor my therapeutic approach to your values, needs, and goals. I have effectively utilized cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, play- and art-based, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals living with a variety of conditions and problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Robyn Cassel, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca871dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to listen to each client, hear the person's wants and needs, and support growth towards an increased state of self-awareness, life satisfaction, and relationship fulfillment. Despite the serious nature of issues discussed, my clients and I often find ourselves laughing together. I specialize in treatment/ assessment of psychological disorders in preschool/ school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. My focus on children helps me understand psychological underpinnings in adults I treat. I provide play therapy with children/families; group/individual psychotherapy with adolescents and adults; and I work extensively with individuals and couples presenting with a range of relationship/ sexual issues.
My goal is to listen to each client, hear the person's wants and needs, and support growth towards an increased state of self-awareness, life satisfaction, and relationship fulfillment. Despite the serious nature of issues discussed, my clients and I often find ourselves laughing together. I specialize in treatment/ assessment of psychological disorders in preschool/ school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. My focus on children helps me understand psychological underpinnings in adults I treat. I provide play therapy with children/families; group/individual psychotherapy with adolescents and adults; and I work extensively with individuals and couples presenting with a range of relationship/ sexual issues.
![Photo of Jennifer Bishop, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d017e97a-08fd-4897-8b78-24e660c7dd6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use tools/techniques such as art, gardening, play, music and drama to work with clients in a safe environment for healing to occur.
My name is Jennifer Bishop. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and owner of Genesis Counseling, a group private practice with locations in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and virtually throughout Florida. I specialize in working with children, teens and the LGBTQIA+ population. My speciality is working with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and relationship issues. I work with clients to find the support and strength they need to feel safe being their authentic selves.
I use tools/techniques such as art, gardening, play, music and drama to work with clients in a safe environment for healing to occur.
My name is Jennifer Bishop. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and owner of Genesis Counseling, a group private practice with locations in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and virtually throughout Florida. I specialize in working with children, teens and the LGBTQIA+ population. My speciality is working with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and relationship issues. I work with clients to find the support and strength they need to feel safe being their authentic selves.
![Photo of Lauren Fisher, LMHC, EdS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c71764e-6895-49f1-88a0-0d5cc64a8257/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also have training in play techniques as well as child development and mental health.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Coral Springs, FL, and virtually throughout Florida. In my approach to counseling I value developing a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my clients as I believe it is vital for personal growth and healing to occur. I tailor treatment to each individual as I maintain ongoing collaboration and communication with them. I truly understand that individuals are resilient and they have the power within themselves to gain self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives.
I also have training in play techniques as well as child development and mental health.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Coral Springs, FL, and virtually throughout Florida. In my approach to counseling I value developing a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my clients as I believe it is vital for personal growth and healing to occur. I tailor treatment to each individual as I maintain ongoing collaboration and communication with them. I truly understand that individuals are resilient and they have the power within themselves to gain self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives.
![Photo of Allison Fugnitti, LSW, LCSWI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aacdc12-7bcd-4e16-a7d1-4ceddca9092d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have provided therapeutic services to children and teens utilizing play therapy, CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Monmouth University. During my graduate program I gained experience working with geriatrics, adults, and adolescents. I gained clinical experience working with survivors in a domestic and sexual violence center. I also worked together with individual clients and their loved ones as well as facilitating group therapy. I have experience working in short term rehabilitation and long term care facilities, as well as having experience in an acute care hospital as a case manager.
I have provided therapeutic services to children and teens utilizing play therapy, CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Monmouth University. During my graduate program I gained experience working with geriatrics, adults, and adolescents. I gained clinical experience working with survivors in a domestic and sexual violence center. I also worked together with individual clients and their loved ones as well as facilitating group therapy. I have experience working in short term rehabilitation and long term care facilities, as well as having experience in an acute care hospital as a case manager.
![Photo of Rachel L. Toperzer, MSW, LCSW, EMDR, CYMHS, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/368785f1-556e-4328-a6fd-c1bb2d88cb0d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel L. Toperzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EMDR, CYMHS, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
Waitlist for new clients
I incorporate play therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, and other treatment modalities.
Let's be real, parenting is hard. It can be especially challenging if your child has extra needs. I am here to help you with these challenges. I specialize in working with children from ages birth to 10 and their caregivers. I primarily help children who suffer from trauma, anxiety, and/or depression. I provide caregivers with support and skills to help them parent and work with their child's unique needs. Life is chaotic and often difficult to understand. I help children learn and understand their big emotions. I empower and advocate for them when needed. My goal is to enhance children's ability to build healthier relationships.
I incorporate play therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, and other treatment modalities.
Let's be real, parenting is hard. It can be especially challenging if your child has extra needs. I am here to help you with these challenges. I specialize in working with children from ages birth to 10 and their caregivers. I primarily help children who suffer from trauma, anxiety, and/or depression. I provide caregivers with support and skills to help them parent and work with their child's unique needs. Life is chaotic and often difficult to understand. I help children learn and understand their big emotions. I empower and advocate for them when needed. My goal is to enhance children's ability to build healthier relationships.
![Photo of Tiffany Quijano, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c957d067-f762-45fd-9b5f-43e349d89566/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany uses trusted methods of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral skills, modeling, redirection, CBT, however she incorporates play and art into her work, making the therapeutic hour much more impactful for her clients.
Have you been feeling in low moods, low motivation, anxiety, worry, relationship issues,self esteem etc. My name is Tiffany Quijano and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. For over 15 years I have been working with children/teens and adults that suffer with mental and behavioral issues such as anxiety and depression, self esteem, grief, relationship issues and much more. Some symptoms you may notice in your child/teen; worry, isolation, withdrawal, refusal to attend social events, irritability, disruptions in sleeping, frequent outbursts of anger, inability to focus, constant fidgeting, disrupting others, etc.
Tiffany uses trusted methods of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral skills, modeling, redirection, CBT, however she incorporates play and art into her work, making the therapeutic hour much more impactful for her clients.
Have you been feeling in low moods, low motivation, anxiety, worry, relationship issues,self esteem etc. My name is Tiffany Quijano and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. For over 15 years I have been working with children/teens and adults that suffer with mental and behavioral issues such as anxiety and depression, self esteem, grief, relationship issues and much more. Some symptoms you may notice in your child/teen; worry, isolation, withdrawal, refusal to attend social events, irritability, disruptions in sleeping, frequent outbursts of anger, inability to focus, constant fidgeting, disrupting others, etc.
![Photo of Katalin Hanana, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b6e1333-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in your life? Do you ever have feelings of low self-esteem or hopelessness? Perhaps you are feeling overly anxious or depressed due to life changing events or everyday stress. Have you been wanting to feel better about yourself but just don’t know how to do so? Are you overwhelmed with your child’s behavior and don’t know what to do? I’m here to help empower you to be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field I can assist you in developing the tools necessary to help you cope and lead a happier life.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in your life? Do you ever have feelings of low self-esteem or hopelessness? Perhaps you are feeling overly anxious or depressed due to life changing events or everyday stress. Have you been wanting to feel better about yourself but just don’t know how to do so? Are you overwhelmed with your child’s behavior and don’t know what to do? I’m here to help empower you to be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field I can assist you in developing the tools necessary to help you cope and lead a happier life.
![Photo of Widline Nordelus - Shifted Psychotherapeutic Services, LLC , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0e56a28-ec57-4f82-9409-78d010682150/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shifted Psychotherapeutic Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tamarac, FL 33319 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! My name is Pastor Widline Nordelus. I am seeking to partner with people who are open to entering into their season of transformation. Shifting towards greater awareness. The intent is for you to be able to leave my therapeutic practice in a better state than when initially entered. Through the art of mental health training and the grace from God I will meet you where you are and take you to where you desire to be. As a mental health practitioner, I am used to seeing transformation in the lives of patients, but transformation occurred in me first! God has removed depression, anxiety, trauma, fear, mental limitations, etc.
Welcome! My name is Pastor Widline Nordelus. I am seeking to partner with people who are open to entering into their season of transformation. Shifting towards greater awareness. The intent is for you to be able to leave my therapeutic practice in a better state than when initially entered. Through the art of mental health training and the grace from God I will meet you where you are and take you to where you desire to be. As a mental health practitioner, I am used to seeing transformation in the lives of patients, but transformation occurred in me first! God has removed depression, anxiety, trauma, fear, mental limitations, etc.
![Photo of Christina A Remek, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/466285ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your own mental health and well-being can seem like a long journey. I specialize in strategies to help you change your perspective whether you are someone struggling on their fertility journey, managing the stressors of parenting or just trying to find yourself and your purpose while struggling with your mental health issues. My office offers holistic services to address your current challenges.
Your own mental health and well-being can seem like a long journey. I specialize in strategies to help you change your perspective whether you are someone struggling on their fertility journey, managing the stressors of parenting or just trying to find yourself and your purpose while struggling with your mental health issues. My office offers holistic services to address your current challenges.
![Photo of Dieunane Formul - Invictus Behavioral Health , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6bb6125-3b11-4b01-8331-586cff993ed4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Invictus Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tamarac, FL 33321 (Online Only)
If you have been experiencing emotional difficulties, therapy can be a highly effective tool. It focuses on helping you process your feelings, enhance or eliminate unhelpful behaviors, learn to problem-solve, and build healthy relationships. Therapy also aids in identifying factors affecting your current emotional state, such as unresolved traumas, underlying depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflicts including marriage or child-rearing issues, and work stressors. For teens, therapy can enhance parent-child relationships, address peer conflicts, and manage stress related to school, future aspirations, and more.
If you have been experiencing emotional difficulties, therapy can be a highly effective tool. It focuses on helping you process your feelings, enhance or eliminate unhelpful behaviors, learn to problem-solve, and build healthy relationships. Therapy also aids in identifying factors affecting your current emotional state, such as unresolved traumas, underlying depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflicts including marriage or child-rearing issues, and work stressors. For teens, therapy can enhance parent-child relationships, address peer conflicts, and manage stress related to school, future aspirations, and more.
![Photo of Tina Lambert, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b2e4366-5762-4417-879a-18d714e03c1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina Lambert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coconut Creek, FL 33063 (Online Only)
I am a vibrant, compassionate and dedicated Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have a passion for children, adolescents and emerging young adults. My ultimate goal is to create a safe, non-judgement environment for my clients to be themselves, express and process openly and freely. My approach to therapy is systematic in nature. I believe in joining with and becoming one with my clients. I am able to do this by drawing from various therapeutic modalities which include Systems Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Strength-Based Approaches which I tailor to the needs of my clients.
I am a vibrant, compassionate and dedicated Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have a passion for children, adolescents and emerging young adults. My ultimate goal is to create a safe, non-judgement environment for my clients to be themselves, express and process openly and freely. My approach to therapy is systematic in nature. I believe in joining with and becoming one with my clients. I am able to do this by drawing from various therapeutic modalities which include Systems Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Strength-Based Approaches which I tailor to the needs of my clients.
![Photo of Alicia Mercedes - Fit Counseling, LLC, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73bb169f-2081-4840-9d6a-b3603dc3aeab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fit Counseling, LLC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Online Only)
At Fit Counseling, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective counseling services for children, teens, individuals, and couples facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts and trauma. Our team of experienced and caring therapists is committed to helping you and your loved ones find hope, healing, and happiness. We understand that the journey to mental and emotional well-being can be complex, especially when dealing with stress and relationship issues. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to the unique needs of each client. We foster a warm and supportive environment.
At Fit Counseling, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective counseling services for children, teens, individuals, and couples facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts and trauma. Our team of experienced and caring therapists is committed to helping you and your loved ones find hope, healing, and happiness. We understand that the journey to mental and emotional well-being can be complex, especially when dealing with stress and relationship issues. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to the unique needs of each client. We foster a warm and supportive environment.
![Photo of Judy Gunn, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9ec203-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As human beings, we are hard-wired to be securely connected in relationship. We are happier and even live longer lives. At the same time, we are hard-wired to protect ourselves which can create a lot of conflict in relationship with others and with our authenticate self.
As human beings, we are hard-wired to be securely connected in relationship. We are happier and even live longer lives. At the same time, we are hard-wired to protect ourselves which can create a lot of conflict in relationship with others and with our authenticate self.
![Photo of Palm Beach Center For Child Therapy, MS, LMHC, BCBA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c87113f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We provide services to all children and adolescents. I specialize in developing individualized therapy for children up to age 18 with behavior problems and emotional concerns. Often times, the behavior of children can lead to a number of problems in the home and the entire family unit creating a sense of stress, anxiety, and tension.
We provide services to all children and adolescents. I specialize in developing individualized therapy for children up to age 18 with behavior problems and emotional concerns. Often times, the behavior of children can lead to a number of problems in the home and the entire family unit creating a sense of stress, anxiety, and tension.
![Photo of Karen A Lyttle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2d0b1fb-e71e-4905-b2c9-0fff21a82df6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen A Lyttle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33071
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Coral Springs, Florida. Many of my clients have found remarkable success in understanding their emotions, improving trauma symptoms of anxiety and depression and now feel more connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. I focus on ensuring that my clients see real progress. My style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions my clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. Essentially, they rewrite the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Coral Springs, Florida. Many of my clients have found remarkable success in understanding their emotions, improving trauma symptoms of anxiety and depression and now feel more connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. I focus on ensuring that my clients see real progress. My style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions my clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. Essentially, they rewrite the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion.
See more therapy options for North Lauderdale
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for North Lauderdale
- Coconut Creek
- Coral Springs
- Davie
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Margate
- Parkland
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Sunrise
- Tamarac
- Wilton Manors
Play Therapy
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.