Play Therapy in Norcross, GA
![Photo of Shari Grizzle, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52846452-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shari Grizzle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071
Waitlist for new clients
Her favorite is play therapy and behavior modification and management to correct the maladaptive "unwanted" behaviors displayed in children and adolescents and giving parents the strength and encouragement needed to parent difficult behaviors.
Shari has worked extensively in the foster care system providing age appropriate therapy for children, their biological families and their foster/adoptive families assisting them with the various life transitions and traumas they have endured and giving them the tools needed to overcome these obstacles. Shari believes that individual therapy is always a good place to start addressing stressors in your life so that the progress can carry over to other areas of your life to include relationships, family and work life. Depression and anxiety should not define you, we all experience it at some point but the key is to OVERCOME!
Her favorite is play therapy and behavior modification and management to correct the maladaptive "unwanted" behaviors displayed in children and adolescents and giving parents the strength and encouragement needed to parent difficult behaviors.
Shari has worked extensively in the foster care system providing age appropriate therapy for children, their biological families and their foster/adoptive families assisting them with the various life transitions and traumas they have endured and giving them the tools needed to overcome these obstacles. Shari believes that individual therapy is always a good place to start addressing stressors in your life so that the progress can carry over to other areas of your life to include relationships, family and work life. Depression and anxiety should not define you, we all experience it at some point but the key is to OVERCOME!
![Photo of Tara Coppola Croy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bae24be0-ae8e-443e-914d-2988e1cf61f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with many children and adolescents, and am trained in play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray, which assists clients in healing through non-verbal means.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
I work with many children and adolescents, and am trained in play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray, which assists clients in healing through non-verbal means.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
![Photo of Christine Joseph, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52844e5f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have provided effective therapeutic interventions using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, child-centered and directive play therapy, and rational self-analysis with a strength-based and person-centered approach.
Are sadness, frustration, insecurity, relationship struggles, stress or a painful past keeping you from happiness, success and satisfaction in your life? Are your own unhelpful thoughts, perspectives and behaviors? I can help. I have enjoyed helping people of various ages, ethic, spiritual, and economic backgrounds and diverse sexual/gender orientations/ presentations live peaceful, effective and successful lives. I hope to join you on your journey of exploration and healing. I even have convenient evening hours!
I have provided effective therapeutic interventions using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, child-centered and directive play therapy, and rational self-analysis with a strength-based and person-centered approach.
Are sadness, frustration, insecurity, relationship struggles, stress or a painful past keeping you from happiness, success and satisfaction in your life? Are your own unhelpful thoughts, perspectives and behaviors? I can help. I have enjoyed helping people of various ages, ethic, spiritual, and economic backgrounds and diverse sexual/gender orientations/ presentations live peaceful, effective and successful lives. I hope to join you on your journey of exploration and healing. I even have convenient evening hours!
![Photo of Julia Eunhwa Lee, MS, LPC, NCC, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/450e7fa4-8194-4530-beec-e372c79f0a04/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Eunhwa Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CAMS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
* Play & Art therapy for children *Mariage Counseling *Support Group *EMDR 저는 이중 언어(한국어-영어)가 가능한 상담가이며, 분노상담 전문가입니다.
Welcome, and I actively support the courage for change and self-growth. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor(NCC) and Certified Anger Management Specialist. I have been in clinical / counseling training and practice over ten years. My education and training empowers the client with various tools to help one over-whelming feeling of anger issues, and heal the straining relationships with family and friends, break free from the bonds of addiction. I will offer a genuine approach and caring approach all the while maintaining a professional attitude. **Language: Korean, English
* Play & Art therapy for children *Mariage Counseling *Support Group *EMDR 저는 이중 언어(한국어-영어)가 가능한 상담가이며, 분노상담 전문가입니다.
Welcome, and I actively support the courage for change and self-growth. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor(NCC) and Certified Anger Management Specialist. I have been in clinical / counseling training and practice over ten years. My education and training empowers the client with various tools to help one over-whelming feeling of anger issues, and heal the straining relationships with family and friends, break free from the bonds of addiction. I will offer a genuine approach and caring approach all the while maintaining a professional attitude. **Language: Korean, English
![Photo of Counseling Services Of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9745ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30092
We also have a Spanish-speaking therapist and play therapy for ages 3 and up.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We also have a Spanish-speaking therapist and play therapy for ages 3 and up.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
![Photo of Taya Larenkova Sanders, MS, LPC, NCC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4065cf19-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Taya Larenkova Sanders
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
I have special training in Play Therapy, a process that allows me to understand children's feelings and experiences.
Are you a parent/caregiver whose CHILD is struggling with impulse control, excessive worries, anxiety, or depression? Do you/your child need help with stress or anger management, aggressive or withdrawn behavior, social skills or learning difficulties, grief or trauma, divorce or family conflict? Are you feeling discouraged and frustrated that many methods of dealing with your problems haven't helped? Your knowledge of your family and my clinical expertise is what you need for a change. I can help you resolve your problems, improve your communication, your ability to understand your child/partner, and enjoy your relationships more.
I have special training in Play Therapy, a process that allows me to understand children's feelings and experiences.
Are you a parent/caregiver whose CHILD is struggling with impulse control, excessive worries, anxiety, or depression? Do you/your child need help with stress or anger management, aggressive or withdrawn behavior, social skills or learning difficulties, grief or trauma, divorce or family conflict? Are you feeling discouraged and frustrated that many methods of dealing with your problems haven't helped? Your knowledge of your family and my clinical expertise is what you need for a change. I can help you resolve your problems, improve your communication, your ability to understand your child/partner, and enjoy your relationships more.
![Photo of Trudy Post Sprunk, LMFT, LPC SEP, RPTS, EMDR, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d05289-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trudy Post Sprunk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT, LPC SEP, RPTS, EMDR, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
During the last 45 plus years, I have provided experiential psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. I have given over 800 lectures on the subjects of divorce, parenting, transgender, family play therapy, supervision, learning disabilities, grief, ADHD, play therapy, adolescence, etc. I am a registered play therapist, certified in EMDR, and provide supervision and consultation to other psychotherapists.
During the last 45 plus years, I have provided experiential psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. I have given over 800 lectures on the subjects of divorce, parenting, transgender, family play therapy, supervision, learning disabilities, grief, ADHD, play therapy, adolescence, etc. I am a registered play therapist, certified in EMDR, and provide supervision and consultation to other psychotherapists.
![Photo of Melissa Brown - A Place to Grow Counseling & Consulting Services , LPC, CPCS, RPT, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c044e62-bcb5-4f52-a229-b7aa459f2bef/3/320x400.jpeg)
A Place to Grow Counseling & Consulting Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, RPT, CAMS
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30091
I utilize a variety of techniques in my work with children, such as Play Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Trauma Recovery, Behavior Management, and other Creative and Expressive Approaches that foster resiliency and growth.
Does your child have social and emotional challenges that impact their academic performance and the ability to build healthy relationships? Do they have difficulty paying attention, difficulty cooperating with peers and adults, and unable to control their feelings? At a Place to Grow Counseling we are here to serve you.
I utilize a variety of techniques in my work with children, such as Play Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Trauma Recovery, Behavior Management, and other Creative and Expressive Approaches that foster resiliency and growth.
Does your child have social and emotional challenges that impact their academic performance and the ability to build healthy relationships? Do they have difficulty paying attention, difficulty cooperating with peers and adults, and unable to control their feelings? At a Place to Grow Counseling we are here to serve you.
![Photo of Alfredo Morales Celedon, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5368e808-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alfredo Morales Celedon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30093
On my leisure time, I exercising, I play sports and I enjoy doing obstacles races.
OFFERING ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICES. I am a bilingual SPANISH/ENGLISH counselor committed to helping individuals and families accomplish goals. My clinical focus is working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a varied of emotional, relational and systemic difficulties leading to anxiety, depression adjustment issues, trauma related complaints and behavioral misconduct at school. I strive to work with children/teens and parents and adults to develop effective treatments uniquely to every individual and or family.
On my leisure time, I exercising, I play sports and I enjoy doing obstacles races.
OFFERING ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICES. I am a bilingual SPANISH/ENGLISH counselor committed to helping individuals and families accomplish goals. My clinical focus is working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a varied of emotional, relational and systemic difficulties leading to anxiety, depression adjustment issues, trauma related complaints and behavioral misconduct at school. I strive to work with children/teens and parents and adults to develop effective treatments uniquely to every individual and or family.
![Photo of Genelle Black, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f4d59a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Genelle Black
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30092
I integrate play, art and narrative therapies in order to help clients identify, process and cope with their feelings and experiences.
Have issues at home or school left your child depressed, angry or withdrawn? Many times, behavior and mood changes may be your child’s way of communicating that they need help processing the things going on in their lives. When adults are stressed and overwhelmed, other aspects of our lives suffer (e.g. job performance, relationship, etc). Children & teens experience emotional stress in similar ways. Failing grades, self-harm or behavioral issues at home and school are signs that something deeper may be happening. As a parent you may feel helpless. You've tried all you know but nothing works. You just want it to get better!
I integrate play, art and narrative therapies in order to help clients identify, process and cope with their feelings and experiences.
Have issues at home or school left your child depressed, angry or withdrawn? Many times, behavior and mood changes may be your child’s way of communicating that they need help processing the things going on in their lives. When adults are stressed and overwhelmed, other aspects of our lives suffer (e.g. job performance, relationship, etc). Children & teens experience emotional stress in similar ways. Failing grades, self-harm or behavioral issues at home and school are signs that something deeper may be happening. As a parent you may feel helpless. You've tried all you know but nothing works. You just want it to get better!
![Photo of Stephanie R Allen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d7f94be-b3b2-4965-9bb2-839f016d1dc1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie R Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30093 (Online Only)
My mission is to provide comprehensive services that promote creative growth, on-task development, and resiliency. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and families in all seasons of their life. I enjoy helping clients and their families work on obtaining the tools they need to survive life stressors, challenges, and events that are uncontrollable. I love using a Cognitive Behavioral perspective but integrating other evidenced based approaches to help meet each client's individual needs.
My mission is to provide comprehensive services that promote creative growth, on-task development, and resiliency. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and families in all seasons of their life. I enjoy helping clients and their families work on obtaining the tools they need to survive life stressors, challenges, and events that are uncontrollable. I love using a Cognitive Behavioral perspective but integrating other evidenced based approaches to help meet each client's individual needs.
![Photo of Chrystol Wilson-Payne, MA, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27f4da0e-e5f1-4178-8459-8406c8bd9bde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chrystol Wilson-Payne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071 (Online Only)
Are you ready to become a better version of yourself? Are you ready to overcome the issues that are stifling your growth? Well, I would be honored and excited to help you on your journey to better. Together, we will identify your strengths and struggles. I will challenge you to take the necessary steps that lead to self awareness, healing and freedom. I also have a passion for helping couples create and maintain healthy relationships. I look forward to partnering with you!
Are you ready to become a better version of yourself? Are you ready to overcome the issues that are stifling your growth? Well, I would be honored and excited to help you on your journey to better. Together, we will identify your strengths and struggles. I will challenge you to take the necessary steps that lead to self awareness, healing and freedom. I also have a passion for helping couples create and maintain healthy relationships. I look forward to partnering with you!
Brenau Clinic for Counseling/Psych Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071
Your counselor will assist you, support you, and help you "sort out" and assess all aspects of your concerns. Your counselor will take you seriously and be open to discuss anything you wish.
Your counselor will assist you, support you, and help you "sort out" and assess all aspects of your concerns. Your counselor will take you seriously and be open to discuss anything you wish.
![Photo of Erica A Carretero - Counseling Institute of Atlanta, LAPC, NCC, GAPSC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a1eb472-c0a0-42d4-bcd9-1940457f0a84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Institute of Atlanta
Pre-Licensed Professional, LAPC, NCC, GAPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
I am a mental health counselor with international experience in counseling adults, teenagers, and families. If you are facing facing acculturation issues, overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment or emotional disturbances, we can work on these issues. I also have experience working with life-threatening conditions, domestic violence, divorce, HIV, grief and trauma. In addition, I enjoy working with parent/children to strengthen their relationships and behavioral issues. Also, I enjoy working with young adults transitioning, seeking a career path, identity formation, relationships, and intimacy issues.`
I am a mental health counselor with international experience in counseling adults, teenagers, and families. If you are facing facing acculturation issues, overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment or emotional disturbances, we can work on these issues. I also have experience working with life-threatening conditions, domestic violence, divorce, HIV, grief and trauma. In addition, I enjoy working with parent/children to strengthen their relationships and behavioral issues. Also, I enjoy working with young adults transitioning, seeking a career path, identity formation, relationships, and intimacy issues.`
![Photo of Millicent L Henry - Advance Practice Behavioral Health, DHEd, PMHNP, BC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/130681fa-2444-459a-9d23-582ecb975e00/3/320x400.jpeg)
Advance Practice Behavioral Health
DHEd, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30092 (Online Only)
Advance Practice Behavioral Health was created with a vision to promote brain health and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. The Mission of Advance Practice Behavioral Health is to help you achieve a healthy brain and a beautiful mind, which will lead to healthier living and a happier life.
Advance Practice Behavioral Health was created with a vision to promote brain health and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. The Mission of Advance Practice Behavioral Health is to help you achieve a healthy brain and a beautiful mind, which will lead to healthier living and a happier life.
![Photo of Andrea D. Steen, LMSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5812f40-f9ab-4431-9226-f7d95ef242c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
More than anything I want the individuals I work with to know that change can happen but only if change is wanted.
More than anything I want the individuals I work with to know that change can happen but only if change is wanted.
![Photo of Anxiety Depression Trauma For Teenagers : Allie Raymond, CTP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/846d567a-6ea4-47a0-943a-8b7f15f81e06/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety Depression Trauma For Teenagers : Allie Raymond
Pre-Licensed Professional, CTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainty, I help facilitate the transition from living a life in fear to experiencing a sense of freedom despite any circumstance. I am deeply passionate about coming alongside children, teenagers, and young adults who may feel isolated, hurt, stuck, or any other more complex emotion. I acknowledge each person as the expert on their own life while I am the learner who facilitates growth and introspection. It is my hope that by working together, we will tackle and overcome various challenges you are experiencing, celebrate your accomplishments, and create change that lasts a lifetime!
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainty, I help facilitate the transition from living a life in fear to experiencing a sense of freedom despite any circumstance. I am deeply passionate about coming alongside children, teenagers, and young adults who may feel isolated, hurt, stuck, or any other more complex emotion. I acknowledge each person as the expert on their own life while I am the learner who facilitates growth and introspection. It is my hope that by working together, we will tackle and overcome various challenges you are experiencing, celebrate your accomplishments, and create change that lasts a lifetime!
![Photo of Michaela Osehobo, MEd, APC, NCC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc13cc8d-8881-4890-870e-ad3179e2f14e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michaela Osehobo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, APC, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30093
Hello there! My name is Michaela Osehobo. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. I understand that life can be very difficult at times, and I am here to support you through whatever issue you are currently having - whether that is feeling down, stressed, lonely, angry... you name it. I believe every person should feel encouraged to persevere, despite hardships they may face. I enjoy helping clients of all ages sort through the various feelings they may have, process these feelings, gain coping skills, and find their smile again.
Hello there! My name is Michaela Osehobo. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. I understand that life can be very difficult at times, and I am here to support you through whatever issue you are currently having - whether that is feeling down, stressed, lonely, angry... you name it. I believe every person should feel encouraged to persevere, despite hardships they may face. I enjoy helping clients of all ages sort through the various feelings they may have, process these feelings, gain coping skills, and find their smile again.
![Photo of Geraldine (Jerry) Connor, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2ca010-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
For over 35 years I have supported self-discovery by offering a safe, nurturing, non-judgmental environment in which to explore. By finding alternate ways to handle situations, my clients develop healthy, nurturing relationships that lead to fulfilling and expressed lives. An eclectic approach helps the client choose their own path to healing.
For over 35 years I have supported self-discovery by offering a safe, nurturing, non-judgmental environment in which to explore. By finding alternate ways to handle situations, my clients develop healthy, nurturing relationships that lead to fulfilling and expressed lives. An eclectic approach helps the client choose their own path to healing.
![Photo of Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo, LCSW, CADC, II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8be05f28-841f-4a45-b0a9-ba1c560656a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, II
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071 (Online Only)
Providing multicultural mental health and addiction treatment. Especializing in trauma, anxiety and depression. Bilingual (Spanish/English).
Providing multicultural mental health and addiction treatment. Especializing in trauma, anxiety and depression. Bilingual (Spanish/English).
See more therapy options for Norcross
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Norcross
- Alpharetta
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- Lawrenceville
- Lilburn
- Peachtree Corners
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- Tucker
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.