Play Therapy in Peachtree Corners, GA

Photo of Melissa Brown - A Place to Grow Counseling & Consulting Services , LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor
A Place to Grow Counseling & Consulting Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, CAMS
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
  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.
(678) 498-7053 View (678) 498-7053
Photo of Lisa C Bryan, LPC, NCC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa C Bryan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
I use Play Therapy with children and am a Christian Counselor at heart.
Are you nervous, having panic attacks, shortness of breath, or maybe your heart is racing and you can't explain it; it could potentially be anxiety. Maybe for lack of better coping skills you have increased your use of alcohol or drugs. Maybe your family is telling you you are addicted to or abusing alcohol or drugs, but you don't know what else to do. Some people don't understand what is happening to their body and are fearful of where to go or how to get help.
I use Play Therapy with children and am a Christian Counselor at heart.
Are you nervous, having panic attacks, shortness of breath, or maybe your heart is racing and you can't explain it; it could potentially be anxiety. Maybe for lack of better coping skills you have increased your use of alcohol or drugs. Maybe your family is telling you you are addicted to or abusing alcohol or drugs, but you don't know what else to do. Some people don't understand what is happening to their body and are fearful of where to go or how to get help.
(770) 450-5374 View (770) 450-5374
Photo of Genelle Black, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Genelle Black
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peachtree Corners, 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!
(770) 766-0943 View (770) 766-0943
Photo of Letisha Erb, LCSW, CATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Letisha Erb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
My experience with other modalities include play , sand tray therapy, mindfulness based therapy, Christian counseling, and trauma therapy.
Do you or your loved one want to decrease anxiety, diminish depression, increase emotional balance, and improve healthy coping skills? Do you want to parent more effectively have better understanding of your relationships and communicate in healthier ways? Have you or a loved one experienced a trauma? With over 25 years of experience with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, I offer focused care and a safe place to grow. Contacting a therapist is not an easy decision to make and it takes a lot of courage. When you take the first step, I will join in the journey. Call me today for a free phone consultation.
My experience with other modalities include play , sand tray therapy, mindfulness based therapy, Christian counseling, and trauma therapy.
Do you or your loved one want to decrease anxiety, diminish depression, increase emotional balance, and improve healthy coping skills? Do you want to parent more effectively have better understanding of your relationships and communicate in healthier ways? Have you or a loved one experienced a trauma? With over 25 years of experience with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, I offer focused care and a safe place to grow. Contacting a therapist is not an easy decision to make and it takes a lot of courage. When you take the first step, I will join in the journey. Call me today for a free phone consultation.
(404) 600-1892 View (404) 600-1892
Photo of Destiny Combs, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Destiny Combs
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Do you struggle with navigating life's obstacles? Are you feeling depressed, stressed, overwhelmed or anxious? Do you ever feel emotionally trapped by the trauma or difficulties you faced as a child or young adult? Do you require a place where you can be yourself without fear of criticism? If any of these statements resonate with you, I'm here to meet you where you are and support you on your life's journey.
Do you struggle with navigating life's obstacles? Are you feeling depressed, stressed, overwhelmed or anxious? Do you ever feel emotionally trapped by the trauma or difficulties you faced as a child or young adult? Do you require a place where you can be yourself without fear of criticism? If any of these statements resonate with you, I'm here to meet you where you are and support you on your life's journey.
(470) 634-9984 View (470) 634-9984
Photo of Jo'Ani Espinal, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jo'Ani Espinal
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I'm passionate about helping the Latin community. I lived in the Dominican Republic as a teenager so I have the ability to understand what it's like to live in underdeveloped countries from a cultural standpoint. I have experience treating ADHD, oppositional defiance, autism and emotional distress in children, adolescents and teens. I'm also experienced in facilitating groups in parenting, substance abuse, and anger management groups for all ages. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide ideations, PTSD and relationship issues for ages 5 - 99 with a spiritual & holistic approach.
I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I'm passionate about helping the Latin community. I lived in the Dominican Republic as a teenager so I have the ability to understand what it's like to live in underdeveloped countries from a cultural standpoint. I have experience treating ADHD, oppositional defiance, autism and emotional distress in children, adolescents and teens. I'm also experienced in facilitating groups in parenting, substance abuse, and anger management groups for all ages. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide ideations, PTSD and relationship issues for ages 5 - 99 with a spiritual & holistic approach.
(678) 498-1022 View (678) 498-1022
Photo of Dr. Jasmine Spratling-Easley, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Jasmine Spratling-Easley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Life has been feeling like a whirlwind and you’re just trying to find your balance in it all. Are you finding it challenging to navigate each day, seeking ways to prioritize yourself, or experiencing physical discomfort and heightened stress in certain environments? Are you a young adult or mother trying to figure out how to manage new life transitions? Or maybe you’re a parent struggling to connect with your child and understand their behaviors? I hold a safe and nurturing space for adolescents, women, and parents to explore these challenges. If any of these resonate with you, you are in the right space.
Life has been feeling like a whirlwind and you’re just trying to find your balance in it all. Are you finding it challenging to navigate each day, seeking ways to prioritize yourself, or experiencing physical discomfort and heightened stress in certain environments? Are you a young adult or mother trying to figure out how to manage new life transitions? Or maybe you’re a parent struggling to connect with your child and understand their behaviors? I hold a safe and nurturing space for adolescents, women, and parents to explore these challenges. If any of these resonate with you, you are in the right space.
(770) 758-2379 View (770) 758-2379
Photo of Ashley Gottschak, MA, BCCC, Counselor
Ashley Gottschak
Counselor, MA, BCCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Do you feel stuck in the past? Have you tried everything else to find the healing you desperately desire but haven't gotten the results you need? Clients reach out to me many of them at a point close to giving up and thinking their brain, situation or circumstance will never change. It doesn't have to be this way. I incorporate many different techniques and tools to help get my clients on the path to healing and wholeness. Talk therapy just doesn't work. I do not offer talk therapy. Instead I customize a plan with my client, meeting them where they are, based on their individual needs.
Do you feel stuck in the past? Have you tried everything else to find the healing you desperately desire but haven't gotten the results you need? Clients reach out to me many of them at a point close to giving up and thinking their brain, situation or circumstance will never change. It doesn't have to be this way. I incorporate many different techniques and tools to help get my clients on the path to healing and wholeness. Talk therapy just doesn't work. I do not offer talk therapy. Instead I customize a plan with my client, meeting them where they are, based on their individual needs.
(770) 580-2914 View (770) 580-2914
Photo of Chrystol Wilson-Payne, MA, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chrystol Wilson-Payne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092  (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!
(470) 468-5354 View (470) 468-5354
Photo of Crystal Gillery Dawn Swiney - Cura Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cura Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
CURA Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta serves a broad range of clients including those who are feeling less connected in romantic relationships; families going through tough transitions; individuals suffering in the grips of past challenges; teenager angst; as well as those struggling with depression and/or anxiety coupled with day to day stress. And certainly dealing with the difficulties associated with the pandemic. Each CURA Therapist is trained to consider how your life experiences have impacted you. Your goals are the focus. We offer REDUCED fees! Schedule today!
CURA Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta serves a broad range of clients including those who are feeling less connected in romantic relationships; families going through tough transitions; individuals suffering in the grips of past challenges; teenager angst; as well as those struggling with depression and/or anxiety coupled with day to day stress. And certainly dealing with the difficulties associated with the pandemic. Each CURA Therapist is trained to consider how your life experiences have impacted you. Your goals are the focus. We offer REDUCED fees! Schedule today!
(844) 292-4254 View (844) 292-4254

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tara Coppola Croy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara Coppola Croy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
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.
(678) 853-7669 View (678) 853-7669
Photo of Christine Joseph, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
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!
(833) 935-1602 View (833) 935-1602
Photo of Counseling Services Of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor
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 video 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, Dunwoody, 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 video 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, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
(678) 394-3719 View (678) 394-3719
Photo of Alfredo Morales Celedon, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alfredo Morales Celedon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30093
On my leisure time, I exercise, 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 exercise, 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.
(404) 948-5916 View (404) 948-5916
Photo of Julia Eunhwa Lee, MS, LPC, NCC, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor
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
(678) 392-4224 View (678) 392-4224
Photo of Shari Grizzle, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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!
(678) 263-7290 View (678) 263-7290
Photo of Marina Reichenberger, MA, LPC, Counselor
Marina Reichenberger
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Berkeley Lake, GA 30092
Have you been feeling disconnected from yourself? Do you feel like you are alive but not fully living your life? Are you yearning for a deeper connection with yourself and your body? I am here to accompany you on your natural process of personal development. I believe everyone contain within themselves a drive to evolve, to become their fullest realization. I will support and witness you on your process of unfolding. I approach therapy with a humanistic, strength-based perspective, where I strongly believe that our relationship is one of equal. I have a warm, empathetic, understanding and non-judgmental demeanor to my practice.
Have you been feeling disconnected from yourself? Do you feel like you are alive but not fully living your life? Are you yearning for a deeper connection with yourself and your body? I am here to accompany you on your natural process of personal development. I believe everyone contain within themselves a drive to evolve, to become their fullest realization. I will support and witness you on your process of unfolding. I approach therapy with a humanistic, strength-based perspective, where I strongly believe that our relationship is one of equal. I have a warm, empathetic, understanding and non-judgmental demeanor to my practice.
(678) 736-6608 View (678) 736-6608
Photo of Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo, LCSW, CADC, II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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).
(404) 724-5855 View (404) 724-5855
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.
(470) 722-2814 View (470) 722-2814
Photo of Anxiety Depression Trauma For Teenagers : Allie Raymond, CTP, Pre-Licensed Professional
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 your circumstances. 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 your circumstances. 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!
(470) 348-2316 View (470) 348-2316

See more therapy options for Peachtree Corners

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.