Therapists in Naperville, IL
![Photo of Heather Anderson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8989cd90-e965-44d0-ae37-3fcd39b8e9a6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
As a Person-Centered therapist utilizing techniques from Animal-Assisted Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy and Play Therapy.
I graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in children and adolescent therapy, I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, grief, and trauma. I have recently developed an interest in working with couples and find that to be very meaningful. Whether it is topics of identity or communication, I am here to help!
As a Person-Centered therapist utilizing techniques from Animal-Assisted Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy and Play Therapy.
I graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in children and adolescent therapy, I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, grief, and trauma. I have recently developed an interest in working with couples and find that to be very meaningful. Whether it is topics of identity or communication, I am here to help!
![Photo of Laura Langes, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d5a7880-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am particularly passionate about utilizing play, sand tray, and EMDR therapies to treat youth with developmental/attachment trauma.
We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
I am particularly passionate about utilizing play, sand tray, and EMDR therapies to treat youth with developmental/attachment trauma.
We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
![Photo of Grant Stenzel - Stenzel Clinical Services, Ltd., MA, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ffd1545-467f-4e3e-a625-a90dd7cc74d4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stenzel Clinical Services, Ltd.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540
We offer play therapy
We can bill your insurance for you.
We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.
We offer play therapy
We can bill your insurance for you.
We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.
![Photo of Candice Riles-Daniels - Healing Crown Counseling PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47264ef7-cfdc-4ace-b0e9-3cb87e48d697/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Crown Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60567 (Online Only)
Therapeutic treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, holistic therapy, and other client centered approaches.
Candice has worked with clients who have struggled with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, grief and loss, substance abuse, LGBTQ Issues, personality disorders, and PTSD. Her specialties include struggles with intimate and family relationships, personality disorders, criminal thinking, anger management, poor self image, depression, and trauma. Candice prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and rapport that is developed with each of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients draw strength from their experiences; to live a better quality of life and reach personal fulfillment.
Therapeutic treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, holistic therapy, and other client centered approaches.
Candice has worked with clients who have struggled with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, grief and loss, substance abuse, LGBTQ Issues, personality disorders, and PTSD. Her specialties include struggles with intimate and family relationships, personality disorders, criminal thinking, anger management, poor self image, depression, and trauma. Candice prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and rapport that is developed with each of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients draw strength from their experiences; to live a better quality of life and reach personal fulfillment.
![Photo of Molly Kathleen Maffeo, LCPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4694131a-b8d7-4861-a790-aa210ca3ada9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Kathleen Maffeo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60540
I offer play therapy for children, innovative and creative interventions for clients of all ages, exposure therapy for OCD/PTSD and meal time and challenge snack appointment for clients with eating disorders.
Have you been feeling invalidated, like no one is taking the time to really listen to what you're going through? The most important focus I have for my clients is to ensure I meet them right where they are at, and they feel safe and validated. I am LGBTQiA+ affirming, a member of WPATH and the Gender Affirming Collaborative Coalition of Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. I am committed to the long-term evolution and healing of all people regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or ethnicity. I work with my clients in an empowering atmosphere where they are able to explore all of the moving pieces.
I offer play therapy for children, innovative and creative interventions for clients of all ages, exposure therapy for OCD/PTSD and meal time and challenge snack appointment for clients with eating disorders.
Have you been feeling invalidated, like no one is taking the time to really listen to what you're going through? The most important focus I have for my clients is to ensure I meet them right where they are at, and they feel safe and validated. I am LGBTQiA+ affirming, a member of WPATH and the Gender Affirming Collaborative Coalition of Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. I am committed to the long-term evolution and healing of all people regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or ethnicity. I work with my clients in an empowering atmosphere where they are able to explore all of the moving pieces.
![Photo of Kaitlyn “Kat” Evans, LPC , Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14cbf8f3-e77f-4ed2-843c-18c177be9105/3/320x400.jpeg)
Some other specialities I offer include play and art therapy, and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
Some other specialities I offer include play and art therapy, and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
![Photo of Lauren Brymer, MA, LCPC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa38bddf-251f-4ace-895e-ae29c463580a/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are able to utilize tools like Psychodynamic, Exposure Therapy, IFS, CBT, Play Therapy, and many more ways to serve our client's.
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
We are able to utilize tools like Psychodynamic, Exposure Therapy, IFS, CBT, Play Therapy, and many more ways to serve our client's.
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
![Photo of Kelsey Romanoff, LCPC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bdf54bfd-8de4-435d-9588-26380d6f5354/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Romanoff
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, and depression, for teens and college students. I believe each client needs a safe and comfortable space to process their thoughts and emotions. I use various skills and techniques, as we work together, to navigate the areas in life that you are ready to explore. Genuine empathy and interpersonal connection are the baseline. It’s my goal that my clients feel heard, valued, and accepted. Email me today to get scheduled!
I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, and depression, for teens and college students. I believe each client needs a safe and comfortable space to process their thoughts and emotions. I use various skills and techniques, as we work together, to navigate the areas in life that you are ready to explore. Genuine empathy and interpersonal connection are the baseline. It’s my goal that my clients feel heard, valued, and accepted. Email me today to get scheduled!
![Photo of Jaclyn Harwey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/322094d9-ad6f-4ff2-8b2b-e2f7194c9921/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
![Photo of Laura A. Lauko, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401bfa33-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I choose to approach therapy in a way that addresses each unique person as a whole with many complex components contributing to their current state. Through empathy and genuine interaction, I seek to understand each person in the moment. I provide a warm and caring therapeutic environment that lets clients explore the problems they are looking to change. My goal is to help clients make changes to find happiness and fulfillment by offering interventions and information for success.
I choose to approach therapy in a way that addresses each unique person as a whole with many complex components contributing to their current state. Through empathy and genuine interaction, I seek to understand each person in the moment. I provide a warm and caring therapeutic environment that lets clients explore the problems they are looking to change. My goal is to help clients make changes to find happiness and fulfillment by offering interventions and information for success.
![Photo of Mollie E Holman - Mollie Holman Counseling, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf3ed4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mollie Holman Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.
"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.
![Photo of Sandra Lukashevich, LCPC, MS, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8835f50-e2fc-4a1e-9cf1-0c903bedeef8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
![Photo of Jacq Babcock, ALMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69fd1790-9189-47b7-bae4-0204f6d7af84/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey. There are many struggles and challenges that I offer support with, and I utilize an approach where I listen to your experiences attentively. I combine loving warmth with reflective questions, and concrete action steps to help you work through the current challenges you're facing. I practice being curious about where you've been in your life's journey and where you want to be going. Through curiosity, love, and accountability, I hold space for you to be in your process of growth and change.
I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey. There are many struggles and challenges that I offer support with, and I utilize an approach where I listen to your experiences attentively. I combine loving warmth with reflective questions, and concrete action steps to help you work through the current challenges you're facing. I practice being curious about where you've been in your life's journey and where you want to be going. Through curiosity, love, and accountability, I hold space for you to be in your process of growth and change.
![Photo of Stacy Ramirez - Inner Courage Counseling Masters Level Interns](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2723f023-1f95-4a37-8de1-ccc97042584d/1/320x400.png)
We know that life is not always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people among us need guidance working through some of life's more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. Reach out today so we can get you paired up with one of our amazing providers.
We know that life is not always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people among us need guidance working through some of life's more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. Reach out today so we can get you paired up with one of our amazing providers.
![Photo of Kevin P Sprenkle, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8dd9d18-8459-460e-98bd-3b3f201d3369/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether its the pain of trauma or the onset of a new, overwhelming change in your life, it can become harder and harder for you to be at peace and feel empowered. You may know deep down that something feels wrong, but also feel lost when it comes to addressing these difficulties. Furthermore, these challenges can make you feel isolated from the very relationships you'd hope would sustain you through these difficult times.
Whether its the pain of trauma or the onset of a new, overwhelming change in your life, it can become harder and harder for you to be at peace and feel empowered. You may know deep down that something feels wrong, but also feel lost when it comes to addressing these difficulties. Furthermore, these challenges can make you feel isolated from the very relationships you'd hope would sustain you through these difficult times.
![Photo of Liza Devaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4862b1e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have over twenty years of social work experience. I have worked in foster care and adoption, in a psychiatric hospital and am currently working in private practice. My patients include children, adolescents, adults and couples. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief issues, conflict resolution, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, OCD, addictions, issues related to divorce and family/marital conflicts. I use a variety of treatment modalities based on the individual needs of the patient. My therapeutic approach is a non-judgmental blending of eastern and western philosophies thereby helping patients develop acceptance and develop better coping strategies to deal with their challenges.
I have over twenty years of social work experience. I have worked in foster care and adoption, in a psychiatric hospital and am currently working in private practice. My patients include children, adolescents, adults and couples. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief issues, conflict resolution, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, OCD, addictions, issues related to divorce and family/marital conflicts. I use a variety of treatment modalities based on the individual needs of the patient. My therapeutic approach is a non-judgmental blending of eastern and western philosophies thereby helping patients develop acceptance and develop better coping strategies to deal with their challenges.
![Photo of Shanna Hoekstra, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d5aa18b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! If you are reading this right now, then I am so grateful that you found me. I think that it is so important to find someone that you are able to connect with on a very personal level as you begin the process of sharing your story. I hope that with my professional and personal experiences, I can be a strong support for you as you begin this very meaningful and important journey in your life.
Hi there! If you are reading this right now, then I am so grateful that you found me. I think that it is so important to find someone that you are able to connect with on a very personal level as you begin the process of sharing your story. I hope that with my professional and personal experiences, I can be a strong support for you as you begin this very meaningful and important journey in your life.
![Photo of Lauren Buckley](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73407748-6ad0-4454-bf5a-ce1f347553f5/2/320x400.png)
Lauren has multiple years of experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders. She has a passion for helping children optimize their potential, fulfill their passions, and strengthen their self-esteem. Lauren’s clinical interests also include anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and more. Additionally, Lauren enjoys integrating her interest of art into sessions to help support individuals in expanding their self-expression and creativity in an alternative way.
Lauren has multiple years of experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders. She has a passion for helping children optimize their potential, fulfill their passions, and strengthen their self-esteem. Lauren’s clinical interests also include anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and more. Additionally, Lauren enjoys integrating her interest of art into sessions to help support individuals in expanding their self-expression and creativity in an alternative way.
![Photo of Alyssa Wilderman, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed9322e3-14fe-4a14-ae4c-629b20036ca2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Wilderman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Alyssa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in October 2023 at Adler University in Chicago. Alyssa has worked for public school districts working in behavioral management classrooms and substitute teaching at the middle school level, gaining relevant experience working with adolescents in the school environment and mental health issues. She enjoys working with people of all ages with multicultural backgrounds; and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Alyssa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in October 2023 at Adler University in Chicago. Alyssa has worked for public school districts working in behavioral management classrooms and substitute teaching at the middle school level, gaining relevant experience working with adolescents in the school environment and mental health issues. She enjoys working with people of all ages with multicultural backgrounds; and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
![Photo of Alexandria Gohla - Bluebird Counseling Services, MSW, LCSW, EdS, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/098e8b72-68cf-462e-9cf1-d5f39f9b6757/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bluebird Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EdS, C-DBT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60565 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, burnt out, alone, or just do not know where you should be in your life right now? I can help. I strive to have my clients feel like they are heard through the establishment of a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space by developing a strong therapeutic relationship and teaching you the skills you need to succeed in your personal goals. When you’re ready to leave the stresses of life behind for good and learn the skills you need to succeed, I’m ready to help you. Give me a call today so we can schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling like yourself again.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, burnt out, alone, or just do not know where you should be in your life right now? I can help. I strive to have my clients feel like they are heard through the establishment of a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space by developing a strong therapeutic relationship and teaching you the skills you need to succeed in your personal goals. When you’re ready to leave the stresses of life behind for good and learn the skills you need to succeed, I’m ready to help you. Give me a call today so we can schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling like yourself again.
See more therapy options for Naperville
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Naperville
- Aurora
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- Lisle
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- West Chicago
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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.