Play Therapy in Huntington, IN

Photo of Diane K Kaehr, MS Ed, LMFT, LMHCA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane K Kaehr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS Ed, LMFT, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Huntington, IN 46750
I most often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, although I utilize different therapy techniques based on different life experiences, working together to promote self-growth and healing.
I believe every individual needs someone at some point in their life. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment when that need arises. I enjoy working with different populations of clients and appreciate the diversity that each individual brings to the therapeutic relationship. Together, we will work on the goals that will assist you in coping with life stressors and achieving a healthier future. I am a Licensed Family & Marriage Therapist, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
I most often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, although I utilize different therapy techniques based on different life experiences, working together to promote self-growth and healing.
I believe every individual needs someone at some point in their life. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment when that need arises. I enjoy working with different populations of clients and appreciate the diversity that each individual brings to the therapeutic relationship. Together, we will work on the goals that will assist you in coping with life stressors and achieving a healthier future. I am a Licensed Family & Marriage Therapist, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
(260) 440-3578 View (260) 440-3578
Photo of Janet Eggiman, RN, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet Eggiman
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, LMFT
Verified Verified
Huntington, IN 46750
The Coronavirus has drastically disrupted all of our lives. Teletherapy is the method I am now using to stay connected to current and new patients. Depression, anxiety, anger, and behavior problems can happen to anyone, especially during this time of social distancing, uncertainty, and fear. Emotional support and understanding can reduce stress and guide you to new sense of normal. Healthcare workers, essential workers, parents, individuals, couples, and children can get guidance and treatment now.
The Coronavirus has drastically disrupted all of our lives. Teletherapy is the method I am now using to stay connected to current and new patients. Depression, anxiety, anger, and behavior problems can happen to anyone, especially during this time of social distancing, uncertainty, and fear. Emotional support and understanding can reduce stress and guide you to new sense of normal. Healthcare workers, essential workers, parents, individuals, couples, and children can get guidance and treatment now.
(260) 255-4977 View (260) 255-4977
Photo of Laura Jacobs, LMHC, Counselor
Laura Jacobs
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Huntington, IN 46750
The counseling process can and should involve exploring goals and needs. It is ok to have an idea of how counseling can help, and it's okay to let me help you explore that topic. Not everyone knows what they want or why. And, sometimes, what we want and need changes. The ideal client is willing to show up and do some exploring.
The counseling process can and should involve exploring goals and needs. It is ok to have an idea of how counseling can help, and it's okay to let me help you explore that topic. Not everyone knows what they want or why. And, sometimes, what we want and need changes. The ideal client is willing to show up and do some exploring.
(260) 908-9495 View (260) 908-9495

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer Durnell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Durnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Andrews, IN 46702
I believe that all people can benefit from an outside perspective, and find people feel immeasurably better after having someone hear and support them with their challenges.
I believe that all people can benefit from an outside perspective, and find people feel immeasurably better after having someone hear and support them with their challenges.
(260) 261-1081 View (260) 261-1081

Online Therapists

Photo of Emily Edwards, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Emily Edwards
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kokomo, IN 46902
Emily is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in IN and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her therapeutic approach is to assist and counsel clients to help effectively address personal life challenges. Some modalities used in treatment may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness- based interventions, solutions-focused therapy, and play therapy.
Emily is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in IN and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her therapeutic approach is to assist and counsel clients to help effectively address personal life challenges. Some modalities used in treatment may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness- based interventions, solutions-focused therapy, and play therapy.
(765) 507-9201 View (765) 507-9201
Photo of Alysha L Nemore - Lifetime Counseling Services, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Lifetime Counseling Services
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Muncie, IN 47304
My passion for helping others has offered me many opportunities to help children, families and adults through many life changes. Your personal goals are my sole focus and I enjoy using the skills I've developed over the years to offer you the stepping stones to a healthier, happier you. I am skilled at play therapy, trauma focused therapy, EMDR and DBT. I have seen success in using these approaches with many who are experiencing difficult situations. Alysha Nemore, LMHC
My passion for helping others has offered me many opportunities to help children, families and adults through many life changes. Your personal goals are my sole focus and I enjoy using the skills I've developed over the years to offer you the stepping stones to a healthier, happier you. I am skilled at play therapy, trauma focused therapy, EMDR and DBT. I have seen success in using these approaches with many who are experiencing difficult situations. Alysha Nemore, LMHC
(765) 246-9978 View (765) 246-9978
Photo of Grace Hanson, LMHC, Counselor
Grace Hanson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenwood, IN 46143
Grace utilizes a blend of dialectical behavior and cognitive therapy techniques, along with play therapy approaches.
Grace is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana. She meets primarily with children, teens, and young adults who are experiencing symptoms of Autism, ADHD, Borderline Personality, and Trauma. She considers therapy a success whenever a client feels they are starting to think
Grace utilizes a blend of dialectical behavior and cognitive therapy techniques, along with play therapy approaches.
Grace is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana. She meets primarily with children, teens, and young adults who are experiencing symptoms of Autism, ADHD, Borderline Personality, and Trauma. She considers therapy a success whenever a client feels they are starting to think
(317) 961-7074 View (317) 961-7074
Photo of Hailey Rhodes, LMHC, Counselor
Hailey Rhodes
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Based on the client's needs, my approach can include play therapy techniques, Thera play-informed practices, creative arts techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Everyone wants to support their child and see them thrive. When your child struggles with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotion regulation, post-traumatic stress or challenges related to neurodivergent conditions like autism, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to help. Therapy, especially play therapy, can be an important tool for helping your child express their emotions, process difficult experiences and learn healthier ways to deal with challenges. My job as a therapist is to provide space for your child to grow and heal while collaborating with you to support them.
Based on the client's needs, my approach can include play therapy techniques, Thera play-informed practices, creative arts techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Everyone wants to support their child and see them thrive. When your child struggles with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotion regulation, post-traumatic stress or challenges related to neurodivergent conditions like autism, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to help. Therapy, especially play therapy, can be an important tool for helping your child express their emotions, process difficult experiences and learn healthier ways to deal with challenges. My job as a therapist is to provide space for your child to grow and heal while collaborating with you to support them.
(463) 282-2992 View (463) 282-2992
Photo of Megan M Oed, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan M Oed
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmel, IN 46032
I value the use of play and in-the-moment experiences to create change.
I have over 9 years experience working with families, couples, and individuals in school, community, and collaborative care settings. I have worked with clients to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma. I love working with kids of all ages as well as families or couples struggling with communication and conflict. I have a passion for helping parents develop greater enjoyment with both their partner and their children. My individual work focuses on supporting adults with depression and anxiety as well as setting healthy boundaries and change family patterns.
I value the use of play and in-the-moment experiences to create change.
I have over 9 years experience working with families, couples, and individuals in school, community, and collaborative care settings. I have worked with clients to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma. I love working with kids of all ages as well as families or couples struggling with communication and conflict. I have a passion for helping parents develop greater enjoyment with both their partner and their children. My individual work focuses on supporting adults with depression and anxiety as well as setting healthy boundaries and change family patterns.
(463) 219-1144 View (463) 219-1144
Photo of Kristine Cornett, LMHC, Counselor
Kristine Cornett
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Muncie, IN 47302  (Online Only)
I utilize a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) approach and incorporate additional approaches such as mindfulness, play therapy, expressive arts, and other techniques as applicable to the client's need.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experience in working with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, child abuse/neglect, ADHD, conduct disorder, behavioral disorders, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders. I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults, families, and couples. My areas of expertise include behavioral issues, family cohesion, crisis and trauma, adjustment, and parenting/co-parenting.
I utilize a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) approach and incorporate additional approaches such as mindfulness, play therapy, expressive arts, and other techniques as applicable to the client's need.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experience in working with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, child abuse/neglect, ADHD, conduct disorder, behavioral disorders, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders. I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults, families, and couples. My areas of expertise include behavioral issues, family cohesion, crisis and trauma, adjustment, and parenting/co-parenting.
(765) 305-4786 View (765) 305-4786
Photo of Sarah L Brubaker, MSW, LCSW, LSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah L Brubaker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LSSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmel, IN 46032
Sarah incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Canine Therapy in her work with clients.
Sarah BruBaker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing therapy and support to clients since 2015. She has worked in clinical, community and school settings. She has specific experience working with children, teens and parents to address anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, self-harm, school-related issues, behavioral concerns, peer relationships, self-esteem, adoption, family conflict, and parent-child attachment issues. Sarah's Therapy Dog, Appa, joined her in June of 2022 to provide emotional support to children and adults during their counseling sessions when requested.
Sarah incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Canine Therapy in her work with clients.
Sarah BruBaker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing therapy and support to clients since 2015. She has worked in clinical, community and school settings. She has specific experience working with children, teens and parents to address anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, self-harm, school-related issues, behavioral concerns, peer relationships, self-esteem, adoption, family conflict, and parent-child attachment issues. Sarah's Therapy Dog, Appa, joined her in June of 2022 to provide emotional support to children and adults during their counseling sessions when requested.
(317) 978-2917 View (317) 978-2917
Photo of Patrick O'Connell, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Patrick O'Connell
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Valparaiso, IN 46383
I utilize play therapy and incorporate the creative arts into my work with clients, as well as a good sense of humor and a nurturing heart.
I provide therapeutic services for children and teens. I have worked at alternative schools, inpatient hospitals, and residential treatment facilities. I am a staunch advocate for youth, and have extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication for children and teens. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I utilize sensory integration therapy to help children self-sooth and enhance their independence. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis. I also work with young adults and college students.
I utilize play therapy and incorporate the creative arts into my work with clients, as well as a good sense of humor and a nurturing heart.
I provide therapeutic services for children and teens. I have worked at alternative schools, inpatient hospitals, and residential treatment facilities. I am a staunch advocate for youth, and have extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication for children and teens. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I utilize sensory integration therapy to help children self-sooth and enhance their independence. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis. I also work with young adults and college students.
(219) 544-5163 View (219) 544-5163
Photo of Claire Pollock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claire Pollock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, IN 46074
Claire is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates mindfulness techniques and play therapy techniques into her practice.
Claire is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the social work field for 11 years. She's been providing therapeutic services to children and adolescents for the past five years. Prior to private practice, she worked as a school social worker and then provided home based counseling services.
Claire is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates mindfulness techniques and play therapy techniques into her practice.
Claire is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the social work field for 11 years. She's been providing therapeutic services to children and adolescents for the past five years. Prior to private practice, she worked as a school social worker and then provided home based counseling services.
(317) 702-1600 View (317) 702-1600
Photo of Noah Ingalls, MSEd, Pre-Licensed Professional
Noah Ingalls
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46260
I offer treatments in cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy techniques, mindfulness, and solutions-focused techniques.
An ideal client would be looking to enhance their skills for regulating large emotions. Whether the cause of dysregulation be caused by anxiety, depression, trauma, anxiety etc., the individuals seek to find strategies and practice to regulate their emotions. Individuals may bring a number of issues that I would like to help discuss and encourage the individual to overcome these challenges.
I offer treatments in cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy techniques, mindfulness, and solutions-focused techniques.
An ideal client would be looking to enhance their skills for regulating large emotions. Whether the cause of dysregulation be caused by anxiety, depression, trauma, anxiety etc., the individuals seek to find strategies and practice to regulate their emotions. Individuals may bring a number of issues that I would like to help discuss and encourage the individual to overcome these challenges.
(463) 292-0182 View (463) 292-0182
Photo of Sheryl Maupin, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Sheryl Maupin
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Muncie, IN 47304
Waitlist for new clients
I am skilled in person-centered therapy, play therapy, parenting strategies, grief/loss, CBT, and DBT.
Hi, My name is Sheryl and I am the owner of Brave Enough, LLC. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and family sessions. I have more experience with grief/loss, women's issues, parenting strategies, and LGBTQIA+. I am accepting new clients who are self-pay, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UHC, and others (see below). I also partner with Mentaya to help my clients navigate OON benefits.
I am skilled in person-centered therapy, play therapy, parenting strategies, grief/loss, CBT, and DBT.
Hi, My name is Sheryl and I am the owner of Brave Enough, LLC. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and family sessions. I have more experience with grief/loss, women's issues, parenting strategies, and LGBTQIA+. I am accepting new clients who are self-pay, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UHC, and others (see below). I also partner with Mentaya to help my clients navigate OON benefits.
(765) 300-4292 View (765) 300-4292
Photo of Davi Stein-Kiley, LCSW, LMFT, LCAC, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Davi Stein-Kiley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT, LCAC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IN 46168
I specialize in Play Therapy and Brain Spotting and I love working with all youth ages 4-18 and their parents.
Feeling overwhelmed by your moods? Trying to break free of past issues? Are you a parent of a child with mental health/special needs seeking help for them/ or yourself? Are you isolated in unwanted habits that drain energy and resources? Are you dying for someone to ask if you are Okay, but worried about how you would react? High levels of stress are the root of countless mental health concerns. A reset for you and/or your child is possible. We can discuss concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Irritability, Impulsivity, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Pain and Stress Management.
I specialize in Play Therapy and Brain Spotting and I love working with all youth ages 4-18 and their parents.
Feeling overwhelmed by your moods? Trying to break free of past issues? Are you a parent of a child with mental health/special needs seeking help for them/ or yourself? Are you isolated in unwanted habits that drain energy and resources? Are you dying for someone to ask if you are Okay, but worried about how you would react? High levels of stress are the root of countless mental health concerns. A reset for you and/or your child is possible. We can discuss concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Irritability, Impulsivity, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Pain and Stress Management.
(317) 742-6187 View (317) 742-6187
Photo of Lyndsay Mack, LMHC, RPT™, Counselor
Lyndsay Mack
Counselor, LMHC, RPT™
Verified Verified
Warsaw, IN 46580
At Linden Tree Counseling there is space for play, for expressive exploration, for movement, and for sitting in comfort and connection.
Are you a parent with a child experiencing emotional or behavioral issues, finding yourself worn out, desperate to understand and help your child, and in need of support to find your way forward? Are you an adult impacted by and suffering from mental, emotional, or relational issues? Whether you're seeking to support your child or yourself, you need a safe space, a knowledgeable guide, and an empathic presence to help create the change and healing you desire to live your most meaningful and connected life. We are each our own best healer, with innate capacity and inherent wisdom. And we don't have to do it alone.
At Linden Tree Counseling there is space for play, for expressive exploration, for movement, and for sitting in comfort and connection.
Are you a parent with a child experiencing emotional or behavioral issues, finding yourself worn out, desperate to understand and help your child, and in need of support to find your way forward? Are you an adult impacted by and suffering from mental, emotional, or relational issues? Whether you're seeking to support your child or yourself, you need a safe space, a knowledgeable guide, and an empathic presence to help create the change and healing you desire to live your most meaningful and connected life. We are each our own best healer, with innate capacity and inherent wisdom. And we don't have to do it alone.
(574) 212-0403 View (574) 212-0403
Photo of Sharon Ezop, PhD, HSPP, Psychologist
Sharon Ezop
Psychologist, PhD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Muncie, IN 47303
I may incorporate play, family, cognitive-behavioral, compassion-focused, acceptance-commitment, and interpersonal therapies.
I am a licensed psychologist, practicing since 2002 in East Central Indiana. My clients know me as "Sharon or Dr. Sharon" as I am not especially formal. Originally trained in the area of child & adolescent assessment and treatment, ages 3-21, I now consider myself a generalist with eclectic treatment approaches. I see children and teens and their families; and adults of all ages. My goal is to make each person I see comfortable so they may find their personal strengths to face and overcome whatever difficulty brings them into my office.
I may incorporate play, family, cognitive-behavioral, compassion-focused, acceptance-commitment, and interpersonal therapies.
I am a licensed psychologist, practicing since 2002 in East Central Indiana. My clients know me as "Sharon or Dr. Sharon" as I am not especially formal. Originally trained in the area of child & adolescent assessment and treatment, ages 3-21, I now consider myself a generalist with eclectic treatment approaches. I see children and teens and their families; and adults of all ages. My goal is to make each person I see comfortable so they may find their personal strengths to face and overcome whatever difficulty brings them into my office.
(765) 205-4125 View (765) 205-4125
Photo of Adeline Neil, MAMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Adeline Neil
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fishers, IN 46038
I offer support through CBT, EFIT, and play therapy to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, and trauma.
My approach is rooted in fostering healthy family dynamics, and I specialize in guiding families through the complexities of co-parenting, divorce, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, my goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where growth and healing can thrive. Together, we can navigate life's challenges and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
I offer support through CBT, EFIT, and play therapy to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, and trauma.
My approach is rooted in fostering healthy family dynamics, and I specialize in guiding families through the complexities of co-parenting, divorce, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, my goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where growth and healing can thrive. Together, we can navigate life's challenges and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
(463) 208-4359 View (463) 208-4359
Photo of Liz Taibleson, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Liz Taibleson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
I have experience utilizing CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and Trauma Focused CBT.
As a person centered and humanistic therapist, I will follow your lead and call on techniques from many theories to assist you in reaching your mental health goals. I believe that every individuals has the potential within them to reach their fullest potential. I enjoy working with individuals from all life stages, ages 4-100. Specifically, I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced a traumatic event(s). I also enjoy working with parents, and assisting them in learning parenting techniques.
I have experience utilizing CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and Trauma Focused CBT.
As a person centered and humanistic therapist, I will follow your lead and call on techniques from many theories to assist you in reaching your mental health goals. I believe that every individuals has the potential within them to reach their fullest potential. I enjoy working with individuals from all life stages, ages 4-100. Specifically, I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced a traumatic event(s). I also enjoy working with parents, and assisting them in learning parenting techniques.
(463) 243-6254 View (463) 243-6254

See more therapy options for Huntington

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.