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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Erika Aucoin - Erika Aucoin, LPC, LLC, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erika Aucoin, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houma, LA 70364
I am Licensed Professional Counselor whose professional and personal experiences have lead me down the path to helping clients of all ages with life's daily struggles. I provide individual and family counseling for children, teens, and adults for a wide range of mental health disorders such as, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD/Trauma, anger management, sexual abuse, self-harm, parenting Skills, grief, and ADHD.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor whose professional and personal experiences have lead me down the path to helping clients of all ages with life's daily struggles. I provide individual and family counseling for children, teens, and adults for a wide range of mental health disorders such as, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD/Trauma, anger management, sexual abuse, self-harm, parenting Skills, grief, and ADHD.
(870) 601-1684 View (870) 601-1684

Online Therapists

Photo of Rachel A. Foreman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel A. Foreman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lafayette, LA 70503
When working with children, I utilize play and art therapies according to developmental levels.
We accept United Healthcare and Louisiana Healthcare Connections Medicaid (up to 18 years of age).
When working with children, I utilize play and art therapies according to developmental levels.
We accept United Healthcare and Louisiana Healthcare Connections Medicaid (up to 18 years of age).
(337) 522-7296 View (337) 522-7296
Photo of Marissa Pitt, MS, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marissa Pitt
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, LA 70508
I provide individual, couple, and family sessions! I practice from an experiential perspective to add creative guidance in your therapeutic journey! I have experience in working with OCD, trauma, divorce, addiction, life transitions, anxiety, grief, parenting, and play/art therapy.
I am passionate about being the support you need to find your voice when it comes to your healing, growth, and expression. I strive to make your journey unique and creative using a blend of expressive arts and experiential therapy! I want to provide you with a space to be able to express yourself freely and have the comfortability to explore your vulnerabilities in a non-judgmental place to allow healing to flourish. Exploring new perspectives can be a scary thing to do alone. I am here to be that guidance and support that you need to take that next step and to help you find the healing that you need and deserve.
I provide individual, couple, and family sessions! I practice from an experiential perspective to add creative guidance in your therapeutic journey! I have experience in working with OCD, trauma, divorce, addiction, life transitions, anxiety, grief, parenting, and play/art therapy.
I am passionate about being the support you need to find your voice when it comes to your healing, growth, and expression. I strive to make your journey unique and creative using a blend of expressive arts and experiential therapy! I want to provide you with a space to be able to express yourself freely and have the comfortability to explore your vulnerabilities in a non-judgmental place to allow healing to flourish. Exploring new perspectives can be a scary thing to do alone. I am here to be that guidance and support that you need to take that next step and to help you find the healing that you need and deserve.
(337) 317-5087 View (337) 317-5087
Photo of B. Gerard Woodrich, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
B. Gerard Woodrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70118
I utilize Reality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing while employing positive strategies to exemplify emotional resilience.
Best way to make an appointment is through my website. Hello, thank you for visiting my page. Therapy is a very intimate yet necessary process in order to change negative dynamics in life. I approach therapy through engagement and fostering relationships. My approach is conversational, positive, and process based. I cater to individuals struggling with the realities of their life. Whether its stress from work or relationships, bullying at school, trauma from assault, or anxiety from your environment; I will assist you with processing those issues while strengthening your esteem and perspective.
I utilize Reality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing while employing positive strategies to exemplify emotional resilience.
Best way to make an appointment is through my website. Hello, thank you for visiting my page. Therapy is a very intimate yet necessary process in order to change negative dynamics in life. I approach therapy through engagement and fostering relationships. My approach is conversational, positive, and process based. I cater to individuals struggling with the realities of their life. Whether its stress from work or relationships, bullying at school, trauma from assault, or anxiety from your environment; I will assist you with processing those issues while strengthening your esteem and perspective.
(504) 226-8313 View (504) 226-8313
Photo of Rebecca Ann Graham - Rebecca Graham, Ph.D., LLC, PhD, Psychologist
Rebecca Graham, Ph.D., LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Through talk and play, I help children express their feelings and assist parents in meeting their child's needs.
Working with children, youth and their families is a passion of mine. While all children experience challenges in life, some children have a more difficult time overcoming these challenges. I am a licensed psychologist specializing in work with children from infancy through adolescence on issues affecting social, emotional, and academic performance. As a child and adolescent psychologist, I help children understand their feelings and how to express their feelings in healthy ways. I work collaboratively with families to improve children's self-esteem, emotion regulation, and social skills with a treatment plan customized to each child.
Through talk and play, I help children express their feelings and assist parents in meeting their child's needs.
Working with children, youth and their families is a passion of mine. While all children experience challenges in life, some children have a more difficult time overcoming these challenges. I am a licensed psychologist specializing in work with children from infancy through adolescence on issues affecting social, emotional, and academic performance. As a child and adolescent psychologist, I help children understand their feelings and how to express their feelings in healthy ways. I work collaboratively with families to improve children's self-esteem, emotion regulation, and social skills with a treatment plan customized to each child.
(504) 294-5260 View (504) 294-5260
Photo of Myiesha Beard, LPC-S, NCC, LMHP, CAMS-II, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Myiesha Beard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC, LMHP, CAMS-II, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Zachary, LA 70791
The purpose of therapy is to restore the client to a healthy state of life by helping to remove barriers that may hinder this process. I specialize in the mental health care of children, adults, couples and families. My services include individual, group, marriage counseling and family therapy. Parent training, workshops, play therapy and prevention groups are also offered. I have twenty years experience working within the field of mental health. I utilize a number of therapeutic techniques and interventions that are tailored to the the client. I'm an Independent Assessor, Clinical Supervisor, mentor and coaching consultant.
The purpose of therapy is to restore the client to a healthy state of life by helping to remove barriers that may hinder this process. I specialize in the mental health care of children, adults, couples and families. My services include individual, group, marriage counseling and family therapy. Parent training, workshops, play therapy and prevention groups are also offered. I have twenty years experience working within the field of mental health. I utilize a number of therapeutic techniques and interventions that are tailored to the the client. I'm an Independent Assessor, Clinical Supervisor, mentor and coaching consultant.
(225) 570-4999 View (225) 570-4999
Photo of Gabby Guilbeau, MS, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Gabby Guilbeau
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, PLPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, LA 70508
For children, I utilize play therapy to help your little ones work through whatever may be troubling them.
Hey everyone! I’m Gabby, a compassionate, dedicated, and creative counselor specializing in supporting individuals through life’s challenges. With a focus on both children and adults, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where  personal growth and healing can flourish.
For children, I utilize play therapy to help your little ones work through whatever may be troubling them.
Hey everyone! I’m Gabby, a compassionate, dedicated, and creative counselor specializing in supporting individuals through life’s challenges. With a focus on both children and adults, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where  personal growth and healing can flourish.
(337) 340-8060 View (337) 340-8060
Photo of Josie Louise White, DBH, MEd, NCC, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Josie Louise White
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBH, MEd, NCC, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70126  (Online Only)
Techniques that we often employ are instruction and modeling of communication skills, family role-playing and family sculpting, play therapy and between session interactive assignments.
JW's Creative Solutions, LLC is a Counseling, Life Coaching and Consulting agency. Our mission is to provide: 1) innovative behavioral health services, 2) case management services and 2) other supportive services to individuals addressing life transitional issues. Our agency works from an eco-systemic perspective, which means that we accept a client's immediate family relationships and larger social context as being important resources in solving life's problems. Goals for therapy are always established through collaboration with the client. The overall objective for therapy is always the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important through that collaborative process.
Techniques that we often employ are instruction and modeling of communication skills, family role-playing and family sculpting, play therapy and between session interactive assignments.
JW's Creative Solutions, LLC is a Counseling, Life Coaching and Consulting agency. Our mission is to provide: 1) innovative behavioral health services, 2) case management services and 2) other supportive services to individuals addressing life transitional issues. Our agency works from an eco-systemic perspective, which means that we accept a client's immediate family relationships and larger social context as being important resources in solving life's problems. Goals for therapy are always established through collaboration with the client. The overall objective for therapy is always the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important through that collaborative process.
(504) 502-7248 View (504) 502-7248
Photo of Jessica Fontenot, MS, LPC-S, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Fontenot
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, LA 70503
My specialties include play & filial therapy.
Life is full of transitions and setbacks that can be difficult to navigate. Maybe you have a child or teenager needing extra support because of emotional or behavioral challenges at school. Maybe you struggle with a relationship or feel stuck during this current stage of life. Sometimes, these experiences can leave us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, and alone. I am passionate about assisting others to break unhelpful patterns so they can experience positive change. It takes courage to reach out for help because it can be intimidating. You deserve to have support when facing life’s challenges and you don’t have to do it alone.
My specialties include play & filial therapy.
Life is full of transitions and setbacks that can be difficult to navigate. Maybe you have a child or teenager needing extra support because of emotional or behavioral challenges at school. Maybe you struggle with a relationship or feel stuck during this current stage of life. Sometimes, these experiences can leave us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, and alone. I am passionate about assisting others to break unhelpful patterns so they can experience positive change. It takes courage to reach out for help because it can be intimidating. You deserve to have support when facing life’s challenges and you don’t have to do it alone.
(337) 473-2262 View (337) 473-2262
Photo of Gasper James Bongiovani, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gasper James Bongiovani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70002
I also utilize therapeutic play and activities.
I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, & couples, addressing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, family issues, relationships, self-esteem, anger management, ADHD, personality disorder, behavioral challenges, etc. I strongly believe that counseling is a partnership between the therapist and the client, designed to arrive at the needed goals. Whereas the therapist has skills and training, the client is the expert on themselves and their families. Through working together with regard for the dignity and worth of each individual, challenges can be alleviated and strengths enhanced.
I also utilize therapeutic play and activities.
I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, & couples, addressing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, family issues, relationships, self-esteem, anger management, ADHD, personality disorder, behavioral challenges, etc. I strongly believe that counseling is a partnership between the therapist and the client, designed to arrive at the needed goals. Whereas the therapist has skills and training, the client is the expert on themselves and their families. Through working together with regard for the dignity and worth of each individual, challenges can be alleviated and strengths enhanced.
(504) 556-2635 View (504) 556-2635
Photo of Keva Carr, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Keva Carr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
Pursuing my PhD and working towards licensure in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Registered Play Therapy (RPT), I am dedicated to enhancing my skills to better serve the community.
Embarking on the path of healing is a profound journey, and I am honored at the prospect of accompanying you and your child along this transformative route. My name is Keva and I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) my passion lies in working with children and adolescents aged 4-17 who have navigated through the challenges of trauma. I employ a variety of therapeutic modalities, to help children explore their emotions, understand body regulation, and discover healthier coping mechanisms. Every child is unique, and I find joy in incorporating creative approaches tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
Pursuing my PhD and working towards licensure in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Registered Play Therapy (RPT), I am dedicated to enhancing my skills to better serve the community.
Embarking on the path of healing is a profound journey, and I am honored at the prospect of accompanying you and your child along this transformative route. My name is Keva and I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) my passion lies in working with children and adolescents aged 4-17 who have navigated through the challenges of trauma. I employ a variety of therapeutic modalities, to help children explore their emotions, understand body regulation, and discover healthier coping mechanisms. Every child is unique, and I find joy in incorporating creative approaches tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
(504) 384-8749 View (504) 384-8749
Photo of Courtney Sandoz Copell, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney Sandoz Copell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Opelousas, LA 70570
Waitlist for new clients
I am also a Play Therapist.
I'm Courtney Copell, founder of Compass Counseling Services of South Louisiana. It is my mission to provide the best and most thorough care to my clients and their families. I work from an integrated perspective which includes a wide-range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I founded my practice on the belief that each client is unique and deserves comprehensive and individualized care. I believe that in order to experience optimal health, every component of the individual must be considered. Therefore, I operate from a holistic and client-centered approach where each client will have their own personalized program.
I am also a Play Therapist.
I'm Courtney Copell, founder of Compass Counseling Services of South Louisiana. It is my mission to provide the best and most thorough care to my clients and their families. I work from an integrated perspective which includes a wide-range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I founded my practice on the belief that each client is unique and deserves comprehensive and individualized care. I believe that in order to experience optimal health, every component of the individual must be considered. Therefore, I operate from a holistic and client-centered approach where each client will have their own personalized program.
(337) 376-0215 View (337) 376-0215
Photo of Dawn Blumrich - Blumrich Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Blumrich Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Opelousas, LA 70570
I personally use cognitive behavioral strategies and play therapy to work with children.
Our office can help you sort through the hard things you are experiencing. We are able to work with individuals throughout the lifespan; children, adolescents and adults. We often help clients that are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and also issues of Attention Deficit Hyper-active Disorder, Anxiety and Depressive disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, PTSD, divorce, and abuse. Many people come to us that just need a safe space to talk about their issues. If you need change in your life, counseling is a good opportunity to facilitate that change. A plan with identified goals helps to make the change you seek.
I personally use cognitive behavioral strategies and play therapy to work with children.
Our office can help you sort through the hard things you are experiencing. We are able to work with individuals throughout the lifespan; children, adolescents and adults. We often help clients that are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and also issues of Attention Deficit Hyper-active Disorder, Anxiety and Depressive disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, PTSD, divorce, and abuse. Many people come to us that just need a safe space to talk about their issues. If you need change in your life, counseling is a good opportunity to facilitate that change. A plan with identified goals helps to make the change you seek.
(337) 513-4404 View (337) 513-4404
Photo of Jannette Sturm-Mexic - CARE Institute Inc., LMFT, LPC
CARE Institute Inc.
LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
(504) 384-2178 View (504) 384-2178
Photo of Andrea Wright, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
I have experience in working with young children and play therapy as well as adolescents.
Reaching out for help can be an intimidating process, but therapy doesn't have to be scary. I work with individuals and families to help them identify the things that are going well in their lives and the things that they want to change. We collaborate together to make those changes a reality. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you.
I have experience in working with young children and play therapy as well as adolescents.
Reaching out for help can be an intimidating process, but therapy doesn't have to be scary. I work with individuals and families to help them identify the things that are going well in their lives and the things that they want to change. We collaborate together to make those changes a reality. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you.
(504) 608-4044 View (504) 608-4044
Photo of Debbie Granier - Empowered Path Counseling , MA, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Empowered Path Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Metairie, LA 70002
I work with clients utilizing Story Informed Trauma Therapy, Play Therapy and Sand Tray modalities.
Through my life experience and education I believe developing supportive relationships has the power to reduce the effects of trauma for a child, parents and families. I approach therapy sessions differently depending on the client’s needs and goals. If it is the client’s goal to work on a current obstacle in life or lifetime of trauma I see it as an honor to help the client navigate the process of healing. Allowing a safe space for people to explore their emotions and develop skills to create a congruent environment around them and navigate the unknowns in life.
I work with clients utilizing Story Informed Trauma Therapy, Play Therapy and Sand Tray modalities.
Through my life experience and education I believe developing supportive relationships has the power to reduce the effects of trauma for a child, parents and families. I approach therapy sessions differently depending on the client’s needs and goals. If it is the client’s goal to work on a current obstacle in life or lifetime of trauma I see it as an honor to help the client navigate the process of healing. Allowing a safe space for people to explore their emotions and develop skills to create a congruent environment around them and navigate the unknowns in life.
(504) 732-1546 View (504) 732-1546
Photo of Dr. Jeanie Woolledge, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Jeanie Woolledge
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Gretna, LA 70053  (Online Only)
These include Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Gestalt, Adlerian & Play Therapy.
Seeking counseling is the first step for positive change, growth & healing and supports wellness in whatever area needing healing. It is a process that begins with a single step and a commitment to change. While everyone can benefit from counseling, usually the healthiest people seek counseling because they realize when they need help. From children having difficulties at school or home to people who want to become stronger and empowered, Dr. Woolledge's gentle, intuitive and creative style can help move you beyond feeling hopeless to the success you desire. Dr. Woolledge also specializes in Bariatric Solutions pre- and post-op.
These include Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Gestalt, Adlerian & Play Therapy.
Seeking counseling is the first step for positive change, growth & healing and supports wellness in whatever area needing healing. It is a process that begins with a single step and a commitment to change. While everyone can benefit from counseling, usually the healthiest people seek counseling because they realize when they need help. From children having difficulties at school or home to people who want to become stronger and empowered, Dr. Woolledge's gentle, intuitive and creative style can help move you beyond feeling hopeless to the success you desire. Dr. Woolledge also specializes in Bariatric Solutions pre- and post-op.
(504) 602-9379 View (504) 602-9379
Photo of Ashley C Carey - Dr. Ashley Constance Carey, LPC, LLC, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Ashley Constance Carey, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Gretna, LA 70053
TODAY'S COUNSELORS ARE VITAL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY TEAM. THEY HELP ALL PEOPLE IN THE AREAS OF ACADEMIC/CAREER ACHIEVEMENT, PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, TRAUMA, DIVORCE, GRIEF, FAMILY COUNSELING, COUPLES' COUNSELING, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT... She primarily works with children ages 10-15 with various modalities of therapy including, but not limited to play therapy, talk therapy, art therapy and music therapy and their family members. She also specializes in couples' and family therapy.
TODAY'S COUNSELORS ARE VITAL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY TEAM. THEY HELP ALL PEOPLE IN THE AREAS OF ACADEMIC/CAREER ACHIEVEMENT, PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, TRAUMA, DIVORCE, GRIEF, FAMILY COUNSELING, COUPLES' COUNSELING, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT... She primarily works with children ages 10-15 with various modalities of therapy including, but not limited to play therapy, talk therapy, art therapy and music therapy and their family members. She also specializes in couples' and family therapy.
(504) 266-0580 View (504) 266-0580
Photo of Latasha Y. Johnson, EdD, LPC, CCTS-I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Latasha Y. Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, CCTS-I
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
We have all faced mounting moments of adversity, trauma, and tragedy. Those moments can cause one to feel rejected, overwhelmed, and hopeless. The stressors of life can cause you to feel like it is too difficult to continue. However, difficult does not mean impossible.
We have all faced mounting moments of adversity, trauma, and tragedy. Those moments can cause one to feel rejected, overwhelmed, and hopeless. The stressors of life can cause you to feel like it is too difficult to continue. However, difficult does not mean impossible.
(225) 398-8156 View (225) 398-8156
Photo of Carol Burnett-Williams - Counseling Beyond Walls, NCC, LPC, MS, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Beyond Walls
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, MS, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Covington, LA 70433  (Online Only)
Do you have some unresolved issues, current stressors, and/ or some difficulties managing your relationships with others? My name is Carol and I would love the opportunity to help you have better days. Counseling Beyond Walls is a concept in which we together reduce the barriers to change. At this time services are only being provided via telehealth.
Do you have some unresolved issues, current stressors, and/ or some difficulties managing your relationships with others? My name is Carol and I would love the opportunity to help you have better days. Counseling Beyond Walls is a concept in which we together reduce the barriers to change. At this time services are only being provided via telehealth.
(985) 200-9551 View (985) 200-9551

See more therapy options for Schriever

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.