Photo of Gregory Sage, MA, LLPC, Counselor
Gregory Sage
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Wixom, MI 48393  (Online Only)
Are you stuck on a hamster wheel? Feeling like you can't get off? We often get trapped in faulty mindsets that limit our perspectives and impair our ability to thrive. But maintaining those mindsets is a choice. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining the status quo - not therapy - is the easy way out. Healing is possible and achievable, but only if you are willing to bring your hurts, longings and dreams to the light.
Are you stuck on a hamster wheel? Feeling like you can't get off? We often get trapped in faulty mindsets that limit our perspectives and impair our ability to thrive. But maintaining those mindsets is a choice. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining the status quo - not therapy - is the easy way out. Healing is possible and achievable, but only if you are willing to bring your hurts, longings and dreams to the light.
(248) 621-8241 View (248) 621-8241
Photo of Claire Marion - Great Lakes Psychology Group - Livonia, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Livonia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wixom, MI 48393
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group Livonia understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group Livonia understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
(248) 453-6472 View (248) 453-6472
Photo of Lisa Hamburg, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Hamburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Wixom, MI 48393
Teens and young adults are experiencing depression and anxiety at higher rates in recent years. Changes in sleep patterns, declining grades, angry outbursts or isolation from friends and family are signs that help may be needed. Plus, the presence of social media has complicated matters. Teens as well as college students and young adults are experiencing stressors that they and their families may not understand or have the skills to manage. I help people who are struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties find ways to cope with problems and reach their full potential.
Teens and young adults are experiencing depression and anxiety at higher rates in recent years. Changes in sleep patterns, declining grades, angry outbursts or isolation from friends and family are signs that help may be needed. Plus, the presence of social media has complicated matters. Teens as well as college students and young adults are experiencing stressors that they and their families may not understand or have the skills to manage. I help people who are struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties find ways to cope with problems and reach their full potential.
(947) 222-7833 View (947) 222-7833
Photo of Sherry DeGrazia, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sherry DeGrazia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wixom, MI 48393
We start therapy due to situational stressors or an ongoing stressor, such as mood disorders, anxiety or depression. I have been providing guidance, coaching and understanding for over 9 years. Our brains as well as our bodies are complicated yet amazing! To maintain mind, body and spiritual balance is difficult, but not impossible, As a therapist, I have experience working with adults, teens, and children. I specialize in working with individuals with Trauma, anxiety, depression and ADHD. My role, as a therapist is to support each client in learning how to listen and properly respond to their mind/bodies on a daily basis.
We start therapy due to situational stressors or an ongoing stressor, such as mood disorders, anxiety or depression. I have been providing guidance, coaching and understanding for over 9 years. Our brains as well as our bodies are complicated yet amazing! To maintain mind, body and spiritual balance is difficult, but not impossible, As a therapist, I have experience working with adults, teens, and children. I specialize in working with individuals with Trauma, anxiety, depression and ADHD. My role, as a therapist is to support each client in learning how to listen and properly respond to their mind/bodies on a daily basis.
(248) 669-9500 x714 View (248) 669-9500 x714

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Marci Markowitz, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marci Markowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
If you have an elementary age child, or are a senior citizen, I am thrilled to work with him/her/you to increase resilience or adaptation to life changes. My style is warm and creative, using sensitivity and humor when appropriate to promote goals in a self loving and uplifting manner. With kids, I offer play therapy, CBT, games, mindfulness, art, music and more for learning about their feelings and coping better with divorce, ADHD, illness, bullying , anxiety and /or depression.
If you have an elementary age child, or are a senior citizen, I am thrilled to work with him/her/you to increase resilience or adaptation to life changes. My style is warm and creative, using sensitivity and humor when appropriate to promote goals in a self loving and uplifting manner. With kids, I offer play therapy, CBT, games, mindfulness, art, music and more for learning about their feelings and coping better with divorce, ADHD, illness, bullying , anxiety and /or depression.
(947) 886-8332 View (947) 886-8332
Photo of Amanda Saxe, MA, LPC, CCPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Saxe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Before I became a Counselor, I was a Teacher working with children ages K-12. I have extensive experience working with children and teens. I have also worked as a School Counselor and can help navigate getting support at school for your child. Whether you are calling for yourself or for your child, I am here for you to listen non-judgmentally and to get to the root of the issue. I work with adults, children, and teens utilizing various treatment approaches including CBT behavioral approaches, play and art therapy, among others. My goal is to help clients reach their goals, and become the best version of themselves.
Before I became a Counselor, I was a Teacher working with children ages K-12. I have extensive experience working with children and teens. I have also worked as a School Counselor and can help navigate getting support at school for your child. Whether you are calling for yourself or for your child, I am here for you to listen non-judgmentally and to get to the root of the issue. I work with adults, children, and teens utilizing various treatment approaches including CBT behavioral approaches, play and art therapy, among others. My goal is to help clients reach their goals, and become the best version of themselves.
(248) 290-9957 View (248) 290-9957
Photo of Carla Michelle Hines - Carla Hines Inc, LMSW, ACSW, CTS-C, CIRT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carla Hines Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW, CTS-C, CIRT
Verified Verified
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
I specialize in working with trauma survivors, couples, parenting issues, play therapy, adoption related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment, and immigration issues.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where every person that enters my office feels it is a safe place to learn and grow. I honor the unique strengths that each individual already possesses while challenging them to grow and develop in other areas. While I encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones, I respect and accept each person where they are at in their growth process. I have 19 years experience as a Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. When working with children, I feel it is important to become a team with their parents.
I specialize in working with trauma survivors, couples, parenting issues, play therapy, adoption related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment, and immigration issues.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where every person that enters my office feels it is a safe place to learn and grow. I honor the unique strengths that each individual already possesses while challenging them to grow and develop in other areas. While I encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones, I respect and accept each person where they are at in their growth process. I have 19 years experience as a Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. When working with children, I feel it is important to become a team with their parents.
(734) 348-3873 View (734) 348-3873
Photo of Farah Qureshi, MA, TLLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Farah Qureshi
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Verified Verified
Novi, MI 48375
I utilize CBT, DBT and play therapy with child and adolescent populations presenting with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, etc.
Hello and welcome! My name is Farah Qureshi, and I specialize in working with kiddos!
I utilize CBT, DBT and play therapy with child and adolescent populations presenting with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, etc.
Hello and welcome! My name is Farah Qureshi, and I specialize in working with kiddos!
(734) 323-4897 View (734) 323-4897
Photo of Samantha Hughes, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novi, MI 48374
My primary interventions include CBT, behavioral management and play therapy with children.
My background in various human services settings has allowed me space to develop skills and understand people in a different way than most. My goal is to help you attain the skills to be who you want to be and have a place to let your feelings be heard. I love to help people start from where they are now and grow into who they want to be. My passion is working with children and young adults, focusing on becoming more independent through aquiring knowledge and skills for success and to better manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, transition, divorce, family changes, behavioral problems and school related issues.
My primary interventions include CBT, behavioral management and play therapy with children.
My background in various human services settings has allowed me space to develop skills and understand people in a different way than most. My goal is to help you attain the skills to be who you want to be and have a place to let your feelings be heard. I love to help people start from where they are now and grow into who they want to be. My passion is working with children and young adults, focusing on becoming more independent through aquiring knowledge and skills for success and to better manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, transition, divorce, family changes, behavioral problems and school related issues.
(734) 865-2766 View (734) 865-2766
Photo of Hasti A Raveau - Mala Child & Family Institute, PhD, Psychologist
Mala Child & Family Institute
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
We offer play therapy to children as young as two, individual and group therapy to teens, family and couples therapy, parent coaching, individual therapy for parents and grandparents, biofeedback training, executive function coaching, yoga, and comprehensive psychological testing.
We are dedicated to supporting children, couples, and families. We are built on the principle that every family, no matter their background or presenting issues, deserves a compassionate, caring, and resourceful village to help them repair, grow, and thrive. We work hard to make sure that families have access to high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health care. And the best part is that we tailor every service to each client's unique needs so they can experience the best possible. We use a team approach and work closely with parents and extended family, schools, and other medical professionals to provide clients the best ca
We offer play therapy to children as young as two, individual and group therapy to teens, family and couples therapy, parent coaching, individual therapy for parents and grandparents, biofeedback training, executive function coaching, yoga, and comprehensive psychological testing.
We are dedicated to supporting children, couples, and families. We are built on the principle that every family, no matter their background or presenting issues, deserves a compassionate, caring, and resourceful village to help them repair, grow, and thrive. We work hard to make sure that families have access to high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health care. And the best part is that we tailor every service to each client's unique needs so they can experience the best possible. We use a team approach and work closely with parents and extended family, schools, and other medical professionals to provide clients the best ca
(734) 219-0541 View (734) 219-0541
Photo of Makenzie Thomson, MA, LLPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Makenzie Thomson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Milford, MI 48381
I utilize therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral, Art, and Play Therapy to help aid the therapy process.
I believe that we as people were created for growth and for connection. There is health and healing for those who want to work through trauma and loss. I seek to support you as you discover and build on the strengths you already have. I provide a warm, judgment-free environment for my clients to process, problem-solve, and partake in a collaborative effort toward the wellness of self.
I utilize therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral, Art, and Play Therapy to help aid the therapy process.
I believe that we as people were created for growth and for connection. There is health and healing for those who want to work through trauma and loss. I seek to support you as you discover and build on the strengths you already have. I provide a warm, judgment-free environment for my clients to process, problem-solve, and partake in a collaborative effort toward the wellness of self.
(947) 217-6116 View (947) 217-6116
Photo of Naomi Schwartz, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Naomi Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
I specialize in working with children and families navigating emotion regulation challenges, anxiety, depression, grief and loss and trauma. I am a Certified Trauma and Resilience Clinician through Starr Commonwealth. My approach is always client centered and based on relationships and connection, as connection is imperative to feeling safe and shifting to the space where growth happens! I am passionate about providing treatment based in relational neuroscience to children, adolescents and their families. I utilize a variety of techniques, including CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy and group therapy.
I specialize in working with children and families navigating emotion regulation challenges, anxiety, depression, grief and loss and trauma. I am a Certified Trauma and Resilience Clinician through Starr Commonwealth. My approach is always client centered and based on relationships and connection, as connection is imperative to feeling safe and shifting to the space where growth happens! I am passionate about providing treatment based in relational neuroscience to children, adolescents and their families. I utilize a variety of techniques, including CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy and group therapy.
(248) 963-6258 View (248) 963-6258
Photo of Kaitlyn Smith, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Kaitlyn Smith
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
White Lake, MI 48383
My approach integrates Humanistic Psychology with techniques from CBT, mindfulness, and play therapy tailored to your needs.
Prioritizing our well-being can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Acknowledging our struggles and seeking support can lead to significant rewards. As a compassionate therapist, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your individual goals in a way that resonates best with you. Central to our therapeutic journey is a foundation of respect and trust, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment where your voice is heard and valued.
My approach integrates Humanistic Psychology with techniques from CBT, mindfulness, and play therapy tailored to your needs.
Prioritizing our well-being can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Acknowledging our struggles and seeking support can lead to significant rewards. As a compassionate therapist, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your individual goals in a way that resonates best with you. Central to our therapeutic journey is a foundation of respect and trust, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment where your voice is heard and valued.
(810) 931-2273 View (810) 931-2273
Photo of Besa McDonald, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Besa McDonald
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
I combine my expertise in child development, attachment theory, and play therapy to support children and families.
I specialize in working with children, parents, & women in the perinatal period. I help children as young as two understand and express their emotions more appropriately, feel more regulated, & improve their social-emotional functioning. Children I support struggle with anxiety, trauma, anger and behavior challenges, or are adjusting to a life change. I provide compassionate and sensitive care to all mamas, and particularly mothers who have endured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), birth trauma, or struggle with perinatal anxiety or depression.
I combine my expertise in child development, attachment theory, and play therapy to support children and families.
I specialize in working with children, parents, & women in the perinatal period. I help children as young as two understand and express their emotions more appropriately, feel more regulated, & improve their social-emotional functioning. Children I support struggle with anxiety, trauma, anger and behavior challenges, or are adjusting to a life change. I provide compassionate and sensitive care to all mamas, and particularly mothers who have endured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), birth trauma, or struggle with perinatal anxiety or depression.
(248) 573-3814 View (248) 573-3814
Photo of Linnea Sieh, MA, LPC, Counselor
Linnea Sieh
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Waitlist for new clients
I currently have space in the Pre-Teen and Teen Therapeutic Tabletop Role Play groups at Lillybrook.
It can be challenging to address your mental health concerns alone. As your counselor, I woud be honored to work together with you, or your child/teen, in a collaborative effort to discover new ways to cope with stressors and improve the quality of life. I utilize creative strength and interest based interventions to ensure an affirming and welcoming environment for clients from ages 4 and up- both neurodiverse and neurotypical. My counseling style is non-judgemental and is flexible to better respond to individual client needs. I also offer Supervision for Michigan LLC clinicians who are seeking full licensure.
I currently have space in the Pre-Teen and Teen Therapeutic Tabletop Role Play groups at Lillybrook.
It can be challenging to address your mental health concerns alone. As your counselor, I woud be honored to work together with you, or your child/teen, in a collaborative effort to discover new ways to cope with stressors and improve the quality of life. I utilize creative strength and interest based interventions to ensure an affirming and welcoming environment for clients from ages 4 and up- both neurodiverse and neurotypical. My counseling style is non-judgemental and is flexible to better respond to individual client needs. I also offer Supervision for Michigan LLC clinicians who are seeking full licensure.
(248) 846-0345 View (248) 846-0345
Photo of Lori Rashty, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Lori Rashty
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Using cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy and EMDR my clients go on to live full and happy lives.
Are you concerned about the well-being of your child, adolescent, or even yourself? Do you wish to provide your loved ones with the support and care they deserve? With extensive experience spanning from 7-year-olds to adults, I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, parenting challenges, and fostering social skills. My primary objective is to empower children, teens, and adults to achieve their utmost potential within a nurturing and compassionate atmosphere.
Using cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy and EMDR my clients go on to live full and happy lives.
Are you concerned about the well-being of your child, adolescent, or even yourself? Do you wish to provide your loved ones with the support and care they deserve? With extensive experience spanning from 7-year-olds to adults, I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, parenting challenges, and fostering social skills. My primary objective is to empower children, teens, and adults to achieve their utmost potential within a nurturing and compassionate atmosphere.
(248) 923-4693 View (248) 923-4693
Photo of Katherine Pfeiffer, LMSW, IMH-E, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine Pfeiffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMH-E
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Through the years, my family has benefitted from play therapy, focusing on bonding, and strengthening connection and understanding.
I’m Katherine, a therapist with a specialty in Infant Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health. I am committed to supporting adults, parents, caregivers, and children in their journey to deeper connection. My work focuses on struggles in parenting, the perinatal and postpartum period, attachment, adoption, and trauma. So often, childhood experiences show up in adult relationships and parenting. We find ourselves carrying the weight of the past in our present selves. I use a psychodynamic approach to therapy, walking alongside my clients as they explore memories and experiences that impact their lives.
Through the years, my family has benefitted from play therapy, focusing on bonding, and strengthening connection and understanding.
I’m Katherine, a therapist with a specialty in Infant Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health. I am committed to supporting adults, parents, caregivers, and children in their journey to deeper connection. My work focuses on struggles in parenting, the perinatal and postpartum period, attachment, adoption, and trauma. So often, childhood experiences show up in adult relationships and parenting. We find ourselves carrying the weight of the past in our present selves. I use a psychodynamic approach to therapy, walking alongside my clients as they explore memories and experiences that impact their lives.
(248) 791-9862 View (248) 791-9862
Photo of Brooklynn Wilton, BSW, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooklynn Wilton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Hi there! Seeking out therapy is not always easy, but I am glad you're here! I provide therapy for all individuals, and would love to help you! Before you make your decision, let me tell you a bit about my practice. I offer both virtual and in-person visits. I stay in the office late 2 days a week to accommodate for work & school schedules. I have an office full of toys for children, and a comfortable sofa for those who are less interested in play. I tailor my care to each individuals needs, and make it my mission to provide a safe & comfortable space.
Hi there! Seeking out therapy is not always easy, but I am glad you're here! I provide therapy for all individuals, and would love to help you! Before you make your decision, let me tell you a bit about my practice. I offer both virtual and in-person visits. I stay in the office late 2 days a week to accommodate for work & school schedules. I have an office full of toys for children, and a comfortable sofa for those who are less interested in play. I tailor my care to each individuals needs, and make it my mission to provide a safe & comfortable space.
(248) 900-0893 View (248) 900-0893
Photo of Jamie DeKraker, LMSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jamie DeKraker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Does your child struggle with overwhelming emotions and challenging behaviors? Do you feel lost as a parent on how to best support your child, as well as yourself? I specialize in providing trauma-informed, compassionate care to develop effective coping skills for growing children and parents to manage life’s challenges and increase the joy of childhood. Utilizing play therapy and trauma treatment techniques along with advanced perinatal training, you and your child can expect caring encouragement and patience grounded in clinical expertise.
Does your child struggle with overwhelming emotions and challenging behaviors? Do you feel lost as a parent on how to best support your child, as well as yourself? I specialize in providing trauma-informed, compassionate care to develop effective coping skills for growing children and parents to manage life’s challenges and increase the joy of childhood. Utilizing play therapy and trauma treatment techniques along with advanced perinatal training, you and your child can expect caring encouragement and patience grounded in clinical expertise.
(248) 653-5038 View (248) 653-5038
Photo of Hasti Raveau, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Hasti Raveau
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, somatic therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused couples/family therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD, parenting, ethnic minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form safe relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of belonging and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. To learn more, visit www.malafamily.org.
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, somatic therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused couples/family therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD, parenting, ethnic minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form safe relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of belonging and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. To learn more, visit www.malafamily.org.
(734) 245-2279 View (734) 245-2279

See more therapy options for Wixom

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.