Play Therapy in Chanhassen, MN
![Photo of Kari Vacinek, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47d3aa00-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I see clients of all ages, including individuals and families. My areas of interest include; anxiety and depression, ADD and ADHD, adjustment disorders, recovery from trauma, grief and loss, and disenfranchised grief. I have training in various modalities of therapy such a play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network, and trauma systems therapy.
I see clients of all ages, including individuals and families. My areas of interest include; anxiety and depression, ADD and ADHD, adjustment disorders, recovery from trauma, grief and loss, and disenfranchised grief. I have training in various modalities of therapy such a play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network, and trauma systems therapy.
![Photo of Emily Chandler Melander, LICSW, EdS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16fce640-ae7f-4869-9072-cfe9df2f983b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Chandler Melander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EdS
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and have been providing therapeutic services and support to Minnesota children, teens, adults and families for more than 20 years. I have extensive experience working in both the school and outpatient settings. I am passionate about supporting the healthy development of children and teens as well as supporting the parents and guardians raising them.
Hello! I am a LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and have been providing therapeutic services and support to Minnesota children, teens, adults and families for more than 20 years. I have extensive experience working in both the school and outpatient settings. I am passionate about supporting the healthy development of children and teens as well as supporting the parents and guardians raising them.
![Photo of Briana Freeberg (Rynerson), MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8265d5bd-ab48-4464-a18d-d9275583f543/1/320x400.png)
Briana Freeberg (Rynerson)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Approved Supervisor that specializes in working with those struggling with disordered eating (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders) and helping clients foster a healthy relationship with their body. I have extensive experience working adolescents, young adults and adults with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, autism, and trauma. I have experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical setting.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Approved Supervisor that specializes in working with those struggling with disordered eating (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders) and helping clients foster a healthy relationship with their body. I have extensive experience working adolescents, young adults and adults with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, autism, and trauma. I have experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical setting.
![Photo of Jenelle Peterson - Elevated Therapy Solutions, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/358a5f95-df82-413b-ab7a-d90147f0af13/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our goal is to meet individuals where they are and working in partnership to elevate self understanding and encourage personal growth. We have experience and enjoy working with individuals as young as 3 and up through 100, parents, and families. The clinicians' expertise consists of working with clients who are highly sensitive, twice exceptional individuals, as well as people experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, ADHD, minor trauma, and more. We also work well with families facing challenging child behaviors. Our clinic uses person-centered theories with a nonjudgmental perspective.
Our goal is to meet individuals where they are and working in partnership to elevate self understanding and encourage personal growth. We have experience and enjoy working with individuals as young as 3 and up through 100, parents, and families. The clinicians' expertise consists of working with clients who are highly sensitive, twice exceptional individuals, as well as people experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, ADHD, minor trauma, and more. We also work well with families facing challenging child behaviors. Our clinic uses person-centered theories with a nonjudgmental perspective.
![Photo of Clayton Egli - Clinical & Developmental Services (CDS) Chanhassen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57d82498-a3e5-44f1-adc2-c5802d6101e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clinical & Developmental Services (CDS) Chanhassen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Trusted and helpful: Regardless of your concern, CDS has experienced professionals to meet the needs of your child, adolescent, or adult. Within CDS multi-disciplinary clinics, providers offer assessment & therapy for concerns in mental health, development, learning, relationships, and language. Healthcare is rapidly changing and CDS focuses on high-quality services & collaboration. CDS clinicians are from different backgrounds - including mental health services (testing & therapy), behavioral/developmental interventions, & forensic services. For a personal and positive experience, connect with our community of providers.
Trusted and helpful: Regardless of your concern, CDS has experienced professionals to meet the needs of your child, adolescent, or adult. Within CDS multi-disciplinary clinics, providers offer assessment & therapy for concerns in mental health, development, learning, relationships, and language. Healthcare is rapidly changing and CDS focuses on high-quality services & collaboration. CDS clinicians are from different backgrounds - including mental health services (testing & therapy), behavioral/developmental interventions, & forensic services. For a personal and positive experience, connect with our community of providers.
![Photo of Robert W Ogren, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53350cbf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life is a journey that occasionally can become difficult, and even painful. Our emotions can be overwhelming, disconnected, or confusing. Our relationships can become challenging and unfulfilling. We can discover we aren't the person we ultimately hope to be. I desire to help people make sense of their struggles and for them to know they aren't alone in the challenges and suffering life brings. Through sincere interest, deep listening, and a devoted presence, my hope is that therapy can be a place to make peace with the past, find renewed joy and richness in the present, and know hope and healing for the future to come.
Life is a journey that occasionally can become difficult, and even painful. Our emotions can be overwhelming, disconnected, or confusing. Our relationships can become challenging and unfulfilling. We can discover we aren't the person we ultimately hope to be. I desire to help people make sense of their struggles and for them to know they aren't alone in the challenges and suffering life brings. Through sincere interest, deep listening, and a devoted presence, my hope is that therapy can be a place to make peace with the past, find renewed joy and richness in the present, and know hope and healing for the future to come.
![Photo of Theresa Tsuchiya - Mosaic Psychological Assessment, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91a2e0b7-6fd3-41da-aff8-eef590ef4edb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clients come to Mosaic Psychological Assessment, to find answers to a broad range of questions, such as what diagnosis makes sense for them (e.g., ADHD, Depression, etc.) to questions about what is making them feel stuck in their forward progress in life, in therapy, in relationships, at work, or in school. What does the mosaic of your life look like? What are each of the small tiles that add up to the picture of who you are now? What would you like to change?
Clients come to Mosaic Psychological Assessment, to find answers to a broad range of questions, such as what diagnosis makes sense for them (e.g., ADHD, Depression, etc.) to questions about what is making them feel stuck in their forward progress in life, in therapy, in relationships, at work, or in school. What does the mosaic of your life look like? What are each of the small tiles that add up to the picture of who you are now? What would you like to change?
![Photo of Grace Allen - Equilibrium Brain Body Balance, MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec3f68e1-8d8e-4005-aa9a-25dee32552fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Equilibrium Brain Body Balance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Equilibrium Brain Body Balance is all about helping you find balance in your life. Meeting you where you are in your mental health journey. We offer approaches that engage you in traditional therapies or interactive therapies; talk, art therapies, with physical activities and interactive spaces. Available Services; psychiatry, psychotherapy, diagnosis. Equilibrium offers zen zones, meditation areas, physical engagement spaces. Our mission is to provide high-quality mental health services that will help you see a reduction in your mental health symptoms, while aiding to create balance in your life. www.eq-b3.com
Equilibrium Brain Body Balance is all about helping you find balance in your life. Meeting you where you are in your mental health journey. We offer approaches that engage you in traditional therapies or interactive therapies; talk, art therapies, with physical activities and interactive spaces. Available Services; psychiatry, psychotherapy, diagnosis. Equilibrium offers zen zones, meditation areas, physical engagement spaces. Our mission is to provide high-quality mental health services that will help you see a reduction in your mental health symptoms, while aiding to create balance in your life. www.eq-b3.com
![Photo of Megan Keller, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87422733-c345-445c-83e3-fe00ba55cc19/2/320x400.jpeg)
Currently accepting new clients! I provide individual, couple, and family therapy services, with a focus on perinatal and maternal mental health and relational dynamics in parenting and family life.
Currently accepting new clients! I provide individual, couple, and family therapy services, with a focus on perinatal and maternal mental health and relational dynamics in parenting and family life.
![Photo of Jim Jonas - The Jonas Center, MSS, LMFT, LICSW, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e39df3e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Jonas Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSS, LMFT, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chanhassen, MN 55317
The Jonas Center offers people of all backgrounds a safe place for healing. Our therapists work with individuals, couples and families. We specialize in helping clients who are dealing with relationship, communication or intimacy issues, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief, loss, trauma or abuse.
The Jonas Center offers people of all backgrounds a safe place for healing. Our therapists work with individuals, couples and families. We specialize in helping clients who are dealing with relationship, communication or intimacy issues, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief, loss, trauma or abuse.
![Photo of Jason Lee Mahlen - Mahlen Psychological Services, LLC., PsyD, LP, DBT-C, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/096b0583-c0ad-4382-b9e6-930932a0ac47/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mahlen Psychological Services, LLC.
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, DBT-C
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Not accepting new clients
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Connie Dummer, MA, LP, LMFT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c504e47-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In addition, I am a registered play therapist.
Do you feel weighed down by trauma, grief, or loss? Do you experience sadness, or intrusive memories of previous experiences? If so, my specialty is working with people like you. I have extensive experience with all types of trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual and physical abuse. I am grounded in a solid Christian faith and am comfortable exploring aspects of spirituality. I have strengths in the areas of empathy, positivity, winning others over, and strategy.
In addition, I am a registered play therapist.
Do you feel weighed down by trauma, grief, or loss? Do you experience sadness, or intrusive memories of previous experiences? If so, my specialty is working with people like you. I have extensive experience with all types of trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual and physical abuse. I am grounded in a solid Christian faith and am comfortable exploring aspects of spirituality. I have strengths in the areas of empathy, positivity, winning others over, and strategy.
![Photo of Justine A Miller, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd57a6f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Our office holds a playroom that meets the needs of children working out distress, anxiety, & trauma through play.
Are life's circumstances robbing your peace? I would like to encourage you to reclaim that integral part of yourself. I offer a safe environment where each therapy session will be an opportunity for your voice to be heard. The therapeutic process will include insight thereby working toward changing ineffective patterns hindering your "best life." I work to equip individuals, couples, families and children to communicate their story and explore resolution. I believe in holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit. I am a faith-based therapist and Christian spirituality may be incorporated as a therapeutic intervention upon request.
Our office holds a playroom that meets the needs of children working out distress, anxiety, & trauma through play.
Are life's circumstances robbing your peace? I would like to encourage you to reclaim that integral part of yourself. I offer a safe environment where each therapy session will be an opportunity for your voice to be heard. The therapeutic process will include insight thereby working toward changing ineffective patterns hindering your "best life." I work to equip individuals, couples, families and children to communicate their story and explore resolution. I believe in holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit. I am a faith-based therapist and Christian spirituality may be incorporated as a therapeutic intervention upon request.
![Photo of Meghan Keating, MSW, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8d35c87-e92f-41b2-910b-c29fda699b05/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meghan Keating
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
When working with children, I utilize play therapy techniques to engage each child in the therapeutic process.
Healing isn't just about alleviating symptoms; it's about fostering growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. My practice primarily focuses on providing therapy to individuals who are facing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief and loss, stress, and trauma. I provide support to adolescents and adults struggling with self-esteem, family and peer relationship issues, co-dependency, family conflict, and life transitions. Additionally, I am fully trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to support clients in healing symptoms of trauma.
When working with children, I utilize play therapy techniques to engage each child in the therapeutic process.
Healing isn't just about alleviating symptoms; it's about fostering growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. My practice primarily focuses on providing therapy to individuals who are facing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief and loss, stress, and trauma. I provide support to adolescents and adults struggling with self-esteem, family and peer relationship issues, co-dependency, family conflict, and life transitions. Additionally, I am fully trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to support clients in healing symptoms of trauma.
![Photo of Joanna L Kelly, MA, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/440b3a31-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joanna L Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55345
I also use Play Therapy to address many childhood and attachment issues in a way that makes kids feel important.
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
I also use Play Therapy to address many childhood and attachment issues in a way that makes kids feel important.
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
![Photo of Becca Lee, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a95ad9c-9ff9-4e0c-83cd-8a5a428f0a10/1/320x400.jpeg)
She is working on completing a play therapy certificate that will give her a specialty in working with young children or those who do not benefit from traditional talk therapy.
Becca Lee, (she/her), LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and solution-focused therapy, among others. She believes in the importance of collaboration and actively involves clients in the therapeutic process, working together to explore insights, develop strategies, and foster positive change.
She is working on completing a play therapy certificate that will give her a specialty in working with young children or those who do not benefit from traditional talk therapy.
Becca Lee, (she/her), LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and solution-focused therapy, among others. She believes in the importance of collaboration and actively involves clients in the therapeutic process, working together to explore insights, develop strategies, and foster positive change.
![Photo of Eric Norton, MA, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d63e97e8-466d-4062-a518-3be2ddc9e7b6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Eric Norton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Play therapy is beneficial for kids of all ages! I inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play.
If life feels like you're walking in the dark, therapy can help you create a light to discover new aspects of yourself and the world around you. As a therapist, I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ identities, gender dysphoria, and neurodivergence in kids, teens, and adults. As a therapist, I check my ego at the door to bring curiosity, creativity, and humor to help you live the life you want to live. I hold an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and have received advanced training in play therapy, complex trauma, and working with the LGBTQ+ community.
Play therapy is beneficial for kids of all ages! I inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play.
If life feels like you're walking in the dark, therapy can help you create a light to discover new aspects of yourself and the world around you. As a therapist, I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ identities, gender dysphoria, and neurodivergence in kids, teens, and adults. As a therapist, I check my ego at the door to bring curiosity, creativity, and humor to help you live the life you want to live. I hold an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and have received advanced training in play therapy, complex trauma, and working with the LGBTQ+ community.
![Photo of Anne Hoff, LICSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d1f10a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained and certified in Experiential Play Therapy as well as Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP).
I love working with families. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years in a variety of settings. I have found my passion in working with young children and their families with a special love for children with significant behavioral issues. My goal is to work with care givers to help support them in parenting and understanding the child's behavior through a different lens. I use directive and non directive play therapy interventions, sand tray and other relationship based interventions to support my client's goals.
I am trained and certified in Experiential Play Therapy as well as Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP).
I love working with families. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years in a variety of settings. I have found my passion in working with young children and their families with a special love for children with significant behavioral issues. My goal is to work with care givers to help support them in parenting and understanding the child's behavior through a different lens. I use directive and non directive play therapy interventions, sand tray and other relationship based interventions to support my client's goals.
![Photo of Kaitlin Salscheider, LICSW, IMH-E, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57d2dda2-6628-46d4-92e7-960af527089d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Salscheider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, IMH-E, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
I am trained to diagnose and treat young children using the DC:0-5 diagnostic assessment and am trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security-Parenting, and Experiential Play Therapy.
I work with children ages 0-10 and their families who are experiencing behavioral/regulation struggles, parent-child relationship stressors, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also work with adults experiencing general life, relationship, and/or parenting stressors, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Additionally, I have special interests in supporting those navigating perinatal mental health and with families and children of law enforcement officers. I offer compassion, kindness, and understanding through a whole-person, integrative lens that is grounded in attachment, human development, and relationships.
I am trained to diagnose and treat young children using the DC:0-5 diagnostic assessment and am trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security-Parenting, and Experiential Play Therapy.
I work with children ages 0-10 and their families who are experiencing behavioral/regulation struggles, parent-child relationship stressors, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also work with adults experiencing general life, relationship, and/or parenting stressors, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Additionally, I have special interests in supporting those navigating perinatal mental health and with families and children of law enforcement officers. I offer compassion, kindness, and understanding through a whole-person, integrative lens that is grounded in attachment, human development, and relationships.
![Photo of Natalie Quiring-Oleson, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb19e23-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Quiring-Oleson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hopkins, MN 55305
I use play therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, especially during transitions, like bedtime, or getting ready for school? I may be able to help. I specialize with working with both children and adults, ages 5+, to help ease suffering and improve overall functioning. I can work with parents to help solve problems with their children, provide support for the difficulty of parenting, and psychoeducation about the challenges their child is facing. I also have experience with clients who struggle with trauma, grief, self-harm and suicidality.
I use play therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, especially during transitions, like bedtime, or getting ready for school? I may be able to help. I specialize with working with both children and adults, ages 5+, to help ease suffering and improve overall functioning. I can work with parents to help solve problems with their children, provide support for the difficulty of parenting, and psychoeducation about the challenges their child is facing. I also have experience with clients who struggle with trauma, grief, self-harm and suicidality.
See more therapy options for Chanhassen
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Chanhassen
- Bloomington
- Chaska
- Eden Prairie
- Edina
- Excelsior
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minnetonka
- Plymouth
- Saint Louis Park
- Shakopee
- Wayzata
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.