Play Therapy in Tinton Falls, NJ

Photo of Cassandra Grod, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassandra Grod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
Waitlist for new clients
I use an eclectic approach of play, somatic, and talk therapies to challenge negative self-talk, improve your self-esteem and embrace the life you want to live unapologetically.
The environment we grow up in can have an enormous impact on the way we view and navigate the world. As a result, we tend to become stuck in this cycle of shame and blame. I am no stranger to generational trauma and my goal is to help you break cycles of self-doubt and negative coping by embracing your most authentic self.
I use an eclectic approach of play, somatic, and talk therapies to challenge negative self-talk, improve your self-esteem and embrace the life you want to live unapologetically.
The environment we grow up in can have an enormous impact on the way we view and navigate the world. As a result, we tend to become stuck in this cycle of shame and blame. I am no stranger to generational trauma and my goal is to help you break cycles of self-doubt and negative coping by embracing your most authentic self.
(732) 631-3206 View (732) 631-3206
Photo of Caitlyn Stephens, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlyn Stephens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
These include synergetic play therapy, EMDR, sand play therapy, and safe & sound protocol all of which are informed by new brain science.
Have you tried everything to help your child and nothing seems to be working? Maybe you've seen a therapist before and it wasn't helpful or your child refused to talk and it was a waste of time. I can help support you in understanding your child and their individualized needs. I specialize in teaching parents therapeutic interventions to use with their children at home to reduce meltdowns, decrease anxiety, and increase coping skills (for yourself and your child). And if working with you isn't enough to help your child, I am a registered play therapist able to communicate with children through play (no talking necessary).
These include synergetic play therapy, EMDR, sand play therapy, and safe & sound protocol all of which are informed by new brain science.
Have you tried everything to help your child and nothing seems to be working? Maybe you've seen a therapist before and it wasn't helpful or your child refused to talk and it was a waste of time. I can help support you in understanding your child and their individualized needs. I specialize in teaching parents therapeutic interventions to use with their children at home to reduce meltdowns, decrease anxiety, and increase coping skills (for yourself and your child). And if working with you isn't enough to help your child, I am a registered play therapist able to communicate with children through play (no talking necessary).
(848) 235-9552 View (848) 235-9552
Photo of Trish J Parratt, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Trish J Parratt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other modalities to work with clients towards the development of coping skills, improvement of communication, and overall happiness in their lives.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION AVAILABLE Therapy can help you change and improve your life. A therapist is an unconditional, non-judgemental listener. I am committed to your goals and want to make therapy comfortable and refreshing. I work with a variety of age groups, including children and adolescents, and conduct individual and family sessions. CERTIFIED CLINICAL ANXIETY TREATMENT PROFESSIONAL (CCATP)
I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other modalities to work with clients towards the development of coping skills, improvement of communication, and overall happiness in their lives.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION AVAILABLE Therapy can help you change and improve your life. A therapist is an unconditional, non-judgemental listener. I am committed to your goals and want to make therapy comfortable and refreshing. I work with a variety of age groups, including children and adolescents, and conduct individual and family sessions. CERTIFIED CLINICAL ANXIETY TREATMENT PROFESSIONAL (CCATP)
(732) 481-7378 View (732) 481-7378
Photo of Annmarie Conte, MA, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Annmarie Conte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
(732) 838-9917 View (732) 838-9917
Photo of Sheila Franklin Gilstein, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sheila Franklin Gilstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
Dance/Movement Therapy and Play Therapy help children: 1.
I have been the leading provider of socialization groups for children with ADHD, Anxiety, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Monmouth County for the past 20 years. Every child can learn ways to interact positively with other children. By using a combination of play therapy, dance/movement therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies in the groups, children learn to be successful with their peers. I offer individual counseling sessions on parenting issues and for those children that need help with selective mutism, anxiety, and specific behavior issues not applicable to the group situation.
Dance/Movement Therapy and Play Therapy help children: 1.
I have been the leading provider of socialization groups for children with ADHD, Anxiety, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Monmouth County for the past 20 years. Every child can learn ways to interact positively with other children. By using a combination of play therapy, dance/movement therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies in the groups, children learn to be successful with their peers. I offer individual counseling sessions on parenting issues and for those children that need help with selective mutism, anxiety, and specific behavior issues not applicable to the group situation.
(732) 479-1113 View (732) 479-1113
Photo of Jeffrey Weisslitz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeffrey Weisslitz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Accepting new clients! Dr. Jeff’s wide range of clinical experience entails adolescents, adults, and elderly clients. While pursuing his doctorate in clinical psychology, he completed an externship at the Rutgers College Counseling Center where he worked with college students and spent two years at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City where he received psychoanalytic training and supervision in individual psychodynamic psychotherapy. Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a permit to practice psychology in NJ.
Accepting new clients! Dr. Jeff’s wide range of clinical experience entails adolescents, adults, and elderly clients. While pursuing his doctorate in clinical psychology, he completed an externship at the Rutgers College Counseling Center where he worked with college students and spent two years at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City where he received psychoanalytic training and supervision in individual psychodynamic psychotherapy. Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a permit to practice psychology in NJ.
(732) 696-7340 View (732) 696-7340
Photo of Margaret Maghan, LCSW, SSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margaret Maghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Hello, my name is Margaret Maghan and I want to congratulate you on practicing self-care in mental health. I firmly believe a therapeutic relationship is a positive step toward a balanced future. The relationships developed in a therapeutic setting help our personal gifts shine. Each client has their own specific set of strengths and goals which are utilized in session to help achieve deeper self-understanding and enlightenment. I offer supportive therapy with a skills-based approach.
Hello, my name is Margaret Maghan and I want to congratulate you on practicing self-care in mental health. I firmly believe a therapeutic relationship is a positive step toward a balanced future. The relationships developed in a therapeutic setting help our personal gifts shine. Each client has their own specific set of strengths and goals which are utilized in session to help achieve deeper self-understanding and enlightenment. I offer supportive therapy with a skills-based approach.
(848) 216-0740 View (848) 216-0740
Photo of Robyn DeRespinis - Inner Clarity, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Inner Clarity, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Inner Clarity, LLC is a group private practice comprised of professionals with varying areas of specialization. Our main goal is to provide a warm, inviting, and relaxing environment for our clients to engage in individual, family, couples, and/or group therapy with a professional who is skilled in meeting their clinical needs. We are an out-of-network provider and would be happy to verify benefits prior to starting services. Our office is able to bill out of network directly, so patients are only responsible for coinsurance at the time of service after deductible is met, and any balance outside of what insurance covers.
Inner Clarity, LLC is a group private practice comprised of professionals with varying areas of specialization. Our main goal is to provide a warm, inviting, and relaxing environment for our clients to engage in individual, family, couples, and/or group therapy with a professional who is skilled in meeting their clinical needs. We are an out-of-network provider and would be happy to verify benefits prior to starting services. Our office is able to bill out of network directly, so patients are only responsible for coinsurance at the time of service after deductible is met, and any balance outside of what insurance covers.
(732) 632-0232 View (732) 632-0232
Photo of Marina Rabinovich (Roshal), LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marina Rabinovich (Roshal)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
We all come across challenges in our lives which affect our happiness and our level of functioning. Whether it's the loss of a loved one; work-related stress; parenting difficulties or various life transitions; we all can benefit in receiving intervention from a therapist who cares. I have a very warm, yet goal oriented approach when it comes to helping my patients realize their full potential. Together we can figure out the best course of treatment for you.
We all come across challenges in our lives which affect our happiness and our level of functioning. Whether it's the loss of a loved one; work-related stress; parenting difficulties or various life transitions; we all can benefit in receiving intervention from a therapist who cares. I have a very warm, yet goal oriented approach when it comes to helping my patients realize their full potential. Together we can figure out the best course of treatment for you.
(718) 727-7569 View (718) 727-7569
Photo of Stephanie Michael, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie Michael
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
An openness to the idea of new possibilities is the heart of the therapeutic alliance I seek to build with my clients. You or your child may be experiencing excessive worry, sadness, anger, or low self-esteem that is interfering with everyday tasks. Maybe you are encountering parenting challenges that have put a strain on your relationship with your child, and you would like to do things differently. Maybe there was an event or experience that has you or your child feeling “stuck”. Opening yourself up to the idea of trying something new is already a major step toward a new beginning!
An openness to the idea of new possibilities is the heart of the therapeutic alliance I seek to build with my clients. You or your child may be experiencing excessive worry, sadness, anger, or low self-esteem that is interfering with everyday tasks. Maybe you are encountering parenting challenges that have put a strain on your relationship with your child, and you would like to do things differently. Maybe there was an event or experience that has you or your child feeling “stuck”. Opening yourself up to the idea of trying something new is already a major step toward a new beginning!
(848) 266-6595 View (848) 266-6595
Photo of Integrated Care Concepts And Consultation - Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation, MD, LPC, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MD, LPC, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation is a dynamic behavioral health practice that uses innovative treatment concepts to provide integrated care solutions for individuals, families, professionals, agencies, and communities. Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation embraces the total body healing modalities found in both Western and Eastern philosophies. We believe that healing oneself is a partnership with one's mind through traditional psychotherapy and with one's body. Our team of therapists are trained, certified and experienced in the most sensitive fields of care that affect us as individuals, couples, families, children, teenagers and adults.
Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation is a dynamic behavioral health practice that uses innovative treatment concepts to provide integrated care solutions for individuals, families, professionals, agencies, and communities. Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation embraces the total body healing modalities found in both Western and Eastern philosophies. We believe that healing oneself is a partnership with one's mind through traditional psychotherapy and with one's body. Our team of therapists are trained, certified and experienced in the most sensitive fields of care that affect us as individuals, couples, families, children, teenagers and adults.
(848) 208-7448 View (848) 208-7448
Photo of Kristy Mathews, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristy Mathews
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07727
We must first accept where, what, and who we are in the present moment before seeking to change ourselves or our situation. In therapy, you'll learn how to access your inner wisdom and regain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions. Our society is filled with contradicting messages that infiltrate our thoughts and alter our beliefs, goals, and behaviors. On a daily basis, we’re expected to stay connected, but limit screen time; be conscious of what you put in your body, but don’t restrict; be a leader, but don’t be bossy; do your best, but don’t be a perfectionist; be expressive, but not dramatic.
We must first accept where, what, and who we are in the present moment before seeking to change ourselves or our situation. In therapy, you'll learn how to access your inner wisdom and regain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions. Our society is filled with contradicting messages that infiltrate our thoughts and alter our beliefs, goals, and behaviors. On a daily basis, we’re expected to stay connected, but limit screen time; be conscious of what you put in your body, but don’t restrict; be a leader, but don’t be bossy; do your best, but don’t be a perfectionist; be expressive, but not dramatic.
(908) 364-8909 View (908) 364-8909
Photo of Cassie Christensen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassie Christensen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Bachelor's Degree from Rowan University in Psychology and a Master's Degree from Rutgers University in Clinical Social Work. I take a modern approach to talk therapy and believe that most problems can be worked through by talking it out together.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Bachelor's Degree from Rowan University in Psychology and a Master's Degree from Rutgers University in Clinical Social Work. I take a modern approach to talk therapy and believe that most problems can be worked through by talking it out together.
(732) 759-9179 View (732) 759-9179
Photo of Camille O'Brien, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Camille O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701
Are you a parent who is struggling to understand the challenges that our children are facing today? Do you wish there was a handbook you could go to for strategies, tools, and answers? Are these challenges creating stress in the home? Are you struggling to find joy and happiness, and just seem to be falling short? My goal is to give you the support, encouragement, and help you have been looking for. I work hard at providing a safe, supportive space where clients can develop the emotional intelligence needed to explore, discover and embrace their authentic selves.
Are you a parent who is struggling to understand the challenges that our children are facing today? Do you wish there was a handbook you could go to for strategies, tools, and answers? Are these challenges creating stress in the home? Are you struggling to find joy and happiness, and just seem to be falling short? My goal is to give you the support, encouragement, and help you have been looking for. I work hard at providing a safe, supportive space where clients can develop the emotional intelligence needed to explore, discover and embrace their authentic selves.
(732) 860-1974 View (732) 860-1974
Photo of Linda J Law, MA-MFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Linda J Law
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA-MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07712
Not accepting new clients
Sand Play is a wonderful modality of treatment offering children and adults a creative and safe format in which to work out unresolved issues - it has proven therapeutic benefits for clients of any age.
Specializing in adults, teens, family conflict and difficult phase of life transitions. Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, and Trauma Focused CBT. My work includes helping clients manage anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict and unresolved trauma. I have also worked specifically with youth and adults on developing resiliency, managing self-esteem issues and creating and maintaining healthy relationships. I was raised in a blended family and created one of my own and am very attuned to the dynamics of divorce and blended families. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
Sand Play is a wonderful modality of treatment offering children and adults a creative and safe format in which to work out unresolved issues - it has proven therapeutic benefits for clients of any age.
Specializing in adults, teens, family conflict and difficult phase of life transitions. Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, and Trauma Focused CBT. My work includes helping clients manage anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict and unresolved trauma. I have also worked specifically with youth and adults on developing resiliency, managing self-esteem issues and creating and maintaining healthy relationships. I was raised in a blended family and created one of my own and am very attuned to the dynamics of divorce and blended families. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
(732) 630-5310 View (732) 630-5310

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Bianca Lindstrom, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bianca Lindstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness based stress reduction, strengths based approach, CBT and trauma focused CBT, yoga, body movement and somatic expression and art.
NOW accepting new clients! I work with ages 6 through 106 helping to resolve and navigate issues of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, interpersonal relationship issues, family conflict and phase of life transitions. I have extensive trauma training and have worked specifically with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in both group and individual settings. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness based stress reduction, strengths based approach, CBT and trauma focused CBT, yoga, body movement and somatic expression and art.
NOW accepting new clients! I work with ages 6 through 106 helping to resolve and navigate issues of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, interpersonal relationship issues, family conflict and phase of life transitions. I have extensive trauma training and have worked specifically with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in both group and individual settings. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
(732) 612-0958 View (732) 612-0958
Photo of Gretchen Morgan - Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Gretchen and Lighthouse affiliates are EMDR trained and have Certificates in Sand Play Therapy.
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LLC was conceived in 2000 in a tiny office in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey by Gretchen Morgan and Mary Pat McGeehin. Their search for effective treatment led them to include the use of Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, yoga and therapeutic group work with their clients. This was in response to the expanding body of research which illustrated that the mind-body connection was integral to the healing of mental health issues. In 2004, they expanded their practice to include like-minded affiliate clinicians and moved to a larger facility in Eatontown, NJ.
Gretchen and Lighthouse affiliates are EMDR trained and have Certificates in Sand Play Therapy.
Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center, LLC was conceived in 2000 in a tiny office in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey by Gretchen Morgan and Mary Pat McGeehin. Their search for effective treatment led them to include the use of Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, yoga and therapeutic group work with their clients. This was in response to the expanding body of research which illustrated that the mind-body connection was integral to the healing of mental health issues. In 2004, they expanded their practice to include like-minded affiliate clinicians and moved to a larger facility in Eatontown, NJ.
(732) 380-1575 View (732) 380-1575
Photo of Heather Koenigsfest, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Koenigsfest
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
Eatontown, NJ 07724  (Online Only)
In addition to Sand Play Therapy, Heather utilizes Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing and DBT in her treatment process.
Heather is an empathetic, nonjudgmental clinician with a passion to support others in their healing process in a safe environment. She is goal oriented and trauma focused in working with individuals, groups and families. Her previous professional experiences have shaped her work and made her extremely sensitive to the needs of individuals in crisis. Heather's approach assists in collaboratively working together to foster a supportive environment for growth and empowerment. Heather has extensive experience providing counseling in various treatment settings, working with various diagnosis and clientele from children to adults.
In addition to Sand Play Therapy, Heather utilizes Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing and DBT in her treatment process.
Heather is an empathetic, nonjudgmental clinician with a passion to support others in their healing process in a safe environment. She is goal oriented and trauma focused in working with individuals, groups and families. Her previous professional experiences have shaped her work and made her extremely sensitive to the needs of individuals in crisis. Heather's approach assists in collaboratively working together to foster a supportive environment for growth and empowerment. Heather has extensive experience providing counseling in various treatment settings, working with various diagnosis and clientele from children to adults.
(732) 365-4562 View (732) 365-4562
Photo of Jill Berlin, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Berlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Eatontown, NJ 07724
I utilize many different treatment approaches including EMDR, Safe and Sound Protocol, play therapy and Sandtray therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker with a Master's degree from Widener University and additional post graduate training focused on the needs of children. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and their families in group homes, partial care programming, wrap around services, and as a School Social Worker. I take pride in creating a safe, warm and nurturing environment for clients to explore their experiences.
I utilize many different treatment approaches including EMDR, Safe and Sound Protocol, play therapy and Sandtray therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker with a Master's degree from Widener University and additional post graduate training focused on the needs of children. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and their families in group homes, partial care programming, wrap around services, and as a School Social Worker. I take pride in creating a safe, warm and nurturing environment for clients to explore their experiences.
(848) 252-1350 View (848) 252-1350
Photo of Farah N Skow, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Farah N Skow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Eatontown, NJ 07724
I am certified in sand play therapy and I incorporate elements of play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.
My clinical experience has been in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD and behavior management, family and school problems, issues related to grief/loss, and issues related to self-esteem and self-image. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults.
I am certified in sand play therapy and I incorporate elements of play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.
My clinical experience has been in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD and behavior management, family and school problems, issues related to grief/loss, and issues related to self-esteem and self-image. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults.
(732) 507-9751 View (732) 507-9751

See more therapy options for Tinton Falls

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.