Play Therapy in Elverson, PA
![Photo of Samantha Dunnum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fac2e3b0-c20d-4bdc-a947-e2ff9a8a081c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’ve worked with ages 4-18, as well as adults. I have experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, parents, and families dealing with a wide range of challenges including the impacts of generational trauma, parent-child relational challenges, and relational difficulties. I’ve also worked with a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, autism, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders and mood disorders.
I’ve worked with ages 4-18, as well as adults. I have experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, parents, and families dealing with a wide range of challenges including the impacts of generational trauma, parent-child relational challenges, and relational difficulties. I’ve also worked with a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, autism, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders and mood disorders.
![Photo of Kini Bryant, LCSW, RSP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0e869bc-3966-4586-bfbd-26f60296d85f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandplay Therapy is an effective modality to for children, adolescents and adults. Often, finding the words to express ones' feelings is a challenge. Together the client and the therapist review the creative process to help understand the feelings and experience. The picture created in the sand tray is a way for expressing ones’ internal feelings. Trauma whether it happens to a child, adolescent or an adult can contribute to feeling disorganized and insecure. For a child, adolescent or an adult feeling disorganized is scary. Sandplay Therapy will enhance self- regulation evident in one' behavior.
Sandplay Therapy is an effective modality to for children, adolescents and adults. Often, finding the words to express ones' feelings is a challenge. Together the client and the therapist review the creative process to help understand the feelings and experience. The picture created in the sand tray is a way for expressing ones’ internal feelings. Trauma whether it happens to a child, adolescent or an adult can contribute to feeling disorganized and insecure. For a child, adolescent or an adult feeling disorganized is scary. Sandplay Therapy will enhance self- regulation evident in one' behavior.
![Photo of Angelina DeLong - HayCreek Healing LLC, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11751652-abd0-4921-9373-895a2edf41ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
HayCreek Healing LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Elverson, PA 19520
Just add another item to the never-ending “to-do list”- you’ll have to find a way to get it done. Being a mother and partner is so much harder than you ever expected, and most of the time you feel like you’re going it alone. You can’t seem to find the right words to ask for help. Not to mention the pressure society puts on us to do it all. So focused on tasks & your family’s needs, but wondering where you lost yourself as a person along the way. You know to be the best mom and partner you can you need to find time for yourself, you just aren’t sure how to get there on your own. Or how to drop the overwhelm, guilt, & shame for good.
Just add another item to the never-ending “to-do list”- you’ll have to find a way to get it done. Being a mother and partner is so much harder than you ever expected, and most of the time you feel like you’re going it alone. You can’t seem to find the right words to ask for help. Not to mention the pressure society puts on us to do it all. So focused on tasks & your family’s needs, but wondering where you lost yourself as a person along the way. You know to be the best mom and partner you can you need to find time for yourself, you just aren’t sure how to get there on your own. Or how to drop the overwhelm, guilt, & shame for good.
![Photo of Phoebe E McElhenny - TriCounty Counseling, MS, NCC, LPC, CSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5ef538-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
TriCounty Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, CSP
Verified Verified
Elverson, PA 19520
Not accepting new clients
Thank you for considering my professional counseling services. No matter what has brought you here today, you have just taken your first step toward a successful change in your life. If you are suffering from a divorce, illness or loss, depression, anxiety, ADD, developmental issues, anger, or a disruption or transition in your life or your child's life; allow me to help you. As a therapist, I will utilize a warm, confidential, non-judgemental approach to assisting you with your issue. I enjoy helping children, adolescents and adults understand and cope with their issues. Together, we find solutions so you can meet your goals.
Thank you for considering my professional counseling services. No matter what has brought you here today, you have just taken your first step toward a successful change in your life. If you are suffering from a divorce, illness or loss, depression, anxiety, ADD, developmental issues, anger, or a disruption or transition in your life or your child's life; allow me to help you. As a therapist, I will utilize a warm, confidential, non-judgemental approach to assisting you with your issue. I enjoy helping children, adolescents and adults understand and cope with their issues. Together, we find solutions so you can meet your goals.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Maegon Crader, MA, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62bb2c58-5e8c-4915-abe8-f00c48071962/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maegon Crader
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exton, PA 19341
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
![Photo of Joy L Wawrzyniak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460c0d18-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Play therapy is an amazing resource to support a child through expressing their feelings.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
Play therapy is an amazing resource to support a child through expressing their feelings.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
![Photo of Chanelle Bishop-Gilyard, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db61aeaa-3f20-4716-a35d-cec63dae02ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chanelle Bishop-Gilyard
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Since grown-ups play a very important role in the lives of children, it was important for me to gain experience working with adults as well! My passion is to help children and adults cope with life's challenges by teaching them special skills that will last a lifetime! .
Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now! I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!
Since grown-ups play a very important role in the lives of children, it was important for me to gain experience working with adults as well! My passion is to help children and adults cope with life's challenges by teaching them special skills that will last a lifetime! .
Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now! I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!
![Photo of Cassandra Keys, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21f4c245-a002-4861-8f5f-f3779a6834ae/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Keys
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
As a counselor I work with clients using CBT, Play therapy, Solution focused therapy, and Mindulness.
Hi! Is your teen struggling with peer relationships or fitting in? Are you struggling with change (divorce, college, relationships, etc). If you said Yes to either of those I would love to help support you on your journey. I am a pre-licensed Clinical Mental Heath Counselor. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, family systems, life transitions, and panic disorder. It can be hard to navigate the many different stages of life.
As a counselor I work with clients using CBT, Play therapy, Solution focused therapy, and Mindulness.
Hi! Is your teen struggling with peer relationships or fitting in? Are you struggling with change (divorce, college, relationships, etc). If you said Yes to either of those I would love to help support you on your journey. I am a pre-licensed Clinical Mental Heath Counselor. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, family systems, life transitions, and panic disorder. It can be hard to navigate the many different stages of life.
![Photo of Alison E Groder, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d1efdf4-552f-43b9-b52d-c9ea34c69512/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed with life's pressures? Juggling all areas of your life but coming up short and feeling depleted? Whether it's a big life transition or milestone, making an important decision, or managing parenthood without losing sight of yourself - together, in therapy we will help bring understanding to the intricate roles you play in this ever changing ecosystem. Oftentimes an unbiased listening ear, empathy, encouragement, and perhaps another point of view is all that's needed to help empower you to move forward in a healthy and joyful way.
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed with life's pressures? Juggling all areas of your life but coming up short and feeling depleted? Whether it's a big life transition or milestone, making an important decision, or managing parenthood without losing sight of yourself - together, in therapy we will help bring understanding to the intricate roles you play in this ever changing ecosystem. Oftentimes an unbiased listening ear, empathy, encouragement, and perhaps another point of view is all that's needed to help empower you to move forward in a healthy and joyful way.
![Photo of Michelle Tulik, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80a3c5db-2cfa-46e4-bad4-37a98e8d9167/2/320x400.jpeg)
Drawing from and utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS), Shadow Work (Jungian), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, play therapy, and somatic interventions.
Do you often grapple with feelings of inadequacy and low confidence? Do you feel stuck and/or experience intense anxiety? Do you often feel detached? If you answered, "yes", to any of these prompts, please know I am here to support you. I help adults and children navigate life transitions, social anxiety, panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and self esteem issues. I also assist clients who have experienced past trauma and bring a compassionate, patient, warm, and nonjudgmental approach; viewing each client as a whole person, with past experiences shaping their present moment.
Drawing from and utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS), Shadow Work (Jungian), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, play therapy, and somatic interventions.
Do you often grapple with feelings of inadequacy and low confidence? Do you feel stuck and/or experience intense anxiety? Do you often feel detached? If you answered, "yes", to any of these prompts, please know I am here to support you. I help adults and children navigate life transitions, social anxiety, panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and self esteem issues. I also assist clients who have experienced past trauma and bring a compassionate, patient, warm, and nonjudgmental approach; viewing each client as a whole person, with past experiences shaping their present moment.
![Photo of Shelby L Riley - Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da8ad9af-0542-494b-838f-a999b0691686/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
![Photo of Nikki Talarico Yatron, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f14bd3d7-9ca7-462e-8287-c6f4610dd379/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Talarico Yatron
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
Hello! I am so happy you found my page! I am very passionate about what I do and the families I serve. I have been a Mental Health Therapist serving children and adolescence for over 7 years. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am licensed in both DC and Pennsylvania. I hold a certification in TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and am in the process of obtaining my Registered Play Therapy Licensure.
Hello! I am so happy you found my page! I am very passionate about what I do and the families I serve. I have been a Mental Health Therapist serving children and adolescence for over 7 years. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am licensed in both DC and Pennsylvania. I hold a certification in TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and am in the process of obtaining my Registered Play Therapy Licensure.
![Photo of Jonathan E Moyer, MA, LPC, CLC, AATBS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2b8daf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan E Moyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CLC, AATBS
Verified Verified
Pottstown, PA 19464
We are seeing a lot of people with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression. We have a variety of counselors who can help you learn how to manage your situation and feel better and offer play therapy for children or relationship help if you are looking to improve your communitcation skills.
We are seeing a lot of people with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression. We have a variety of counselors who can help you learn how to manage your situation and feel better and offer play therapy for children or relationship help if you are looking to improve your communitcation skills.
![Photo of Erin Adamitis, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a3f960a-28b4-4eec-a89e-f8fbd492ec82/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
![Photo of Deborah Ann DePolo, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22b361c4-c3c7-4af6-9862-9506fe588533/2/320x400.png)
Are you looking for someone to guide, support, and assist you in your life's journey? If so, I'm the therapist you've been looking for! I'm passionate about helping and I see counseling as an opportunity for us to work together on overcoming obstacles to help you reach your goals. I specialize in several different treatment modalities and tend to use a combination of techniques to match your unique wants and needs. Please email deb@compasscounselingandassociates.com to schedule an initial consultation.
Are you looking for someone to guide, support, and assist you in your life's journey? If so, I'm the therapist you've been looking for! I'm passionate about helping and I see counseling as an opportunity for us to work together on overcoming obstacles to help you reach your goals. I specialize in several different treatment modalities and tend to use a combination of techniques to match your unique wants and needs. Please email deb@compasscounselingandassociates.com to schedule an initial consultation.
![Photo of Kelly Wood, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f341e00-e933-4f86-a3dd-10d781a74277/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Some of my clinical experience includes: trauma work and healing (with EMDR as an option), addiction recovery support, depression and/or anxiety combining mind and body work in treatment, working with teens and children on emotional regulation while building skills that will develop intrinsic self worth, and examining thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in interpersonal relations.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Some of my clinical experience includes: trauma work and healing (with EMDR as an option), addiction recovery support, depression and/or anxiety combining mind and body work in treatment, working with teens and children on emotional regulation while building skills that will develop intrinsic self worth, and examining thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in interpersonal relations.
![Photo of Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54ddf3d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
![Photo of Lauren Burgess, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3d9dfa7-8d7d-4c9c-9e87-afc4f0c19cb8/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe individuals of all ages deserve to experience peace and wholeness, and should not feel as though they are "stuck" in their life circumstances. I desire for clients to feel safe and known in my presence, and for them to sense I am honored to hear their stories. I am passionate about coming alongside individuals in the midst of their pain, and assisting them, with compassion, in their unique journeys towards renewed freedom and healing. No matter one's age or presenting issue, I enjoy creating realistic goals to work on in the therapeutic process, as well as creating a genuine connection and alliance.
I believe individuals of all ages deserve to experience peace and wholeness, and should not feel as though they are "stuck" in their life circumstances. I desire for clients to feel safe and known in my presence, and for them to sense I am honored to hear their stories. I am passionate about coming alongside individuals in the midst of their pain, and assisting them, with compassion, in their unique journeys towards renewed freedom and healing. No matter one's age or presenting issue, I enjoy creating realistic goals to work on in the therapeutic process, as well as creating a genuine connection and alliance.
![Photo of Regina Marie Floria, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eec48dd5-e9ba-4683-a7ff-836776d8ddf2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Over the 18 years in the behavioral health field, I've attributed my growth and experience to all of the clients I've seen. One of the most difficult aspects of therapy is having to be vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable a client must feel seen, heard, respected and safe. I've worked in multiple settings such as school, corporate healthcare, home, clinic and private practice. I've worked with families, individually, with children, teen and adults with addiction, behavioral health needs and disabilities. Mostly utilizing a strengths based and family systems perspective/model.
Over the 18 years in the behavioral health field, I've attributed my growth and experience to all of the clients I've seen. One of the most difficult aspects of therapy is having to be vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable a client must feel seen, heard, respected and safe. I've worked in multiple settings such as school, corporate healthcare, home, clinic and private practice. I've worked with families, individually, with children, teen and adults with addiction, behavioral health needs and disabilities. Mostly utilizing a strengths based and family systems perspective/model.
![Photo of Jillian Kinnear - Blue Creek Psychotherapy LLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/552b1607-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We started this practice because we love what we do, helping people grow. Here at Blue Creek, we offer individual, couples and family therapy. We serve children, teens, adults and older adults. In addition, we offer comprehensive psychological testing services. We bring decades of collective experience but have different areas of expertise. However, our one common goal is for you to feel welcomed and understood from the moment you make contact.
We started this practice because we love what we do, helping people grow. Here at Blue Creek, we offer individual, couples and family therapy. We serve children, teens, adults and older adults. In addition, we offer comprehensive psychological testing services. We bring decades of collective experience but have different areas of expertise. However, our one common goal is for you to feel welcomed and understood from the moment you make contact.
See more therapy options for Elverson
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Elverson
- Boyertown
- Chester Springs
- Douglassville
- Downingtown
- Exton
- Limerick
- Morgantown
- Phoenixville
- Pottstown
- Reading
- Royersford
- West Reading
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.