Play Therapy in Tucson, AZ
![Photo of Jessica Perkins, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5225179c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Perkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85743 (Online Only)
I provide a therapeutic client-centered approach to assisting my clients work towards their goals. I utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), Solution Focused, Family Systems, Structural Family Therapy, Art therapy techniques, Play therapy. I am trained in Trauma Informed Care and utilize approach in my practice. I have history of working with children, youth and families. I am honored to have worked alongside my clients as they have traveled down their own personal roads towards wellness.
I provide a therapeutic client-centered approach to assisting my clients work towards their goals. I utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), Solution Focused, Family Systems, Structural Family Therapy, Art therapy techniques, Play therapy. I am trained in Trauma Informed Care and utilize approach in my practice. I have history of working with children, youth and families. I am honored to have worked alongside my clients as they have traveled down their own personal roads towards wellness.
![Photo of Virginia Pope, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/311f287a-94fa-4cd1-9765-ad4882b6d649/1/320x400.jpeg)
Virginia Pope
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85718 (Online Only)
Hey there! Many of us can benefit from having a therapist help navigate our everyday challenges. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, I am grateful you are reading my profile and considering me. I work heavily with emotions and focus on understanding the “why” behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So, if you find yourself trying to understand those on a deeper level, I believe we would be a great fit! I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. I also have my Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University.
Hey there! Many of us can benefit from having a therapist help navigate our everyday challenges. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, I am grateful you are reading my profile and considering me. I work heavily with emotions and focus on understanding the “why” behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So, if you find yourself trying to understand those on a deeper level, I believe we would be a great fit! I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. I also have my Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University.
![Photo of Robin Memel Fox, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95fc61dd-ee74-4efe-8d80-b7ea69ce3fa3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Memel Fox
Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85715
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize relational, psychodynamic, body-centered/somatic psychotherapy, neuro-psychotherapy, EMDR, mindfulness, play therapy, dance/movement therapy & expressive arts.
I believe that clients are co-creators in the process. Healing and growth occurs when we are willing to share openly and work towards developing an authentic, therapeutic relationship. I have extensive experience with survivors of all types of trauma, relationship issues, domestic abuse, mood disorders, infertility issues, eating disorders, substance use, women's/men's issues & lifestyle changes. The therapeutic process will focus on helping you to re-discover & develop strengths, resiliency and coping skills. Join me as I create a safe space for you to dive into exploring the source of your current struggles and innate wisdom.
I utilize relational, psychodynamic, body-centered/somatic psychotherapy, neuro-psychotherapy, EMDR, mindfulness, play therapy, dance/movement therapy & expressive arts.
I believe that clients are co-creators in the process. Healing and growth occurs when we are willing to share openly and work towards developing an authentic, therapeutic relationship. I have extensive experience with survivors of all types of trauma, relationship issues, domestic abuse, mood disorders, infertility issues, eating disorders, substance use, women's/men's issues & lifestyle changes. The therapeutic process will focus on helping you to re-discover & develop strengths, resiliency and coping skills. Join me as I create a safe space for you to dive into exploring the source of your current struggles and innate wisdom.
![Photo of Crystal Waites, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbb8bf40-9b42-4a15-aa01-4f0a9ff12fb7/2/320x400.png)
I enjoy working with teens and adults and use a variety of cognitive and play therapy approaches.
Maybe you're feeling tired or lost and are in need of a safe space to explore your latest challenges. Perhaps you are a parent who is fostering, adopting or struggling with your child's emotions and behaviors or your looking for your own support as an adult to navigate life. I offer a warm and down to earth approach to counseling and hold a nonjudgmental, empathic space to help you navigate whatever stressors you are facing. Whether you're a parent, teen or adult, I am here to offer compassion and hold space for you. I'm an LPC in AZ, NC, and VA and am excited to help you figure out your next steps!
I enjoy working with teens and adults and use a variety of cognitive and play therapy approaches.
Maybe you're feeling tired or lost and are in need of a safe space to explore your latest challenges. Perhaps you are a parent who is fostering, adopting or struggling with your child's emotions and behaviors or your looking for your own support as an adult to navigate life. I offer a warm and down to earth approach to counseling and hold a nonjudgmental, empathic space to help you navigate whatever stressors you are facing. Whether you're a parent, teen or adult, I am here to offer compassion and hold space for you. I'm an LPC in AZ, NC, and VA and am excited to help you figure out your next steps!
![Photo of Camilla Bhagwan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6f80717-30db-4a15-b40b-a30930b402d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Although I'm trained in evidenced based modalities such as Child-centered Play therapy, CBT and EMDR, I also believe its essential to be therapeutically flexible to the nuances of the individual or family you are working with.
We all experience struggle throughout our life. Sometimes these challenges can lead to growth and change. Often, we are able to manage our struggles through our own internal abilities and external supports . However, there are times where we need some additional resources. Therapy can help in strengthening our existing supports, developing new skills and reflecting on experiences in order to gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our reactions.
Although I'm trained in evidenced based modalities such as Child-centered Play therapy, CBT and EMDR, I also believe its essential to be therapeutically flexible to the nuances of the individual or family you are working with.
We all experience struggle throughout our life. Sometimes these challenges can lead to growth and change. Often, we are able to manage our struggles through our own internal abilities and external supports . However, there are times where we need some additional resources. Therapy can help in strengthening our existing supports, developing new skills and reflecting on experiences in order to gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our reactions.
![Photo of Jennifer Eileen Sorensen, MS, LPC, CPP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecfa0441-efe3-4aeb-a48a-b34195203c1b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Eileen Sorensen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85716
I focus on play and art based interventions to support the exploration of unresolved traumas, to validate your experience, hold space for understanding and co-creating a plan to help get you unstuck from living your best life.
Problematic symptoms and behaviors are often rooted in unresolved traumas, stemming back as far as childhood, infancy and even in utero. By understanding the link between the past and the impact it has on living your true potential today, therapy can provide the space to process through these events, ultimately leading to healing, understanding and reintegrating your identity. Using talk, play and art to dive deeper into the unknown, towards a brighter future for you and your family.
I focus on play and art based interventions to support the exploration of unresolved traumas, to validate your experience, hold space for understanding and co-creating a plan to help get you unstuck from living your best life.
Problematic symptoms and behaviors are often rooted in unresolved traumas, stemming back as far as childhood, infancy and even in utero. By understanding the link between the past and the impact it has on living your true potential today, therapy can provide the space to process through these events, ultimately leading to healing, understanding and reintegrating your identity. Using talk, play and art to dive deeper into the unknown, towards a brighter future for you and your family.
![Photo of Nicole Linn, MEd, MC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c26e0631-0a08-4841-91f3-e55eb3f368ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Does your child have big emotions, anger, worries, or behaviors that you are struggling to understand? Has your child been through something difficult or just isn’t acting like themselves? If your child is expressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or unexplained difficulties, a play-based model allows a safe environment to explore their feelings and needs affecting healthy functioning. I specialize in using a genuine, non-judgmental, supportive approach to helping children and families develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as learning new sets of skills for making choices and having healthier relationships.
Does your child have big emotions, anger, worries, or behaviors that you are struggling to understand? Has your child been through something difficult or just isn’t acting like themselves? If your child is expressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or unexplained difficulties, a play-based model allows a safe environment to explore their feelings and needs affecting healthy functioning. I specialize in using a genuine, non-judgmental, supportive approach to helping children and families develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as learning new sets of skills for making choices and having healthier relationships.
![Photo of Alex Baxter, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d174b680-bbfd-41fc-9ab1-60e87771b6e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
My primary modalities include Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a person centered approach that aims to build a strong and trustworthy therapeutic relationship, the cornerstone to change.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. My passion is working with children (ages 2+), teens, and young adults in an effort to connect them with internal happiness, capability, courage, and resiliency as they navigate the different stages of life. I strive to provide a nurturing, welcoming, and safe atmosphere that allows my clients to explore their emotional experience, learn effective skills, and make changes that push them toward healing and wellness. I aim to meet them, where they are, in any given moment.
My primary modalities include Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a person centered approach that aims to build a strong and trustworthy therapeutic relationship, the cornerstone to change.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. My passion is working with children (ages 2+), teens, and young adults in an effort to connect them with internal happiness, capability, courage, and resiliency as they navigate the different stages of life. I strive to provide a nurturing, welcoming, and safe atmosphere that allows my clients to explore their emotional experience, learn effective skills, and make changes that push them toward healing and wellness. I aim to meet them, where they are, in any given moment.
![Photo of Marissa Bell, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/815e32b3-8998-4f07-aa5b-4f14791685af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marissa Bell
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85712
Waitlist for new clients
My treatment modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, play/sandtray therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian/biblical counseling.
Welcome! I’m Marissa and I have a genuine passion and dedication for supporting individuals on their unique paths to well-being. I am experienced and find passion working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults on a wide variety of issues including anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, stress/anger management, navigating major life transitions/adjustment disorders, PTSD, childhood behavioral issues, racial and religious trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, and grief and loss.
My treatment modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, play/sandtray therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian/biblical counseling.
Welcome! I’m Marissa and I have a genuine passion and dedication for supporting individuals on their unique paths to well-being. I am experienced and find passion working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults on a wide variety of issues including anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, stress/anger management, navigating major life transitions/adjustment disorders, PTSD, childhood behavioral issues, racial and religious trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, and grief and loss.
![Photo of Lisa Gollenberg, LPC, RPT™, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6912212b-8dfd-403f-83ec-0cb40935c5d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Gollenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT™
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85719
Waitlist for new clients
As a play therapist, I use sandtray, movement, toys, and any other number of creative tools to help kids process, communicate, and learn.
Hi there! My passion is helping children grow and flourish, whether that means helping them cope with big emotions, feel more connected in their families and social communities, heal from trauma, build confidence and self-esteem, or learn some practical skills for daily life. I believe in the power of relationship and helping a child feel seen, understood, and affirmed in the face of whatever life difficulties they are working through. My approach is playful, strengths-based, compassionate, creative, flexible, and affirming of diversity of all kinds.
As a play therapist, I use sandtray, movement, toys, and any other number of creative tools to help kids process, communicate, and learn.
Hi there! My passion is helping children grow and flourish, whether that means helping them cope with big emotions, feel more connected in their families and social communities, heal from trauma, build confidence and self-esteem, or learn some practical skills for daily life. I believe in the power of relationship and helping a child feel seen, understood, and affirmed in the face of whatever life difficulties they are working through. My approach is playful, strengths-based, compassionate, creative, flexible, and affirming of diversity of all kinds.
![Photo of Karen Michelle Morse, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4fdd64c-2f84-4217-a48f-58fc1c6b2868/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is a process that brings about significant changes and personal growth and I am often amazed at the courage and motivation my clients display. I am honored to be a part of this process with you. I have been a practicing therapist in Tucson for the past 25 years. I enjoy working with a variety of age groups from young children to adults and provide individual as well as family therapy. Specialties include Play Therapy, Trauma and PTSD, Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Touch, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Grief, Life Transitions, and Parenting.
Therapy is a process that brings about significant changes and personal growth and I am often amazed at the courage and motivation my clients display. I am honored to be a part of this process with you. I have been a practicing therapist in Tucson for the past 25 years. I enjoy working with a variety of age groups from young children to adults and provide individual as well as family therapy. Specialties include Play Therapy, Trauma and PTSD, Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Touch, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Grief, Life Transitions, and Parenting.
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![Photo of Ursula Roach, LAC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/583eba6a-7efd-4b00-80a3-472bd7d2698a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I’m certified in EFT, and I have experience with ACT, CBT, play therapy, and sand tray therapy.
I offer counseling to children, adolescents, and adults who are excited to learn more about their values and increase their coping skills. I believe therapy can clarify how our pasts influence our present experiences while providing us with the tools to shape our futures. My work is responsive to childhood experiences, trauma, ADHD, family stress, the family system, interpersonal dynamics, and relationships, informed by attachment and existential-humanistic theories. I'm humbled by the opportunity to be an advocate and a collaborator on your child's, your family's, or your own healing and learning journey.
I’m certified in EFT, and I have experience with ACT, CBT, play therapy, and sand tray therapy.
I offer counseling to children, adolescents, and adults who are excited to learn more about their values and increase their coping skills. I believe therapy can clarify how our pasts influence our present experiences while providing us with the tools to shape our futures. My work is responsive to childhood experiences, trauma, ADHD, family stress, the family system, interpersonal dynamics, and relationships, informed by attachment and existential-humanistic theories. I'm humbled by the opportunity to be an advocate and a collaborator on your child's, your family's, or your own healing and learning journey.
![Photo of Rebecca Rae Palmer, MA, CRC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/510e8b3d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in EMDR, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic approach.
My aim is to provide a therapeutic environment that is conducive to change, growth, and healing. I take an integrated approach to therapy, treating each individual with interventions best suited to a client's unique experiences. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities in a vocational rehabilitation setting. I have worked with kids of all ages. I am also experienced in working with individuals adjusting to major life changes due to illness, traumatic events, and those experiencing grief, loss, anxiety, and depression.
I am trained in EMDR, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic approach.
My aim is to provide a therapeutic environment that is conducive to change, growth, and healing. I take an integrated approach to therapy, treating each individual with interventions best suited to a client's unique experiences. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities in a vocational rehabilitation setting. I have worked with kids of all ages. I am also experienced in working with individuals adjusting to major life changes due to illness, traumatic events, and those experiencing grief, loss, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of George Kelly, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0f8acad-9cab-4888-8f16-55f5fa12d100/2/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focus therapy, and play therapy techniques.
As a former professional athlete, I know what it takes to overcome adversity. I incorporate my experience in sports and counseling to help work towards your goals. Together, we set goals for improved mental well-being, healthier relationships, increased self-confidence, and better coping skills. I'm passionate about instilling personal growth, healing from traumas, enhancing self-awareness, and finding life satisfaction. Whether seeking clarity, relief, resilience, communication improvement, or healthier behaviors, I'm committed to helping clients reach their fullest potential and promoting well-being.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focus therapy, and play therapy techniques.
As a former professional athlete, I know what it takes to overcome adversity. I incorporate my experience in sports and counseling to help work towards your goals. Together, we set goals for improved mental well-being, healthier relationships, increased self-confidence, and better coping skills. I'm passionate about instilling personal growth, healing from traumas, enhancing self-awareness, and finding life satisfaction. Whether seeking clarity, relief, resilience, communication improvement, or healthier behaviors, I'm committed to helping clients reach their fullest potential and promoting well-being.
![Photo of Kerri Dominguez, LAC, CCTS-I, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67ec99ac-81aa-4547-b898-0f23f590a569/1/320x400.png)
Mindfulness, self regulation, understanding the brain/body connection, and play are all used in my practice to achieve healing.
I love riding along in the journey with clients as they fulfill their wish of becoming the person that they desire to be. I believe we are adapted to our experiences and that we can identify and utilize the strengths that have been developed in us because of those experiences. Whether the need is to manage anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational conflict, or to heal from trauma; my clients find in themselves their resiliency and the tools they need to continue to forge their path to achieving their ideal self.
Mindfulness, self regulation, understanding the brain/body connection, and play are all used in my practice to achieve healing.
I love riding along in the journey with clients as they fulfill their wish of becoming the person that they desire to be. I believe we are adapted to our experiences and that we can identify and utilize the strengths that have been developed in us because of those experiences. Whether the need is to manage anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational conflict, or to heal from trauma; my clients find in themselves their resiliency and the tools they need to continue to forge their path to achieving their ideal self.
![Photo of Gretchen Harris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1990e3bd-5d53-436e-8aa6-a9b2e9f54033/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is person centered, open and trauma informed, and I use a variety of techniques including EMDR, IFS/parts work, attachment work and play therapy.
Hope is an important starting place for therapy. Hope that life can feel different, that relationships can improve and that joy, contentment and peace are possible. I invite you to collaborate with me on getting to know more about your patterns, thoughts and feelings. People often reach out for therapy due to feeling stuck or overwhelmed. We can work together to identify goals and create a plan to help find relief. I work with a wide range of ages, including children and adults.
My approach is person centered, open and trauma informed, and I use a variety of techniques including EMDR, IFS/parts work, attachment work and play therapy.
Hope is an important starting place for therapy. Hope that life can feel different, that relationships can improve and that joy, contentment and peace are possible. I invite you to collaborate with me on getting to know more about your patterns, thoughts and feelings. People often reach out for therapy due to feeling stuck or overwhelmed. We can work together to identify goals and create a plan to help find relief. I work with a wide range of ages, including children and adults.
![Photo of Sherrill Koogler, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aaa8215-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you frustrated with your child’s behavior? Are you receiving phone calls from your child’s school? Is your child having difficulty regulating emotions and following directions? Both parents and children become frustrated and their relationship suffers. I use the language of play to connect with children and help them learn to express their needs in a safe manner. I specialize in working with children who have difficulty managing emotions and behavior at home and at school.
Are you frustrated with your child’s behavior? Are you receiving phone calls from your child’s school? Is your child having difficulty regulating emotions and following directions? Both parents and children become frustrated and their relationship suffers. I use the language of play to connect with children and help them learn to express their needs in a safe manner. I specialize in working with children who have difficulty managing emotions and behavior at home and at school.
![Photo of Dana Howard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/384a5f82-9741-41ae-8a5e-8568198931d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in the individual and family services industry. Strong community and social services professionally skilled as a Registered Play Therapist in populations of Adolescent/Child, family, marriage, adult individual. Current modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TFCBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Eagala Equine therapy.
Experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in the individual and family services industry. Strong community and social services professionally skilled as a Registered Play Therapist in populations of Adolescent/Child, family, marriage, adult individual. Current modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TFCBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Eagala Equine therapy.
![Photo of Jennifer Enders, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e48c12fb-4549-4853-bb2d-d6f67ebd9a5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Enders
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85719 (Online Only)
My work with children includes therapeutic play interventions, techniques from sandtray, as well as teaching different skills to help with emotional and behavioral concerns.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. My work experience ranges from psychiatric inpatient work to outpatient behavioral health work with adults, children, and families. I am an infant mental health specialist with experience providing Child Parent Psychotherapy. In addition, I am Certified Mindfulness and Meditation teacher through the School of Positive Transformation. Overall experience includes over 21 years working with clients with different presenting concerns; such as depression, anxiety, addiction issues, family conflict, parenting issues, trauma histories, and other various emotional.
My work with children includes therapeutic play interventions, techniques from sandtray, as well as teaching different skills to help with emotional and behavioral concerns.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. My work experience ranges from psychiatric inpatient work to outpatient behavioral health work with adults, children, and families. I am an infant mental health specialist with experience providing Child Parent Psychotherapy. In addition, I am Certified Mindfulness and Meditation teacher through the School of Positive Transformation. Overall experience includes over 21 years working with clients with different presenting concerns; such as depression, anxiety, addiction issues, family conflict, parenting issues, trauma histories, and other various emotional.
![Photo of M. Fernanda Rodriguez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f80f4daf-d8af-406d-aad4-40307f24684f/1/320x400.jpeg)
M. Fernanda Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85701 (Online Only)
Fernanda has an eclectic style of therapy, utilizing modalities of StoryPlay, Play Therapy, DIR Floortime Practitioner, PEERS certification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jungian Therapy, Person-Centered, Dialectical Therapy (DBT) skills, and Trauma Informed Care.
Fernanda has an eclectic style of therapy, utilizing modalities of StoryPlay, Play Therapy, DIR Floortime Practitioner, PEERS certification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jungian Therapy, Person-Centered, Dialectical Therapy (DBT) skills, and Trauma Informed Care.
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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.