Play Therapy in Sacramento, CA

Photo of Skylar Callum Rossy, ACSW, PPSC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Skylar Callum Rossy
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95811
I take a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness and person-centered techniques, trauma-informed and gender-affirming care, feedback-informed treatment, narrative therapy, and play therapy.
Hello everyone! My name is Skylar Rossy (pronouns: he/him/his) and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker with Seeds of Growth Counseling. My goal is to support you with self-empowerment and growth as we navigate difficult emotions and life stressors together.
I take a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness and person-centered techniques, trauma-informed and gender-affirming care, feedback-informed treatment, narrative therapy, and play therapy.
Hello everyone! My name is Skylar Rossy (pronouns: he/him/his) and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker with Seeds of Growth Counseling. My goal is to support you with self-empowerment and growth as we navigate difficult emotions and life stressors together.
(916) 378-7230 View (916) 378-7230
Photo of Danielle Wood, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Waitlist for new clients
I use evidence-based tools and practices, have been in practice for several years, have additional training in trauma, play therapy, and EMDR, and have worked with a variety of clients from many different populations.
I know we are all born as a promise to the world with a unique set of gifts and abilities, with a divine right to space on the planet by virtue of our birth, but life can get in the way of us knowing these truths. If you are looking for a therapist to help you on your healing journey, congratulations! Starting is the hard part! You can call me to set up an assessment appointment now to get started. (831)-566-2648
I use evidence-based tools and practices, have been in practice for several years, have additional training in trauma, play therapy, and EMDR, and have worked with a variety of clients from many different populations.
I know we are all born as a promise to the world with a unique set of gifts and abilities, with a divine right to space on the planet by virtue of our birth, but life can get in the way of us knowing these truths. If you are looking for a therapist to help you on your healing journey, congratulations! Starting is the hard part! You can call me to set up an assessment appointment now to get started. (831)-566-2648
(831) 566-2648 View (831) 566-2648
Photo of Lyla Tyler - Kid Counseling Sacramento, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kid Counseling Sacramento
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95864
This group practice has licensed therapists who are Registered Play Therapists and EMDR certifed child specialists.
When you’re out of ideas and don’t know what to do, give us a call. We are the premier counseling center for children, teens and their caregivers in the Sacramento Valley. Our goal is to transform kids and their families through the power of play, whether they are experiencing normal transitions or really tough times. We believe that children communicate best through play and art. We help challenging kids use their intensity in socially positive and successful ways by teaching coping skills and joining with parents to help their kids. We want to bring joy back to your home!
This group practice has licensed therapists who are Registered Play Therapists and EMDR certifed child specialists.
When you’re out of ideas and don’t know what to do, give us a call. We are the premier counseling center for children, teens and their caregivers in the Sacramento Valley. Our goal is to transform kids and their families through the power of play, whether they are experiencing normal transitions or really tough times. We believe that children communicate best through play and art. We help challenging kids use their intensity in socially positive and successful ways by teaching coping skills and joining with parents to help their kids. We want to bring joy back to your home!
(916) 602-3201 View (916) 602-3201
Photo of Edythe Swidler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Edythe Swidler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95864
We work with children and teens using a variety of modalities, including play, sand tray and expressive arts.
During these stressful times, many of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and/or sadness. Are you worried about your child or teen, concerned about your marriage or struggling with family relationships? Do you need new tools to help you feel more confident in parenting your adopted or special needs child/teen? Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is looking for a supportive therapist who understands your unique strengths and challenges. I created American River Family Counseling because I believe that we all deserve happy, healthy and connected relationships.
We work with children and teens using a variety of modalities, including play, sand tray and expressive arts.
During these stressful times, many of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and/or sadness. Are you worried about your child or teen, concerned about your marriage or struggling with family relationships? Do you need new tools to help you feel more confident in parenting your adopted or special needs child/teen? Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is looking for a supportive therapist who understands your unique strengths and challenges. I created American River Family Counseling because I believe that we all deserve happy, healthy and connected relationships.
(916) 304-8410 View (916) 304-8410
Photo of Melanie Ernould, PsyD, Psychologist
Melanie Ernould
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
My Midtown play office is comfortable and accessible, reflecting my style with clients and families.
I have almost 20 years of experience working with wonderful children and young adults with difficult behaviors and struggles, and their families. I have been running my private practice for 6 years and, 4 years ago, started building a farm sanctuary where I hold children’s therapeutic camps and equine assisted and farm play therapy. I have a lot of unique training and education that sets me apart. I am a skilled big picture thinker and can help guide you and your family through the process, gaining clarity along the way. I am playful and gentle in my therapy, and easily connect with my clients, big and small, authentically.
My Midtown play office is comfortable and accessible, reflecting my style with clients and families.
I have almost 20 years of experience working with wonderful children and young adults with difficult behaviors and struggles, and their families. I have been running my private practice for 6 years and, 4 years ago, started building a farm sanctuary where I hold children’s therapeutic camps and equine assisted and farm play therapy. I have a lot of unique training and education that sets me apart. I am a skilled big picture thinker and can help guide you and your family through the process, gaining clarity along the way. I am playful and gentle in my therapy, and easily connect with my clients, big and small, authentically.
(916) 262-7229 View (916) 262-7229
Photo of Micaela Marie Van Dine, MS, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Micaela Marie Van Dine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I also utilize Narrative Therapy for work with trauma victims, play therapy with children, and experiential therapy certain individuals.
I am a forensic psychotherapist that works with families involved in custody disputes with a focus on the best interests for children. My focus with all clients is to find solutions to complex issues. My approach is direct and goal oriented. For psychotherapy, I treat individuals, families, and children. I also hold closed support groups for Recovery from Psychological Abuse (specifically narcissistic abuse). I work extensively with individuals going through divorce. I enjoy working with children and teens in treating depression/ anxiety, Trauma, Introversion/social anxiety, peer issues, and parental conflict/divorce.
I also utilize Narrative Therapy for work with trauma victims, play therapy with children, and experiential therapy certain individuals.
I am a forensic psychotherapist that works with families involved in custody disputes with a focus on the best interests for children. My focus with all clients is to find solutions to complex issues. My approach is direct and goal oriented. For psychotherapy, I treat individuals, families, and children. I also hold closed support groups for Recovery from Psychological Abuse (specifically narcissistic abuse). I work extensively with individuals going through divorce. I enjoy working with children and teens in treating depression/ anxiety, Trauma, Introversion/social anxiety, peer issues, and parental conflict/divorce.
(916) 507-1817 View (916) 507-1817
Photo of Candace Shante Walls - Careful Heart Counseling Services, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Careful Heart Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95817  (Online Only)
Using CBT, DBT, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques, I tailor interventions for each individual's journey.
With over 8 years of dedicated service in mental health and behavioral services, I integrate various therapeutic treatments to offer personalized care. My approach, rooted in evidence-based practices, caters to the needs of children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5-20.
Using CBT, DBT, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques, I tailor interventions for each individual's journey.
With over 8 years of dedicated service in mental health and behavioral services, I integrate various therapeutic treatments to offer personalized care. My approach, rooted in evidence-based practices, caters to the needs of children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5-20.
(530) 390-3723 View (530) 390-3723
Photo of Dawn Morris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dawn Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95831
I have extensive experience utilizing CBT, DBT, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), TF-IPT, TF-CBT, Mindfulness & traditional play therapy modes.
Hi! Welcome to your journey in finding the right therapist for yourself or your loved one. You are likely here because you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts, behaviors or emotions that are overwhelming. You are not alone! It would be my honor to support you, your child and/or your family with insight and guidance that will yield stability & healing! I have experience working w/ clients who struggle with anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, unhealthy attachment/relational issues, self-harm behavior and/or behavioral issues.
I have extensive experience utilizing CBT, DBT, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), TF-IPT, TF-CBT, Mindfulness & traditional play therapy modes.
Hi! Welcome to your journey in finding the right therapist for yourself or your loved one. You are likely here because you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts, behaviors or emotions that are overwhelming. You are not alone! It would be my honor to support you, your child and/or your family with insight and guidance that will yield stability & healing! I have experience working w/ clients who struggle with anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, unhealthy attachment/relational issues, self-harm behavior and/or behavioral issues.
(916) 249-9465 View (916) 249-9465
Photo of Danielle Heitman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle Heitman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I believe that valuable therapeutic work can only be done with a strong and trusting relationship between client and therapist. I work to create a safe and comfortable environment in which you can truly show up as yourself, and know that you will be accepted and seen just as you are. My approach is warm and authentic. I want therapy to be so much more than me sitting in front of you and asking “...how does that make you feel?” If you’re interested in integrating art, play, movement, music, sand tray, or spiritual practices into our work - let’s do it! We all deserve to take up space in ways that feel good.
I believe that valuable therapeutic work can only be done with a strong and trusting relationship between client and therapist. I work to create a safe and comfortable environment in which you can truly show up as yourself, and know that you will be accepted and seen just as you are. My approach is warm and authentic. I want therapy to be so much more than me sitting in front of you and asking “...how does that make you feel?” If you’re interested in integrating art, play, movement, music, sand tray, or spiritual practices into our work - let’s do it! We all deserve to take up space in ways that feel good.
(707) 348-4861 View (707) 348-4861
Photo of Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, MEd, BCBA
Manvel Ter-Pogosyan
MEd, BCBA
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Aura promotes a naturalistic, play-based and assent-based approach to ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment.
Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, BCBA, is the CEO of Aura Behavioral Health. Aura is a healthcare group founded and led by clinicians who share the goal of fostering hope for children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. We hold a firm belief that all clients are deserving of a better quality of life despite their cultural, developmental or socioeconomic background.
Aura promotes a naturalistic, play-based and assent-based approach to ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment.
Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, BCBA, is the CEO of Aura Behavioral Health. Aura is a healthcare group founded and led by clinicians who share the goal of fostering hope for children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. We hold a firm belief that all clients are deserving of a better quality of life despite their cultural, developmental or socioeconomic background.
(747) 223-8589 View (747) 223-8589
Photo of Sue Ciminelli, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue Ciminelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
As a credentialed art therapist, I often use art and play therapy when working with children, adolescents and families.
I have been a therapist for over thirty years and have had the opportunity to work with many different clients and circumstances along the way. I provide therapy for adults, adolescents, children, and families. I am constantly amazed by the strength and perseverance of my clients and I greatly appreciate that they allow me into their lives so that we may work through their challenges together. In particular, I have worked extensively with children and parents, many of divorced families. My adult clients are often dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and childhood issues.
As a credentialed art therapist, I often use art and play therapy when working with children, adolescents and families.
I have been a therapist for over thirty years and have had the opportunity to work with many different clients and circumstances along the way. I provide therapy for adults, adolescents, children, and families. I am constantly amazed by the strength and perseverance of my clients and I greatly appreciate that they allow me into their lives so that we may work through their challenges together. In particular, I have worked extensively with children and parents, many of divorced families. My adult clients are often dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and childhood issues.
(916) 378-6574 View (916) 378-6574
Photo of Dennis Hollingsworth, LMFT, CADC-ll, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dennis Hollingsworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC-ll
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
Other models used include Solution Focused, Developmental, Family Systems, Narrative and Play.
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
Other models used include Solution Focused, Developmental, Family Systems, Narrative and Play.
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
(916) 435-6094 View (916) 435-6094
Photo of Daniel Cisneros, MS, LPCC, NCC
Daniel Cisneros
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
The theories and treatment practices I use include Solution Focused Counseling, Humanistic/Person-Centered Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and Mindfulness Interventions.
I believe that you are your own personal expert and there is no one who knows you better than you know yourself. Despite this, however, there are times in life when you might feel defeated, are going through hardships, feel like life is too difficult and you need someone to help you to find your way. I myself have felt this way in the past and am grateful for that needed that extra support and encouragement. As a caring, empathetic person and counselor I truly enjoy helping my clients rebuild their strengths and create greater resilience.
The theories and treatment practices I use include Solution Focused Counseling, Humanistic/Person-Centered Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and Mindfulness Interventions.
I believe that you are your own personal expert and there is no one who knows you better than you know yourself. Despite this, however, there are times in life when you might feel defeated, are going through hardships, feel like life is too difficult and you need someone to help you to find your way. I myself have felt this way in the past and am grateful for that needed that extra support and encouragement. As a caring, empathetic person and counselor I truly enjoy helping my clients rebuild their strengths and create greater resilience.
(916) 570-6756 View (916) 570-6756
Photo of Renee Bond, LPCC
Renee Bond
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Highly trained in mindfulness, EMDR therapeutic art making and processing, therapeutic play and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Being a human is hard. Sometimes we need a little help to get back on track to our truest self. Together we will forge a powerful partnership learning new tools creating a safe intentional way of being. If you’re a sensitive and probably overwhelmed human ready for a reset, this is the place for you.
Highly trained in mindfulness, EMDR therapeutic art making and processing, therapeutic play and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Being a human is hard. Sometimes we need a little help to get back on track to our truest self. Together we will forge a powerful partnership learning new tools creating a safe intentional way of being. If you’re a sensitive and probably overwhelmed human ready for a reset, this is the place for you.
(530) 627-2196 View (530) 627-2196
Photo of Stephanie Beermann - Stephanie Beermann, LMFT, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Beermann, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95834
Whether it be art, cognitive behavioral, play, sand tray or talk therapy, I tailor the treatment to each individual that I work with.
I look to create a safe space for my clients, whether it be children, adolescents, adults, families or couples to support progress towards mental health. I enjoy working with a diverse population of individuals and supporting them on their paths. I consider any I spend with clients an honor and privilege. It is not easy to share with others. I work to provide a validating experience for my clients while also remaining attuned to their emotions and needs. I provide Brainspotting, Experiential, CBT, Insight-Oriented and other somatic interventions.
Whether it be art, cognitive behavioral, play, sand tray or talk therapy, I tailor the treatment to each individual that I work with.
I look to create a safe space for my clients, whether it be children, adolescents, adults, families or couples to support progress towards mental health. I enjoy working with a diverse population of individuals and supporting them on their paths. I consider any I spend with clients an honor and privilege. It is not easy to share with others. I work to provide a validating experience for my clients while also remaining attuned to their emotions and needs. I provide Brainspotting, Experiential, CBT, Insight-Oriented and other somatic interventions.
(530) 394-3040 View (530) 394-3040
Photo of Kathryn Taylor, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathryn Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
For children, play and art are a vital part of the therapy process.
The search for a therapist often begins at the point when the pain and struggle outweigh the capacity to cope on your own. Whether the search for a therapist is for yourself or your child, to work on a specific challenge or to work through years of challenges, finding relief from the pain and struggle and a path for growth is often the end goal. My intention is to function as a compassionate guide to find the answers within you, perhaps buried under stress and trauma responses which allowed you to survive to this point in your journey.
For children, play and art are a vital part of the therapy process.
The search for a therapist often begins at the point when the pain and struggle outweigh the capacity to cope on your own. Whether the search for a therapist is for yourself or your child, to work on a specific challenge or to work through years of challenges, finding relief from the pain and struggle and a path for growth is often the end goal. My intention is to function as a compassionate guide to find the answers within you, perhaps buried under stress and trauma responses which allowed you to survive to this point in your journey.
(530) 232-4799 View (530) 232-4799
Photo of Maayan Bick | Individual + Relational Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maayan Bick | Individual + Relational Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I am trained in inner-child work, EMDR, art/ play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am passionate about helping deep feelers and thinkers (from children to adults) live a life of meaning and fulfillment by: learning strategies on how to manage emotions, cope with existential dread, navigate changing relational roles and identities, and build resiliency during times of uncertainty, transition, and stress. My empathetic nature plays a role in my therapeutic style. I collaboratively work with those who experience emotional instability due to to anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, attachment injuries, heartbreak, CPTSD, and grief.
I am trained in inner-child work, EMDR, art/ play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am passionate about helping deep feelers and thinkers (from children to adults) live a life of meaning and fulfillment by: learning strategies on how to manage emotions, cope with existential dread, navigate changing relational roles and identities, and build resiliency during times of uncertainty, transition, and stress. My empathetic nature plays a role in my therapeutic style. I collaboratively work with those who experience emotional instability due to to anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, attachment injuries, heartbreak, CPTSD, and grief.
(424) 230-8698 View (424) 230-8698
Katheryn Whittaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95829
My therapeutic practices include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy, Neurofeedback, Play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
My therapeutic practices include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy, Neurofeedback, Play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
(341) 888-7284 View (341) 888-7284
Photo of Kristin Kaminski, PsyD, Psychologist
Kristin Kaminski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819
I have specialized training and experience in Neuropsychology, Pediatric Psychology, Play Therapy and Attachment, Redecision and experiential interventions, and the use of DBT in both group and individual therapy.
My goal is to help individuals and families in crisis. I have 4 areas of passion. I love working with children, teenagers, and their parents. My second area of passion is working with narcissistic recovery and survivors of narcissistic relationships (both adults and children). Third, working with my clients to rewire their brains and change emotional reactions. I integrate experiential interventions, mindfulness, coping, and other tools in both individual adult and adolescent therapy. Finally, I enjoy neuropsychological and psychological assessments for all age groups.
I have specialized training and experience in Neuropsychology, Pediatric Psychology, Play Therapy and Attachment, Redecision and experiential interventions, and the use of DBT in both group and individual therapy.
My goal is to help individuals and families in crisis. I have 4 areas of passion. I love working with children, teenagers, and their parents. My second area of passion is working with narcissistic recovery and survivors of narcissistic relationships (both adults and children). Third, working with my clients to rewire their brains and change emotional reactions. I integrate experiential interventions, mindfulness, coping, and other tools in both individual adult and adolescent therapy. Finally, I enjoy neuropsychological and psychological assessments for all age groups.
(916) 265-2209 View (916) 265-2209
Photo of Allison Hass, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Allison Hass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95829  (Online Only)
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Art, Sand Tray, & Play Therapy in my work.
Now Accepting New Clients age 15+ Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Are you struggling to manage/cope with other life stressors/challenges? You have come courageously to the right place.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Art, Sand Tray, & Play Therapy in my work.
Now Accepting New Clients age 15+ Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Are you struggling to manage/cope with other life stressors/challenges? You have come courageously to the right place.
(916) 472-2625 View (916) 472-2625
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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.