Play Therapy in Melbourne, FL

Photo of Elana Breiner, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elana Breiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
Waitlist for new clients
For children, I incorporate CBT into play techniques.
Sometimes we need support from a non-biased professional in a safe, calm environment. If you'd like to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, interact with others, or re-train your thought processes to have more self-control, I am happy to help!
For children, I incorporate CBT into play techniques.
Sometimes we need support from a non-biased professional in a safe, calm environment. If you'd like to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, interact with others, or re-train your thought processes to have more self-control, I am happy to help!
(321) 234-0523 View (321) 234-0523
Photo of Audrey Jean Jones, MS, RMHCI
Audrey Jean Jones
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MS, RMHCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
My specialties include healing through play therapy, expressive arts, sandtray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and I am an EMDRIA approved clinician for trauma treatment through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
As a mindfulness-based clinician, I serve individuals, couples, families, and children. It is my intention to guide clients in growing beyond the conflicts that initiated therapy. Often times, people embark on therapy, unknowing why problems persist. Therapy is a journey in which I intend to assist clients in uncovering the unknowns to create a more meaningful life, to better navigate life stressors/unexpected events, and increase confidence in decision making. With intervention and therapeutic alliance, we will work together to reduce the internal conflicts that may contribute to the external problems.
My specialties include healing through play therapy, expressive arts, sandtray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and I am an EMDRIA approved clinician for trauma treatment through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
As a mindfulness-based clinician, I serve individuals, couples, families, and children. It is my intention to guide clients in growing beyond the conflicts that initiated therapy. Often times, people embark on therapy, unknowing why problems persist. Therapy is a journey in which I intend to assist clients in uncovering the unknowns to create a more meaningful life, to better navigate life stressors/unexpected events, and increase confidence in decision making. With intervention and therapeutic alliance, we will work together to reduce the internal conflicts that may contribute to the external problems.
(321) 290-1606 View (321) 290-1606
Photo of Mary Alice Green, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Mary Alice Green
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32940
Individual and family meetings using play and behavior therapy, filial therapy, anxiety management / relaxation and cognitive behavioral interventions.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 1992, serving adults, children and their families. Over 30 yrs experience specializing in children and adolescent issues: school, behavioral, anxiety/mood disorders, special needs, ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum disorders) and developmental delays. Internship completed at Devereux Children's Hospital working with Autism Spectrum and behavioral disorders. Experienced working in-home and schools with children and families regarding abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, attachment disorders and behavioral issues. Coordinated on-site counseling programs for children and families in schools and home
Individual and family meetings using play and behavior therapy, filial therapy, anxiety management / relaxation and cognitive behavioral interventions.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 1992, serving adults, children and their families. Over 30 yrs experience specializing in children and adolescent issues: school, behavioral, anxiety/mood disorders, special needs, ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum disorders) and developmental delays. Internship completed at Devereux Children's Hospital working with Autism Spectrum and behavioral disorders. Experienced working in-home and schools with children and families regarding abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, attachment disorders and behavioral issues. Coordinated on-site counseling programs for children and families in schools and home
(321) 766-8115 x112 View (321) 766-8115 x112
Photo of Ilene A Scharf - Ilene A. Scharf, MSW, LCSW, Child Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ilene A. Scharf, MSW, LCSW, Child Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32940
So depending upon what they present, I may use non-directive or directive play therapy or art therapy.
I work exclusively with children aging 18 months to 18 years. I have been treating children in private practice for over 24 years. I treat ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Depression, Grief/Loss due to death, separation/divorce or deployment, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), verbal, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. I have extensive training and experience in treating children of separating & divorcing parents. I work with divorcing parents and their children in the Collaborative Divorce process. I provide them with insight and the tools to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
So depending upon what they present, I may use non-directive or directive play therapy or art therapy.
I work exclusively with children aging 18 months to 18 years. I have been treating children in private practice for over 24 years. I treat ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Depression, Grief/Loss due to death, separation/divorce or deployment, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), verbal, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. I have extensive training and experience in treating children of separating & divorcing parents. I work with divorcing parents and their children in the Collaborative Divorce process. I provide them with insight and the tools to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
(321) 574-6353 View (321) 574-6353
Photo of Cassie Norsworthy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassie Norsworthy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32901
Waitlist for new clients
The therapy modalities I most often utilize are cognitive behavioral, solution focused, trauma focused, mindfulness based, strengths based, and play therapies.
Hello! Are you wanting to feel better? Or maybe your child or teen is having some difficulties and could use someone outside of the family to talk with. I am here to help! I work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. My areas of expertise include grief and loss, emotional regulation, behavior management, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Prior to my current role, my professional experience includes 5 years of child and adolescent therapy and 3 years of grief counseling with adults and seniors.
The therapy modalities I most often utilize are cognitive behavioral, solution focused, trauma focused, mindfulness based, strengths based, and play therapies.
Hello! Are you wanting to feel better? Or maybe your child or teen is having some difficulties and could use someone outside of the family to talk with. I am here to help! I work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. My areas of expertise include grief and loss, emotional regulation, behavior management, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Prior to my current role, my professional experience includes 5 years of child and adolescent therapy and 3 years of grief counseling with adults and seniors.
(321) 342-3259 View (321) 342-3259
Photo of Susan M Whitney, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Susan M Whitney
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32904
I incorporate several techniques including person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), play/art therapy, solution focused, and mindfulness to help you feel more compassionate toward yourself and others.
Life can be difficult, unfair, and unpredictable. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious or having difficulty facing life transitions. Everyone needs a little support once in a while. You do not have to face your challenges alone. Together, we can find a way to make new meaning of your life; change behaviors that leave you feeling disconnected, lost or alone; and focus on your personal strengths and goals. I will work alongside you to help you understand yourself better and learn new ways of thinking about your life and yourself.
I incorporate several techniques including person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), play/art therapy, solution focused, and mindfulness to help you feel more compassionate toward yourself and others.
Life can be difficult, unfair, and unpredictable. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious or having difficulty facing life transitions. Everyone needs a little support once in a while. You do not have to face your challenges alone. Together, we can find a way to make new meaning of your life; change behaviors that leave you feeling disconnected, lost or alone; and focus on your personal strengths and goals. I will work alongside you to help you understand yourself better and learn new ways of thinking about your life and yourself.
(321) 218-5841 View (321) 218-5841
Photo of Diliana Polanco - Salix Behavioral and Wellness Services, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Salix Behavioral and Wellness Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32904
Our therapists incorporate CBT, DBT, Mindfulness skills, Art and Play therapy among other interventions to help you gain effective coping strategies for life's challenges, improved relationships and communication skills and enhance self-awareness and confidence.
Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow. Do you have a child with ASD or ADHD who struggles with depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with trauma, PTSD, grief, stress related issues, family problems, relationship issues or feeling stuck in life? Our therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. We individualize treatment to client's specific needs, helping you gain clarity and understanding of yourself and your goals.
Our therapists incorporate CBT, DBT, Mindfulness skills, Art and Play therapy among other interventions to help you gain effective coping strategies for life's challenges, improved relationships and communication skills and enhance self-awareness and confidence.
Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow. Do you have a child with ASD or ADHD who struggles with depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with trauma, PTSD, grief, stress related issues, family problems, relationship issues or feeling stuck in life? Our therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. We individualize treatment to client's specific needs, helping you gain clarity and understanding of yourself and your goals.
(321) 323-7264 View (321) 323-7264
Photo of Kimberly Hintz, MA, ITDS , CHT, LMHC-I
Kimberly Hintz
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA, ITDS , CHT, LMHC-I
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32901
Kimberly specializes in working with children, teens, and women covering a variety of issues. ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, and Womens are just a few areas she specializes in. Kimberly is a Neurodiversity Affirmating therapist that believes treatment should be centered on a client's strengths, not their weaknesses. Kimberly's approach is to serve client needs through a holistic and client centered approach that fosters hope and recovery. Kimberly utilizes evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and EFT (tapping), hypnotherapy, and brainspotting.
Kimberly specializes in working with children, teens, and women covering a variety of issues. ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, and Womens are just a few areas she specializes in. Kimberly is a Neurodiversity Affirmating therapist that believes treatment should be centered on a client's strengths, not their weaknesses. Kimberly's approach is to serve client needs through a holistic and client centered approach that fosters hope and recovery. Kimberly utilizes evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and EFT (tapping), hypnotherapy, and brainspotting.
(321) 635-0701 View (321) 635-0701
Photo of Joseph Mathew Burton, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Joseph Mathew Burton
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32935
It takes a lot of courage to admit you need help, but it's the first step. Can't seem to find joy in your life? Feeling overwhelmed or chronically anxious? Feeling stigmatized, broken, unstable, different, or pessimistic about life? Allow me to help you or your child learn new tools to navigate distress and chronic stress in life. I'm trained to address sudden stressors, chronic stress, and prior traumas that continue to emotionally paralyze one years after the event, through talk therapy, DBT, activity therapy or EMDR. Let me help you learn new tools and strategies to reduce your symptoms, grow as a person, and find happiness.
It takes a lot of courage to admit you need help, but it's the first step. Can't seem to find joy in your life? Feeling overwhelmed or chronically anxious? Feeling stigmatized, broken, unstable, different, or pessimistic about life? Allow me to help you or your child learn new tools to navigate distress and chronic stress in life. I'm trained to address sudden stressors, chronic stress, and prior traumas that continue to emotionally paralyze one years after the event, through talk therapy, DBT, activity therapy or EMDR. Let me help you learn new tools and strategies to reduce your symptoms, grow as a person, and find happiness.
(352) 571-1868 View (352) 571-1868
Photo of Tracey Leigh Spradling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tracey Leigh Spradling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32935
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I work with individuals, couples, adolescents and young children in many areas from life adjustments and stress to academic and behavior issues. I offer an approach that is tailored to the needs of the individual. I strive to provide an environment where the client feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and discover within themselves a healthier approach to life's difficulties.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I work with individuals, couples, adolescents and young children in many areas from life adjustments and stress to academic and behavior issues. I offer an approach that is tailored to the needs of the individual. I strive to provide an environment where the client feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and discover within themselves a healthier approach to life's difficulties.
(321) 684-7047 x266 View (321) 684-7047 x266
Photo of Prof. Tammy M Lajoie - Tammy Lajoie Therapeutic Behavior Health Wellness , MA, NASMBCS, ACT, TF-CBT, PRELMHC
Tammy Lajoie Therapeutic Behavior Health Wellness
MA, NASMBCS, ACT, TF-CBT, PRELMHC
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32940
Lifes unique journey requires empowering souls to understand their triggers and need for healthy coping skills and addressing concerns. I believe counseling helps individuals better understand their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, while discovering and implementing more effective communication and interaction skills. Counseling is a professional therapeutic relationship and I am dedicated to helping all individuals who struggle. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, adjustment, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, trauma, chronic illness and diagnosis, relationships, and social factors, together we can make progress.
Lifes unique journey requires empowering souls to understand their triggers and need for healthy coping skills and addressing concerns. I believe counseling helps individuals better understand their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, while discovering and implementing more effective communication and interaction skills. Counseling is a professional therapeutic relationship and I am dedicated to helping all individuals who struggle. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, adjustment, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, trauma, chronic illness and diagnosis, relationships, and social factors, together we can make progress.
(321) 257-2674 View (321) 257-2674
Photo of Stephanie Byrd, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Byrd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32901
Whether you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a different direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. You can look forward to sessions that are catered to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family creating balance, connection, clarity, and purpose.
Whether you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a different direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. You can look forward to sessions that are catered to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family creating balance, connection, clarity, and purpose.
(321) 800-2641 View (321) 800-2641
Photo of Dr. Megan L Scharett, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Megan L Scharett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32935
Let's make change happen together. We will strive to free you from the past or present concerns that have been holding you back and move you toward a better future. We will set goals and work to meet each of them. A sense of trust and understanding will be developed in order to establish a safe, comfortable, therapeutic environment. You will find that I will provide you the encouragement, motivation, and desire to create meaningful and lasting change in your life. My calm and warm demeanor coupled with cognitive behavioral techniques make my office the place to be.
Let's make change happen together. We will strive to free you from the past or present concerns that have been holding you back and move you toward a better future. We will set goals and work to meet each of them. A sense of trust and understanding will be developed in order to establish a safe, comfortable, therapeutic environment. You will find that I will provide you the encouragement, motivation, and desire to create meaningful and lasting change in your life. My calm and warm demeanor coupled with cognitive behavioral techniques make my office the place to be.
(407) 512-6294 View (407) 512-6294
Photo of Laurie Paquette, PhD, QS-MHC, Psychologist
Laurie Paquette
Psychologist, PhD, QS-MHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
Accepting New Testing Cases only! You're probably here because something in your life isn't going as well as you'd like. Tired of being stuck at home, feeling more alone, isolated from friends and loved ones. These are challenging times and taking care of your mental health needs is important. I have 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and more. Let me help you feel better and lead a happier, healthier life! Thanks for reading my profile, I look forward to seeing you soon.
Accepting New Testing Cases only! You're probably here because something in your life isn't going as well as you'd like. Tired of being stuck at home, feeling more alone, isolated from friends and loved ones. These are challenging times and taking care of your mental health needs is important. I have 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and more. Let me help you feel better and lead a happier, healthier life! Thanks for reading my profile, I look forward to seeing you soon.
(321) 221-5502 View (321) 221-5502
Photo of Michelle M. Hawks, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Michelle M. Hawks
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32901
Are you ready to live your best life, but feel overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure how to manage your life, your relationships, and your emotions? Does life feel inauthentic and unbalanced? When life feels this way, it may seem like the whole world is collapsing around you. Remaining complacent won't change the situation. The first step is taking action to change things.
Are you ready to live your best life, but feel overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure how to manage your life, your relationships, and your emotions? Does life feel inauthentic and unbalanced? When life feels this way, it may seem like the whole world is collapsing around you. Remaining complacent won't change the situation. The first step is taking action to change things.
(321) 244-3447 View (321) 244-3447
Photo of Marcy I Csuhran, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcy I Csuhran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32935
As of February, 2024, Marcy will be moving to offices located at 1600 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 201D, Melbourne, Florida, 32935. Marcy is accepting new clients.
As of February, 2024, Marcy will be moving to offices located at 1600 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 201D, Melbourne, Florida, 32935. Marcy is accepting new clients.
(321) 237-0228 View (321) 237-0228
Photo of Alan P. Smith, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alan P. Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940  (Online Only)
I have worked over 33 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with clients of all ages. Working extensively with individuals, couples, and their families addressing a variety of issues including but not limited to: ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce and serious mental health diagnoses. My commitment as a therapist has always been to achieve results in a safe environment for all my clients. My passion has been helping people becoming clear in what they want in life and realizing their potential.
I have worked over 33 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with clients of all ages. Working extensively with individuals, couples, and their families addressing a variety of issues including but not limited to: ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce and serious mental health diagnoses. My commitment as a therapist has always been to achieve results in a safe environment for all my clients. My passion has been helping people becoming clear in what they want in life and realizing their potential.
(321) 732-7366 View (321) 732-7366
Photo of Katie Ziskind, BS, MA, LMFT, RYT500, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Ziskind
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT, RYT500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32935
Are you fighting or arguing and feeling hopeless afterwards? Do you have a sexless marriage? Wishing you had more frequent sex? Wanting better communication skills, more intimacy and a better sex life? Are you stressed and frustrated with the state of your relationship and feeling sexually rejected, or avoiding sex all together? Stuck and needing help rebuilding sexual desire? It can be overwhelming without a safe place. I help distant couples rebuild their sex life. You get a safe place to talk about sex and intimacy in a confident and comfortable way. And, you can overcome anger, betrayal, secret keeping, and infidelity.
Are you fighting or arguing and feeling hopeless afterwards? Do you have a sexless marriage? Wishing you had more frequent sex? Wanting better communication skills, more intimacy and a better sex life? Are you stressed and frustrated with the state of your relationship and feeling sexually rejected, or avoiding sex all together? Stuck and needing help rebuilding sexual desire? It can be overwhelming without a safe place. I help distant couples rebuild their sex life. You get a safe place to talk about sex and intimacy in a confident and comfortable way. And, you can overcome anger, betrayal, secret keeping, and infidelity.
(727) 732-4947 View (727) 732-4947
Photo of Jennifer Wolf, PhD, Psychologist
Jennifer Wolf
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32940
My mission is to provide optimal psychological care to children, adolescents, adults and families. Services offered include individual and group therapy, consultation and marriage counseling. I have expertise in treating depression, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and marital discord. Therapy goals can include motivating to change, implementing behavioral strategies for children and increasing communication skills to build better relationships. I can help you identify your specific goals and work to reach them by utilizing cognitive strategies that train your brain to work for you.
My mission is to provide optimal psychological care to children, adolescents, adults and families. Services offered include individual and group therapy, consultation and marriage counseling. I have expertise in treating depression, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and marital discord. Therapy goals can include motivating to change, implementing behavioral strategies for children and increasing communication skills to build better relationships. I can help you identify your specific goals and work to reach them by utilizing cognitive strategies that train your brain to work for you.
(321) 339-0610 View (321) 339-0610
Photo of Karen Moorley, LMHC, Counselor
Karen Moorley
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32901
Are your issues impacting your functioning at home, work, school, and/or socially? An ideal client acknowledges a need for help and understands they cannot do it independently. They are ready and willing to make time in their busy schedule for therapy. They are committed and willing to do the work so that they can return to 'normal functioning.' They want to improve themselves to be better individuals and reach their full potential.
Are your issues impacting your functioning at home, work, school, and/or socially? An ideal client acknowledges a need for help and understands they cannot do it independently. They are ready and willing to make time in their busy schedule for therapy. They are committed and willing to do the work so that they can return to 'normal functioning.' They want to improve themselves to be better individuals and reach their full potential.
(321) 326-9133 View (321) 326-9133
1
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.