Play Therapy in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Photo of Ashley M Anderson, LCSW, RPT, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley M Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
At Playful Attachment Counseling, we use play therapy, sand tray, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and creative interventions to help clients understand their strengths, challenges, and desires.
I am an LCSW in Florida specializing in trauma-informed care and play therapy modalities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. As a parent to a young child, I am familiar with some of the struggles that come with navigating a family and maintaining a good sense of well-being. I am also an accredited Triple P (positive parenting program) provider so I can assist many parents (new or veterans) with challenges they may be having in the home as well.
At Playful Attachment Counseling, we use play therapy, sand tray, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and creative interventions to help clients understand their strengths, challenges, and desires.
I am an LCSW in Florida specializing in trauma-informed care and play therapy modalities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. As a parent to a young child, I am familiar with some of the struggles that come with navigating a family and maintaining a good sense of well-being. I am also an accredited Triple P (positive parenting program) provider so I can assist many parents (new or veterans) with challenges they may be having in the home as well.
(561) 468-3835 View (561) 468-3835
Photo of Cynthia Lubin Nicolas, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC, LMHC-QS, Counselor
Cynthia Lubin Nicolas
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC, LMHC-QS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
I use various approaches, including Child-Centered play therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Family Therapy model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other targeted interventions and strategies.
I work with individuals, couples, children, and their families who are struggling with transitional life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting, and trauma. I also work with clients dealing with abandonment and issues that they have due to childhood and recent traumas, including grief and loss issues and transition. I was born in Haiti and moved to the U.S when I was 12 years old, so I have a clear understanding of the struggles of transition and adaptation. In addition, I am a qualified supervisor for registered mental health interns.
I use various approaches, including Child-Centered play therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Family Therapy model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other targeted interventions and strategies.
I work with individuals, couples, children, and their families who are struggling with transitional life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting, and trauma. I also work with clients dealing with abandonment and issues that they have due to childhood and recent traumas, including grief and loss issues and transition. I was born in Haiti and moved to the U.S when I was 12 years old, so I have a clear understanding of the struggles of transition and adaptation. In addition, I am a qualified supervisor for registered mental health interns.
(561) 448-6864 View (561) 448-6864
Photo of Christ-Centered Counseling- Dr. Daniela Castiblanco, EdD, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Christ-Centered Counseling- Dr. Daniela Castiblanco
Counselor, EdD, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418  (Online Only)
We are a whole world. Therapy is about mapping out, traveling to, and learning from all of the places we have inside of us. We can choose the places we call home, the places we visit sometimes, and the places we bring closure to as time goes on. My job as a therapist is to help you explore how your life experiences, influential relationships, and core beliefs continue to play a part in your everyday life. I’ve found that if we can work together to visit uncomfortable places long enough to find calm and to start to look around, we’ll see that every life event has important insight to keep present as we live out new experiences.
We are a whole world. Therapy is about mapping out, traveling to, and learning from all of the places we have inside of us. We can choose the places we call home, the places we visit sometimes, and the places we bring closure to as time goes on. My job as a therapist is to help you explore how your life experiences, influential relationships, and core beliefs continue to play a part in your everyday life. I’ve found that if we can work together to visit uncomfortable places long enough to find calm and to start to look around, we’ll see that every life event has important insight to keep present as we live out new experiences.
(561) 783-8797 View (561) 783-8797
Photo of Kelly Everson, PsyD, Psychologist
Kelly Everson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
I have over 15 years of experience in working with children, adolescents and families in the Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida area. I have worked in schools, hospitals and residential treatment settings. I am leading groups for adolescents and see children and adolescents individually and with their families. I work from a family perspective and believe that children and adolescents live, work and play in a larger system that must often be involved in treatment.
I have over 15 years of experience in working with children, adolescents and families in the Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida area. I have worked in schools, hospitals and residential treatment settings. I am leading groups for adolescents and see children and adolescents individually and with their families. I work from a family perspective and believe that children and adolescents live, work and play in a larger system that must often be involved in treatment.
(561) 536-3041 View (561) 536-3041
Photo of Hanna Gibbons, Pre-Licensed Professional
Hanna Gibbons
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
As a therapist, I specialize in young adults, teens, and children, using developmentally appropriate and play-based interventions to teach effective coping strategies.
I work with young adults, teens, or children who are looking to explore their thoughts and feelings through engaging, creative therapeutic activities. Comfort in an authentic and joyful environment is important, as is a focus on validation, safety, and connection. I focus on addressing the child's, teens, or adults individual needs during therapy, ensuring that each session is personalized and not based on a rigid agenda.
As a therapist, I specialize in young adults, teens, and children, using developmentally appropriate and play-based interventions to teach effective coping strategies.
I work with young adults, teens, or children who are looking to explore their thoughts and feelings through engaging, creative therapeutic activities. Comfort in an authentic and joyful environment is important, as is a focus on validation, safety, and connection. I focus on addressing the child's, teens, or adults individual needs during therapy, ensuring that each session is personalized and not based on a rigid agenda.
(561) 782-4744 View (561) 782-4744
Photo of Laura B Levin, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist
Laura B Levin
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
For younger children, I use play to facilitate self-expression and understanding.
My practice includes individual, couple, and family therapy. I believe therapy offers a unique opportunity for personal growth so that one can be better equipped to lead a more satisfying and productive life. Within the context of a warm yet challenging space, I help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their conflicts and difficulties, change self-defeating behaviors, and develop healthy coping skills. My clients and I work together to sort through their experiences both past and present to gain insight into their experiences and relational patterns. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be transformative.
For younger children, I use play to facilitate self-expression and understanding.
My practice includes individual, couple, and family therapy. I believe therapy offers a unique opportunity for personal growth so that one can be better equipped to lead a more satisfying and productive life. Within the context of a warm yet challenging space, I help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their conflicts and difficulties, change self-defeating behaviors, and develop healthy coping skills. My clients and I work together to sort through their experiences both past and present to gain insight into their experiences and relational patterns. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be transformative.
(773) 302-0126 View (773) 302-0126
Photo of Christina Cheske Herwig, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Cheske Herwig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Other ares of focus: play therapy, teens, self esteem, marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, solution focused therapy, humanistic therapy, divorce, adoption and grief.
Life is messy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have 22 years experience helping clients cope with life's many struggles. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and live a life worth celebrating. While you can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
Other ares of focus: play therapy, teens, self esteem, marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, solution focused therapy, humanistic therapy, divorce, adoption and grief.
Life is messy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have 22 years experience helping clients cope with life's many struggles. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and live a life worth celebrating. While you can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
(561) 623-8216 View (561) 623-8216
Photo of Dr. Ana Luz R. Rashad, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Ana Luz R. Rashad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Some of my subspecialties include Gottman centered couples therapy, sex therapy, systemic family therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play therapy with children as young as four years old.
My name is Ana Luz R. Rashad and I am a couples and family therapist. I provide customized solution centered counseling to patients and families who are seeking to alleviate familial issues. I work with the whole family as well as with subsystems and individuals within the family. I specialize in supporting patients to develop coping mechanisms through self-awareness and improved communication.
Some of my subspecialties include Gottman centered couples therapy, sex therapy, systemic family therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play therapy with children as young as four years old.
My name is Ana Luz R. Rashad and I am a couples and family therapist. I provide customized solution centered counseling to patients and families who are seeking to alleviate familial issues. I work with the whole family as well as with subsystems and individuals within the family. I specialize in supporting patients to develop coping mechanisms through self-awareness and improved communication.
(561) 782-8593 View (561) 782-8593
Photo of Nicole Yehudai, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicole Yehudai
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults. I have experience with a variety of presenting concerns including Autism Spectrum diagnoses, trauma, severe emotional disturbances, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, bullying, oppositional concerns and adjustment disorders. I believe establishing and maintaining a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential for growth. I take an approach that combines play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family systems and behavior management strategies to gauge a client's current functioning and utilize their strengths to help promote growth.
I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults. I have experience with a variety of presenting concerns including Autism Spectrum diagnoses, trauma, severe emotional disturbances, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, bullying, oppositional concerns and adjustment disorders. I believe establishing and maintaining a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential for growth. I take an approach that combines play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family systems and behavior management strategies to gauge a client's current functioning and utilize their strengths to help promote growth.
(561) 567-0277 View (561) 567-0277
Photo of Tara McDonnell, LCSW, RPT-S, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara McDonnell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), I am one of the few therapists in Palm Beach County who specializes in working with children under 6, including those that have experienced trauma.
I founded Rising Lotus Therapy Center because my passion is providing the best quality mental health care for families. I believe the most important thing we can provide for our children is a strong foundation for a lifetime of mental health. To reach that goal, I provide developmentally-appropriate and trauma-sensitive Play Therapy for children under 10, including interventions that address attachment and infant and early childhood mental health,
As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), I am one of the few therapists in Palm Beach County who specializes in working with children under 6, including those that have experienced trauma.
I founded Rising Lotus Therapy Center because my passion is providing the best quality mental health care for families. I believe the most important thing we can provide for our children is a strong foundation for a lifetime of mental health. To reach that goal, I provide developmentally-appropriate and trauma-sensitive Play Therapy for children under 10, including interventions that address attachment and infant and early childhood mental health,
(561) 915-0401 View (561) 915-0401
Photo of Katy Bosso, PhD, Counselor
Katy Bosso
Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
I offer cognitive modalities, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help children find balance, solutions, and fulfillment.
I enjoy working with children, families, and adults to assist them in emotional and relational issues. One of my greatest passions is helping others achieve a deep sense of personal growth and to create a life for themselves that brings them joy, fulfillment, and a strong sense of purpose. I care deeply for my clients and really hear them. Reducing worry, improving mood, and helping clients reconnect authentically with themselves and others are some of my favorite goals. I help clients with issues such as past traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, shame, attachment, and low self-esteem.
I offer cognitive modalities, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help children find balance, solutions, and fulfillment.
I enjoy working with children, families, and adults to assist them in emotional and relational issues. One of my greatest passions is helping others achieve a deep sense of personal growth and to create a life for themselves that brings them joy, fulfillment, and a strong sense of purpose. I care deeply for my clients and really hear them. Reducing worry, improving mood, and helping clients reconnect authentically with themselves and others are some of my favorite goals. I help clients with issues such as past traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, shame, attachment, and low self-esteem.
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Photo of Erin McKinney, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin McKinney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
I utilize different therapeutic approaches to address internal and external areas within your life, while drawing from different evidenced-based interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I want to acknowledge your courage and celebrate you taking this step for yourself and your family. I am passionate about providing a safe and non-judgmental space to support others in the process of growing into their authentic self. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist that works with children, teens and adults on many different presenting issues; maternal mental health, trauma, parenting, anxiety, and life transitions. I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered interns for their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status.
I utilize different therapeutic approaches to address internal and external areas within your life, while drawing from different evidenced-based interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I want to acknowledge your courage and celebrate you taking this step for yourself and your family. I am passionate about providing a safe and non-judgmental space to support others in the process of growing into their authentic self. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist that works with children, teens and adults on many different presenting issues; maternal mental health, trauma, parenting, anxiety, and life transitions. I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered interns for their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status.
(321) 384-9045 View (321) 384-9045
Photo of Jennifer Hoskins-Tomko - Clarity Health Solutions, LCSW, MD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Clarity Health Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408
We have diverse skills as Psychotherapists, Play Therapists, and hypnotherapists.
We have deep empathy for our clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and life changes. We are hear to listen and be a non-judgmental way of helping you to maximize your time in sessions. We aren't going to let any time go to waste and want you to be successful in life without needing therapy long term.
We have diverse skills as Psychotherapists, Play Therapists, and hypnotherapists.
We have deep empathy for our clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and life changes. We are hear to listen and be a non-judgmental way of helping you to maximize your time in sessions. We aren't going to let any time go to waste and want you to be successful in life without needing therapy long term.
(561) 621-4631 View (561) 621-4631
Photo of Helya Ortiz - Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc., MS, LMHC, Counselor
Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc.
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
We provide play therapy and sand play therapy for young children; individual and family counseling for children and adolescents; adults, and elderly in the community.
Have you been thinking about seeing a therapist to ease emotional distress? Our therapists at Center for Trauma Counseling can help you overcome any obstacles to seeking help, meet your goals, and start your journey to emotional healing today. We work with young children, families, adolescents, and adults. We tailor our treatment approach to meet our clients' individual needs. We believe that by providing a safe compassionate space and effective tools, clients can resolve problems and find answers. We have highly qualified professionals including registered Play Therapists and Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)therapists on staff.
We provide play therapy and sand play therapy for young children; individual and family counseling for children and adolescents; adults, and elderly in the community.
Have you been thinking about seeing a therapist to ease emotional distress? Our therapists at Center for Trauma Counseling can help you overcome any obstacles to seeking help, meet your goals, and start your journey to emotional healing today. We work with young children, families, adolescents, and adults. We tailor our treatment approach to meet our clients' individual needs. We believe that by providing a safe compassionate space and effective tools, clients can resolve problems and find answers. We have highly qualified professionals including registered Play Therapists and Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)therapists on staff.
(561) 666-9037 View (561) 666-9037
Photo of Brian Chaitin, LMHC, Counselor
Brian Chaitin
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
What happens to intelligence, talent, passion and potential without direction or guidance? Typically not much.... What happens when these same qualities are cultivated and partnered with caring guidance and development? People can achieve their potential! They can have richer, more satisfying lives. I actively work to encourage, motivate, and challenge individuals and families to explore themselves and each other. Through this discovery, together we process and heal, leaving room for growth and development.
What happens to intelligence, talent, passion and potential without direction or guidance? Typically not much.... What happens when these same qualities are cultivated and partnered with caring guidance and development? People can achieve their potential! They can have richer, more satisfying lives. I actively work to encourage, motivate, and challenge individuals and families to explore themselves and each other. Through this discovery, together we process and heal, leaving room for growth and development.
(561) 286-8513 View (561) 286-8513
Photo of Matthew Snyder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
I am the Founder of Therapeutic Health Services located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. My goal is to provide clinical services for the greater Palm Beach County area. My extensive experience is in Substance Use Disorders, LGBTQ+, Aging Populations, Anxiety, Depression and Veteran Affairs. I have successfully worked with individuals, couples, and families and I have dedicated my time in clinical practice to developing useful tools for engagement while utilizing Evidenced Based Practices (EBP).
I am the Founder of Therapeutic Health Services located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. My goal is to provide clinical services for the greater Palm Beach County area. My extensive experience is in Substance Use Disorders, LGBTQ+, Aging Populations, Anxiety, Depression and Veteran Affairs. I have successfully worked with individuals, couples, and families and I have dedicated my time in clinical practice to developing useful tools for engagement while utilizing Evidenced Based Practices (EBP).
(561) 783-2624 View (561) 783-2624
Photo of Alison B. Bourdeau, PhD , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison B. Bourdeau
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
As a therapist, my focus is assisting individuals in maximizing their quality of life, via enhancing social and relational connections. I function from the perspective of neurodiversity, that there are variations in how our brains process and interpret information. Through identifying strengths, we can build a foundation to reach desired goals. I specialize in assisting individuals and their families in addressing needs related to the areas of social skills, behavioral needs, and school concerns. I also specialize in addressing topics of hygiene, body curiosity, sexual safety, and consent for individuals with ASD.
As a therapist, my focus is assisting individuals in maximizing their quality of life, via enhancing social and relational connections. I function from the perspective of neurodiversity, that there are variations in how our brains process and interpret information. Through identifying strengths, we can build a foundation to reach desired goals. I specialize in assisting individuals and their families in addressing needs related to the areas of social skills, behavioral needs, and school concerns. I also specialize in addressing topics of hygiene, body curiosity, sexual safety, and consent for individuals with ASD.
(561) 529-9552 View (561) 529-9552
Photo of Amanda Landry - Caring Therapists of Palm Beach Gardens, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, Counselor
Caring Therapists of Palm Beach Gardens
Counselor, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
We are here to help. If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of sadness, worry or stress, we are here to help you. Let us help you reduce your anxiety, heal your depression and reconnect your marriage with counseling at our practice. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in our treatment approach. We are located in Palm Beach Gardens. We provide individual counseling to children as young as 4 years old through teenage years. We offer individual counseling to adults who want to work on depression, anxiety, personality issues, codependency and substance abuse. We are trained in Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
We are here to help. If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of sadness, worry or stress, we are here to help you. Let us help you reduce your anxiety, heal your depression and reconnect your marriage with counseling at our practice. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in our treatment approach. We are located in Palm Beach Gardens. We provide individual counseling to children as young as 4 years old through teenage years. We offer individual counseling to adults who want to work on depression, anxiety, personality issues, codependency and substance abuse. We are trained in Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
(561) 821-2361 View (561) 821-2361
Photo of Lafayette E Jenkins, LMHC, NCC, CAMS-3, LPHA, Counselor
Lafayette E Jenkins
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, CAMS-3, LPHA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
I am a Board Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor that believes in science and faith. I believe that a person’s current thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors are determined and/or prescribed by past Experiences/Events of trauma, joy and pain. Experiences are stored in memories from the time that we are able to receive information; and transform into automatic thoughts and behaviors as various situations/conditions occur. An individual’s perceptions and evaluations of experiences affect how they manage current episodes of stress, anger, adversity, relationship problems, grief, trauma, low self-esteem and problems in living.
I am a Board Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor that believes in science and faith. I believe that a person’s current thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors are determined and/or prescribed by past Experiences/Events of trauma, joy and pain. Experiences are stored in memories from the time that we are able to receive information; and transform into automatic thoughts and behaviors as various situations/conditions occur. An individual’s perceptions and evaluations of experiences affect how they manage current episodes of stress, anger, adversity, relationship problems, grief, trauma, low self-esteem and problems in living.
(561) 316-4242 View (561) 316-4242
Photo of Michelle Jacobson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Jacobson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
Michelle Claster Jacobson LCSW- I graduated from Beaver College, renamed Arcadia University in 1982 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Music. After college I attended and graduated from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work in 1987 as an MSW with a clinical focus on children and families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience I have worked in schools, hospitals, residential treatment facilities and private practice.
Michelle Claster Jacobson LCSW- I graduated from Beaver College, renamed Arcadia University in 1982 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Music. After college I attended and graduated from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work in 1987 as an MSW with a clinical focus on children and families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience I have worked in schools, hospitals, residential treatment facilities and private practice.
(561) 316-2496 View (561) 316-2496
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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.