Play Therapy in Millburn, NJ

Photo of Ann Diaco, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ann Diaco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
I utilize a play therapy based model as play is vital part of children’s lives.
My goal is to help families as they navigate challenging times with their children. I have a passion for working with children and supporting their social and emotional growth. I also understand parents need support and guidance as they strive to raise healthy and well adjusted children. I work with children helping them to learn skills to identify their feelings, cope with their emotions, gain positive self-esteem and most importantly build positive relationships.
I utilize a play therapy based model as play is vital part of children’s lives.
My goal is to help families as they navigate challenging times with their children. I have a passion for working with children and supporting their social and emotional growth. I also understand parents need support and guidance as they strive to raise healthy and well adjusted children. I work with children helping them to learn skills to identify their feelings, cope with their emotions, gain positive self-esteem and most importantly build positive relationships.
(862) 328-5231 View (862) 328-5231
Photo of Angelika Burdzy - Angelika Burdzy: Adults, Kids and Teens, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelika Burdzy: Adults, Kids and Teens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I specialize in stress management, anger management, impulse control, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. I work with adults and teens, I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches. With children, a mix of play therapy and parenting strategies are used. I am currently offering short-term therapy as I will be on leave starting in mid-August. I am a great choice for teachers, departing college students, or anyone seeking to make an impact with shorter therapy. See if I am accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team
I specialize in stress management, anger management, impulse control, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. I work with adults and teens, I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches. With children, a mix of play therapy and parenting strategies are used. I am currently offering short-term therapy as I will be on leave starting in mid-August. I am a great choice for teachers, departing college students, or anyone seeking to make an impact with shorter therapy. See if I am accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team
(973) 381-1884 View (973) 381-1884
Photo of Colleen Powers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Colleen Powers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
I have twenty years of clinical experience working with children, families, and adults, and I utilize a blend of therapeutic models, including cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, psychodynamic, and family systems therapy while incorporating play and art interventions with my youngest clients in order to best serve each individual's needs.
Oct 2024: Openings in Hoboken available! My ultimate goal is to help you, your child or teen, and/or your family develop resiliency, strengthen relationships, reconnect with your possibilities, and learn new ways of handling the stresses and challenges facing us today. Utilizing a strength-based, client-centered approach, we will work together to develop meaningful goals and work towards them in a collaborative way in order to decrease stress, learn new coping skills, and develop flexible ways of handling life's ups and downs.
I have twenty years of clinical experience working with children, families, and adults, and I utilize a blend of therapeutic models, including cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, psychodynamic, and family systems therapy while incorporating play and art interventions with my youngest clients in order to best serve each individual's needs.
Oct 2024: Openings in Hoboken available! My ultimate goal is to help you, your child or teen, and/or your family develop resiliency, strengthen relationships, reconnect with your possibilities, and learn new ways of handling the stresses and challenges facing us today. Utilizing a strength-based, client-centered approach, we will work together to develop meaningful goals and work towards them in a collaborative way in order to decrease stress, learn new coping skills, and develop flexible ways of handling life's ups and downs.
(201) 371-4184 View (201) 371-4184
Photo of Megan A Brown, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Megan A Brown
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise in play therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, behavior therapy, treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders including PRT and DIR-Floortime, and I provide parent support and family therapy.
As a child therapist and mother of three, I empathize with the wide range of feelings, questions, and transitions parents experience daily. In my practice, I help parents with their toddlers, preschoolers, school age children, and teenagers who may be struggling with questions about development, appropriate behavior, social skills, academics, anxiety, depression, ASD, and a wide array of complex issues. Together, we work collaboratively toward a deeper understanding of the issues and begin to solve them. Human connection is the most important factor in improving behavior, mood, and overall development! In the spirit of collaboration, we will work together to make lasting positive changes.
I have expertise in play therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, behavior therapy, treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders including PRT and DIR-Floortime, and I provide parent support and family therapy.
As a child therapist and mother of three, I empathize with the wide range of feelings, questions, and transitions parents experience daily. In my practice, I help parents with their toddlers, preschoolers, school age children, and teenagers who may be struggling with questions about development, appropriate behavior, social skills, academics, anxiety, depression, ASD, and a wide array of complex issues. Together, we work collaboratively toward a deeper understanding of the issues and begin to solve them. Human connection is the most important factor in improving behavior, mood, and overall development! In the spirit of collaboration, we will work together to make lasting positive changes.
(973) 928-7074 View (973) 928-7074
Photo of Nathan Hilton, PsyD, Psychologist
Nathan Hilton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I use both play and talk therapy to understand what their symptoms might mean, and what can be done to alleviate them.
Welcome to my practice. I have found that developing inner resources such as curiosity, empathy and courage allows people to love more generously and to tolerate the rigors of intimacy more joyfully. These qualities naturally provide patients with new ways of dealing with life's problems, thereby reducing symptoms of distress. I believe that the process of therapy can cultivate a rich appreciation for how the past may be recreated in the present; I encourage the identification of patterns of relationships that bind people to familiar, often negative, ways of experiencing themselves and the world.
I use both play and talk therapy to understand what their symptoms might mean, and what can be done to alleviate them.
Welcome to my practice. I have found that developing inner resources such as curiosity, empathy and courage allows people to love more generously and to tolerate the rigors of intimacy more joyfully. These qualities naturally provide patients with new ways of dealing with life's problems, thereby reducing symptoms of distress. I believe that the process of therapy can cultivate a rich appreciation for how the past may be recreated in the present; I encourage the identification of patterns of relationships that bind people to familiar, often negative, ways of experiencing themselves and the world.
(908) 838-0810 View (908) 838-0810
Photo of Danielle A. Wiesen, PsyD, Psychologist
Danielle A. Wiesen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
My therapeutic approach with children and their families utilizes play therapy, bibliotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
I would like to introduce myself to you and familiarize you with my practice. I treat children, adolescents and their families who are feeling anxious, sad, frustrated and irritable. Bringing children to treatment at a young age provides them with a safe place to express their feelings. Early involvement in therapy allows children the opportunity to develop coping strategies at a young age that they can use throughout their lifetime. I have an expertise in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders for children, adolescents and their families.
My therapeutic approach with children and their families utilizes play therapy, bibliotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
I would like to introduce myself to you and familiarize you with my practice. I treat children, adolescents and their families who are feeling anxious, sad, frustrated and irritable. Bringing children to treatment at a young age provides them with a safe place to express their feelings. Early involvement in therapy allows children the opportunity to develop coping strategies at a young age that they can use throughout their lifetime. I have an expertise in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders for children, adolescents and their families.
(908) 522-6610 View (908) 522-6610
Photo of Michelle Lodato, MSW, LSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Lodato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
Play therapy can be beneficial to help children learn more coping mechanisms in a comfortable environment where they don't feel like they are even working.
Change is HARD. Period. Through therapy we will work together to bring about change for your life. If stress, anxiety, or depression is keeping you down we will work to strengthen your coping mechanisms so that you feel empowered to bring about change, to feel happy. Feeling stuck? One little movement can create a ripple effect in other aspects of your world such as school, work, marriage, and relationships. New and healthier habits await you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ) can help. We can do it together.
Play therapy can be beneficial to help children learn more coping mechanisms in a comfortable environment where they don't feel like they are even working.
Change is HARD. Period. Through therapy we will work together to bring about change for your life. If stress, anxiety, or depression is keeping you down we will work to strengthen your coping mechanisms so that you feel empowered to bring about change, to feel happy. Feeling stuck? One little movement can create a ripple effect in other aspects of your world such as school, work, marriage, and relationships. New and healthier habits await you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ) can help. We can do it together.
(973) 447-4982 View (973) 447-4982
Photo of Kara S. Jablonka, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kara S. Jablonka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
My style is open and collaborative, mostly using talk, play and emotion-focused therapy modalities.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you hoping to improve your coping skills? Perhaps you need help making yourself a priority in your own life. Searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming task. The good news is that you are looking for help, which is often the first step toward positive change. Most people come to me wanting to feel happier, more fulfilled and balanced in their lives. Common issues include problems related to parenting, peers, school or work.
My style is open and collaborative, mostly using talk, play and emotion-focused therapy modalities.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you hoping to improve your coping skills? Perhaps you need help making yourself a priority in your own life. Searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming task. The good news is that you are looking for help, which is often the first step toward positive change. Most people come to me wanting to feel happier, more fulfilled and balanced in their lives. Common issues include problems related to parenting, peers, school or work.
(908) 490-6180 View (908) 490-6180
Photo of Laurence J Horowitz, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laurence J Horowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I see children, adolescents, and emerging young adults. Clients I see face challenges including but not limited to anxiety, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, identity exploration, or difficulties in social relationships. I provide a safe and supportive space where my clients and their parents can express themselves, find acceptance, and work toward success. Through the therapeutic process, we develop coping strategies for improving communication skills, fostering self-acceptance, achieving overall emotional well-being, and an overall more cohesive family system. For children, I specialize in child-centered play therapy, utilizing a
I see children, adolescents, and emerging young adults. Clients I see face challenges including but not limited to anxiety, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, identity exploration, or difficulties in social relationships. I provide a safe and supportive space where my clients and their parents can express themselves, find acceptance, and work toward success. Through the therapeutic process, we develop coping strategies for improving communication skills, fostering self-acceptance, achieving overall emotional well-being, and an overall more cohesive family system. For children, I specialize in child-centered play therapy, utilizing a
(201) 597-0565 View (201) 597-0565
Photo of Rosanna De Jesus, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rosanna De Jesus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
I utilize play therapy, creative arts, person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed care in my practice.
Every child has an innate ability to heal and master many of the difficulties they encounter, but at times they need special help to aid them through it.
I utilize play therapy, creative arts, person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed care in my practice.
Every child has an innate ability to heal and master many of the difficulties they encounter, but at times they need special help to aid them through it.
(973) 382-9437 View (973) 382-9437
Photo of Adam Hom - Adam Hom: Kids and Teens, BS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Adam Hom: Kids and Teens
Pre-Licensed Professional, BS
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I love connecting with kids, teens, and young adults to navigate life’s journey, whether it's anxiety, depression, or academic and social challenges. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team.
I love connecting with kids, teens, and young adults to navigate life’s journey, whether it's anxiety, depression, or academic and social challenges. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team.
(862) 407-5243 View (862) 407-5243
Photo of Parin Kamdar, PsyD, Psychologist
Parin Kamdar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
My interventions are drawn from cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), psychodynamic, and family systems approaches. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, ADHD and related learning disabilities, developmental disorders, personality disorders, and family conflict. I also have extensive experience working with eating disorders through intensive internship and fellowship placements at The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia and Florida. I am well versed in the administration and interpretation of comprehensive psychological assessments. I work with clients across the lifespan helping to optimize inherent strengths to better cope with the demands of their academic, social, professional, and family contexts.
My interventions are drawn from cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), psychodynamic, and family systems approaches. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, ADHD and related learning disabilities, developmental disorders, personality disorders, and family conflict. I also have extensive experience working with eating disorders through intensive internship and fellowship placements at The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia and Florida. I am well versed in the administration and interpretation of comprehensive psychological assessments. I work with clients across the lifespan helping to optimize inherent strengths to better cope with the demands of their academic, social, professional, and family contexts.
(973) 453-2305 View (973) 453-2305
Photo of Summer Brown - Summer Brown; Couples, Adults, Teens, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Summer Brown; Couples, Adults, Teens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
I love supporting young women of color, queer individuals and couples, and young professionals as they gain insight into their family’s generational patterns, heal from trauma, set boundaries, develop healthy sexual lives, and answer the question “who am I living for?” I welcome clients who identify as gender, sexual and racial minorities including non-monogamous and queer couples. I draw on things like art, music, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method couples counseling, and mindfulness techniques. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team
I love supporting young women of color, queer individuals and couples, and young professionals as they gain insight into their family’s generational patterns, heal from trauma, set boundaries, develop healthy sexual lives, and answer the question “who am I living for?” I welcome clients who identify as gender, sexual and racial minorities including non-monogamous and queer couples. I draw on things like art, music, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method couples counseling, and mindfulness techniques. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team
(908) 495-7698 View (908) 495-7698
Photo of Jodi Fox, LCSW, MSW, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jodi Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
Life can sometimes be difficult, stressful and overwhelming. Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem can get in the way of life goals. Working with a compassionate and non-judgmental therapist can help you gain insight into destructive patterns in your life that hold you back from moving forward. I am a warm and optimistic therapist who can help you gain confidence and address challenges, leading to a more satisfying life.
Life can sometimes be difficult, stressful and overwhelming. Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem can get in the way of life goals. Working with a compassionate and non-judgmental therapist can help you gain insight into destructive patterns in your life that hold you back from moving forward. I am a warm and optimistic therapist who can help you gain confidence and address challenges, leading to a more satisfying life.
(973) 435-4319 View (973) 435-4319
Photo of Cassidy Ratti - Cassidy Ratti: Youth, Adults, and Couples, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassidy Ratti: Youth, Adults, and Couples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I love to work with and support youth, adults, and couples. I help clients to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment issues. I focus on social/emotional challenges and strengthening family relationships. In my experiences working with youth, I focus on building emotional regulation skills, CBT efforts, and behavior modification goals. When working with adults, I take a mindfulness approach and include motivational interviewing and assertiveness training. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team.
I love to work with and support youth, adults, and couples. I help clients to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment issues. I focus on social/emotional challenges and strengthening family relationships. In my experiences working with youth, I focus on building emotional regulation skills, CBT efforts, and behavior modification goals. When working with adults, I take a mindfulness approach and include motivational interviewing and assertiveness training. See if I'm accepting new clients and book online at www.resolutioncc.com/team.
(862) 407-5450 View (862) 407-5450
Photo of Marie Geron - Marie Geron PhD Millburn Short Hills Psychological, PhD, Psychologist
Marie Geron PhD Millburn Short Hills Psychological
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
Welcome to a warm, professional, caring discreet practice. Psychological evaluation, diagnosis, treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families. Our psychological therapy and life coaching, with confidential, secure concierge-like attention to all patients. Each person's therapeutic goals are tailored to concerns surrounding lifestyle-personal growth, parenting, relationship, infidelity, infertility, marital, school IEP academic/social issues, death/loss, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, court/legal/medical,pre/post divorce, identity issues, phobias ,fears, and anger management using psychological therapy.
Welcome to a warm, professional, caring discreet practice. Psychological evaluation, diagnosis, treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families. Our psychological therapy and life coaching, with confidential, secure concierge-like attention to all patients. Each person's therapeutic goals are tailored to concerns surrounding lifestyle-personal growth, parenting, relationship, infidelity, infertility, marital, school IEP academic/social issues, death/loss, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, court/legal/medical,pre/post divorce, identity issues, phobias ,fears, and anger management using psychological therapy.
(973) 921-0200 View (973) 921-0200
Photo of Ann Niles, PsyD, Psychologist
Ann Niles
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
Whether your reason for seeking therapy at this time is specific, or you're just feeling stuck or overwhelmed - I welcome the conversation. As a licensed clinical psychologist for 20+ years, I have worked with adult clients of all ages providing individual and couples therapy. I help clients from a diversity of backgrounds and lifestyles who are struggling with major transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or loss, sexuality and gender identity, intimacy and communication, and parenting or care taking. Having worked in schools and with children in private for many years, I also offer parent consultation and recommendations.
Whether your reason for seeking therapy at this time is specific, or you're just feeling stuck or overwhelmed - I welcome the conversation. As a licensed clinical psychologist for 20+ years, I have worked with adult clients of all ages providing individual and couples therapy. I help clients from a diversity of backgrounds and lifestyles who are struggling with major transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or loss, sexuality and gender identity, intimacy and communication, and parenting or care taking. Having worked in schools and with children in private for many years, I also offer parent consultation and recommendations.
(973) 564-1964 View (973) 564-1964
Photo of Ronnie P Stern, MA,  , EdS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ronnie P Stern
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, , EdS
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
Most of the families or individuals coming to me over the years have hit a rough patch of circumstances --- or a life cycle period that presents challenges for them.
Most of the families or individuals coming to me over the years have hit a rough patch of circumstances --- or a life cycle period that presents challenges for them.
(973) 218-6001 View (973) 218-6001
Photo of Meredith Carleton, PsyD, ATR, Psychologist
Meredith Carleton
Psychologist, PsyD, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
My Name is Dr. Meredith Carleton, and I am a Licensed Psychologist and Registered Creative Arts Therapist. I offer my clients a warm and welcoming environment that promotes connection and growth. My treatment style is very eclectic, integrating psychodynamic and family systems fundamentals with creative techniques and cognitive behavioral (CBT) interventions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and other mood issues, as well as trauma, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. I serve clients across the lifespan, with additional expertise in issues relevant to children, adolescents, emerging adults (age 18-25) and LGBTQ individuals.
My Name is Dr. Meredith Carleton, and I am a Licensed Psychologist and Registered Creative Arts Therapist. I offer my clients a warm and welcoming environment that promotes connection and growth. My treatment style is very eclectic, integrating psychodynamic and family systems fundamentals with creative techniques and cognitive behavioral (CBT) interventions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and other mood issues, as well as trauma, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. I serve clients across the lifespan, with additional expertise in issues relevant to children, adolescents, emerging adults (age 18-25) and LGBTQ individuals.
(973) 718-9845 View (973) 718-9845
Photo of Rebecca Walsman - Rebecca Walsman:  Kids 3+, Teens, Parent Support, LSW, LMSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Walsman: Kids 3+, Teens, Parent Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
There are few things worse as a parent than worrying about what you see in your child’s life and not knowing how to help them. Whether you are dealing with tantrums, outbursts, difficulty going to sleep, focus issues, homework drama, learning disabilities, difficulty with transitions, social anxiety, or academic / school performance anxiety, I can help. I collaborate closely with parents to engage your child in session as they learn how to calm themselves, focus, and behave in the ways that will help them have strong relationships with others. Book a free 15 minute consult with me this week: cultivatetherapyteam.clientsecure.me/
There are few things worse as a parent than worrying about what you see in your child’s life and not knowing how to help them. Whether you are dealing with tantrums, outbursts, difficulty going to sleep, focus issues, homework drama, learning disabilities, difficulty with transitions, social anxiety, or academic / school performance anxiety, I can help. I collaborate closely with parents to engage your child in session as they learn how to calm themselves, focus, and behave in the ways that will help them have strong relationships with others. Book a free 15 minute consult with me this week: cultivatetherapyteam.clientsecure.me/
(862) 343-9935 View (862) 343-9935
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.