Play Therapy in Boerne, TX
![Photo of Paula Mokry With Genesis Counseling, MS, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74dbc325-6837-4393-8193-9e12b5e25a0f/4/320x400.jpeg)
Paula Mokry With Genesis Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I provide confidential therapy to adults, couples, adolescents, and children. I offer an open-minded and non-judgmental approach to my clients when everyday problems become too overwhelming to handle on their own. I create a warm relaxing environment so clients feel comfortable exploring their situation and together we can find solutions. I am open to seeing either just the individual or incorporating members of the family to help achieve the best outcome through therapy. When working with children, I often use play therapy techniques including art therapy to help children express their feelings through play.
I provide confidential therapy to adults, couples, adolescents, and children. I offer an open-minded and non-judgmental approach to my clients when everyday problems become too overwhelming to handle on their own. I create a warm relaxing environment so clients feel comfortable exploring their situation and together we can find solutions. I am open to seeing either just the individual or incorporating members of the family to help achieve the best outcome through therapy. When working with children, I often use play therapy techniques including art therapy to help children express their feelings through play.
![Photo of Jessica Calderon, MA, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc4cd98-0c3e-42cb-8dd5-2bce4cbb8844/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Calderon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boerne, TX 78006
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a variety of modalities in therapy such as mindfulness, EMDR, and play therapy.
I enjoy working with adults, children and families who are struggling with life's transitions. The most important aspect of counseling is the relationship that I will build with you. It is through this relationship that change occurs. I will collaborate with you to identify an approach that fits best with your goals. I will use your strengths as building blocks in the counseling process. I will walk with you through the process of change and healing. If you are feeling stuck or ready to make changes in your life please consider reaching out to schedule a consultation.
I offer a variety of modalities in therapy such as mindfulness, EMDR, and play therapy.
I enjoy working with adults, children and families who are struggling with life's transitions. The most important aspect of counseling is the relationship that I will build with you. It is through this relationship that change occurs. I will collaborate with you to identify an approach that fits best with your goals. I will use your strengths as building blocks in the counseling process. I will walk with you through the process of change and healing. If you are feeling stuck or ready to make changes in your life please consider reaching out to schedule a consultation.
![Photo of Tiffany Kory, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a378d56e-64b0-4b70-ab43-f8c7d73591d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Tiffany Kory, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor serving Boerne and surrounding areas. I specialize in working with children and teens ages 3-17, divorced families, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral regulation concerns.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Tiffany Kory, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor serving Boerne and surrounding areas. I specialize in working with children and teens ages 3-17, divorced families, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral regulation concerns.
![Photo of Amanda Blanco-Milke, MS, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ade7b56-a12a-4792-a494-638c4cda7b57/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Blanco-Milke
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate , MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I offer individual therapy for all ages and play therapy for children.
My name is Amanda Blanco-Milke, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, under the supervision of Dr. Kate Halinski, LPC-S. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the United States Military Academy at West Point. I am an Army Veteran and I have experience working with children and adolescents, young adults, and families in the nonprofit sector. I am trained in Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care.
I offer individual therapy for all ages and play therapy for children.
My name is Amanda Blanco-Milke, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, under the supervision of Dr. Kate Halinski, LPC-S. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the United States Military Academy at West Point. I am an Army Veteran and I have experience working with children and adolescents, young adults, and families in the nonprofit sector. I am trained in Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care.
![Photo of Mina O'Connell - Mina O'Connell, MS, LMFT, PLLC, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f303f01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mina O'Connell, MS, LMFT, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006 (Online Only)
Children are offered various media to enhance communication and healing through play, sand tray, puppets, art, and crafts.
Are you looking for direction and support at a difficult time? You are most likely on a path to healthy growth and development, but are just hurting along the way. I recognize and value the courage and trust it takes to seek insight, and believe you can achieve your best functioning through focused goals. We can work to help you identify your goals and develop strategies to reach them within the context of your most important relationships. You don't have to give up on improving your health and the important relationships in your life!
Children are offered various media to enhance communication and healing through play, sand tray, puppets, art, and crafts.
Are you looking for direction and support at a difficult time? You are most likely on a path to healthy growth and development, but are just hurting along the way. I recognize and value the courage and trust it takes to seek insight, and believe you can achieve your best functioning through focused goals. We can work to help you identify your goals and develop strategies to reach them within the context of your most important relationships. You don't have to give up on improving your health and the important relationships in your life!
![Photo of Heidi Renee Conlin - Heidi Conlin with Genesis Counseling Center, MS, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35f8ad1a-5d18-4b34-b259-0a7070865378/7/320x400.jpeg)
Heidi Conlin with Genesis Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
My experiences include counseling diverse populations of families, couples, and individuals, practicing play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy with children, working with depression, eating disorders, anxiety and other disorders.
I provide affordable counseling to couples, adults, adolescents and children. I recognize that it is difficult to talk with a stranger about problems and therefore, I strive to see my clients' problems through their eyes. I am open minded in order to create a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere for change. I help my clients make small changes to their lives in order to achieve bigger goals.
My experiences include counseling diverse populations of families, couples, and individuals, practicing play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy with children, working with depression, eating disorders, anxiety and other disorders.
I provide affordable counseling to couples, adults, adolescents and children. I recognize that it is difficult to talk with a stranger about problems and therefore, I strive to see my clients' problems through their eyes. I am open minded in order to create a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere for change. I help my clients make small changes to their lives in order to achieve bigger goals.
![Photo of Dr. Kate Halinski, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/268f8100-f4d8-41ca-858d-9ee763621183/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kate Halinski
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boerne, TX 78006
I also offer Texas LPC supervision as well as RPT, CCPT and CPRT supervision to counselors seeking play therapy certifications.
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents and teens struggling with trauma, anxiety or depression utilizing play therapy and expressive art techniques. With 20 years of counseling experience, I work collaboratively with parents and guardians to teach creative and effective parenting strategies to improve family relationships. If you are looking for a place to feel supported and challenged in a non-judgmental and accepting way, please consider my counseling services.
I also offer Texas LPC supervision as well as RPT, CCPT and CPRT supervision to counselors seeking play therapy certifications.
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents and teens struggling with trauma, anxiety or depression utilizing play therapy and expressive art techniques. With 20 years of counseling experience, I work collaboratively with parents and guardians to teach creative and effective parenting strategies to improve family relationships. If you are looking for a place to feel supported and challenged in a non-judgmental and accepting way, please consider my counseling services.
![Photo of Christopher K Stewart - Stewart Counseling & Inspire One, PLLC, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22803171-9c9c-4d63-aef2-a3c1b5476141/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stewart Counseling & Inspire One, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I engage children 3 to 14 years of age in play therapy activities and parental coaching that builds self-confidence, reduces impulsivity and manages interpersonal stress.
I believe the greatest resource for securing a brighter tomorrow begins today by inspiring people to fulfill their potential. Stewart Counseling is professional counseling for families, couples, children and adolescents who believe in taking action toward a flourishing life. Play therapy is generally employed with children 3 through 14 years of age and provides a way for children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Parent support groups revitalize the art of inspiring independent, self-motivated children and adolescent's fulfillment of their potential in the world.
I engage children 3 to 14 years of age in play therapy activities and parental coaching that builds self-confidence, reduces impulsivity and manages interpersonal stress.
I believe the greatest resource for securing a brighter tomorrow begins today by inspiring people to fulfill their potential. Stewart Counseling is professional counseling for families, couples, children and adolescents who believe in taking action toward a flourishing life. Play therapy is generally employed with children 3 through 14 years of age and provides a way for children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Parent support groups revitalize the art of inspiring independent, self-motivated children and adolescent's fulfillment of their potential in the world.
![Photo of Patricia L Mcnaught - Family Changes Play Therapy Clinic, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf8318e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Family Changes Play Therapy Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boerne, TX 78006
The three Play therapy rooms provide children with the opportunity to express their feelings and obtain a sense of mastery over their fears.
Welcome to the Family Changes Play Therapy Clinic. The Clinic specializes in play, art, and sand play therapy, to address the psychosocial, emotional and behavioral difficulties that young children, adolescents, and families experience at various stages of life. Many of these result from the loss of relationships and adjustment issues related to death, divorce, stepfamilies, and adoption.
The three Play therapy rooms provide children with the opportunity to express their feelings and obtain a sense of mastery over their fears.
Welcome to the Family Changes Play Therapy Clinic. The Clinic specializes in play, art, and sand play therapy, to address the psychosocial, emotional and behavioral difficulties that young children, adolescents, and families experience at various stages of life. Many of these result from the loss of relationships and adjustment issues related to death, divorce, stepfamilies, and adoption.
![Photo of April Brown, PhD, LPS-S, RPT-S, CCPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edbbcffd-8631-4ab5-bd8a-86c24912fb83/1/320x400.jpeg)
April Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPS-S, RPT-S, CCPT-S
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I specialize in Play Therapy and hold a doctorate degree in Counseling from University of North Texas, the top ranked play therapy program.
I provide play therapy services to children under eight, with a specialization in children three to six. Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. If you are concerned about your child's behavior, developmental challenges, or disruptions in the parent- child relationship, play therapy is the recommended approach to help your child. I also offer a variety of services to enhance the parent-child dynamic including expressive art therapy, sand tray, behavioral consultation and family therapy. No matter the issue I will offer encouragement and support in an accepting environment.
I specialize in Play Therapy and hold a doctorate degree in Counseling from University of North Texas, the top ranked play therapy program.
I provide play therapy services to children under eight, with a specialization in children three to six. Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. If you are concerned about your child's behavior, developmental challenges, or disruptions in the parent- child relationship, play therapy is the recommended approach to help your child. I also offer a variety of services to enhance the parent-child dynamic including expressive art therapy, sand tray, behavioral consultation and family therapy. No matter the issue I will offer encouragement and support in an accepting environment.
![Photo of Anna Wong, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d1346b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with individuals, families, & couples, but most of my experience is in working with teenagers. I utilize different theories and techniques, and work to develop age appropriate treatment plans, objectives, and goals in order to help the individual and their family to overcome their difficulties, and reach their optimal potential. In working with children, I utilize play therapy, which allows for children to use their natural language of play to express themselves, and to work through their problems. Let's work together towards your future! E-mail me today at annawongtherapy@gmail.com.
I have experience working with individuals, families, & couples, but most of my experience is in working with teenagers. I utilize different theories and techniques, and work to develop age appropriate treatment plans, objectives, and goals in order to help the individual and their family to overcome their difficulties, and reach their optimal potential. In working with children, I utilize play therapy, which allows for children to use their natural language of play to express themselves, and to work through their problems. Let's work together towards your future! E-mail me today at annawongtherapy@gmail.com.
![Photo of Yvonne Briones Elias, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff8c510-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize play therapy with children to facilitate process and communication and employ cognitive behavioral tools while working closely with parents and families.
I am a clinical psychologist with experience over twenty plus years providing family, couples, and individual counseling, play therapy, psychological assessment, and bilingual (English/Spanish) services to a client base spanning from young children to adolescents and adults. My extensive experience as a clinician and diagnostician includes working with ADHD, trauma, PTSD, anxiety based problems, depression, relational concerns, sports related concerns, and anger management, contributing to my approach to counseling grounded in the premise that the therapeutic relationship is essential in gaining meaning and resolving the conflicts that arise within our human experience.
I utilize play therapy with children to facilitate process and communication and employ cognitive behavioral tools while working closely with parents and families.
I am a clinical psychologist with experience over twenty plus years providing family, couples, and individual counseling, play therapy, psychological assessment, and bilingual (English/Spanish) services to a client base spanning from young children to adolescents and adults. My extensive experience as a clinician and diagnostician includes working with ADHD, trauma, PTSD, anxiety based problems, depression, relational concerns, sports related concerns, and anger management, contributing to my approach to counseling grounded in the premise that the therapeutic relationship is essential in gaining meaning and resolving the conflicts that arise within our human experience.
![Photo of Roberta M. Williams, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4841facc-b2b5-4fd7-8215-3e286baafddb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Roberta M. Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
She is also a professional artist with experience in expressive arts therapies as well as play therapy.
Counseling and therapy can provide new hope, helping clients discover or redefine the path to achieving goals and bringing deeper meaning to their lives. Roberta believes that each person is unique, with individual purposes and gifts. She works well with individuals, children, adolescents and families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other integrative therapeutic techniques from a holistic perspective. Roberta has done extensive postgraduate work in art therapy and often utilizes expressive arts therapies and play therapy to help clients work through difficulties and trauma.
She is also a professional artist with experience in expressive arts therapies as well as play therapy.
Counseling and therapy can provide new hope, helping clients discover or redefine the path to achieving goals and bringing deeper meaning to their lives. Roberta believes that each person is unique, with individual purposes and gifts. She works well with individuals, children, adolescents and families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other integrative therapeutic techniques from a holistic perspective. Roberta has done extensive postgraduate work in art therapy and often utilizes expressive arts therapies and play therapy to help clients work through difficulties and trauma.
![Photo of Phi-Long Le - Into the Roots Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d154421-6f41-450e-a7b7-a2961f19ff3a/8/320x400.png)
Into the Roots Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Boerne, TX 78006
We utilize multiple approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, client/child-centered therapy, and also play therapy.
Are you ready to dig deeper with us? We strive to build strong relationships and help dig deeper 'into the roots' of any challenges that you or your family may be experiencing. Our goal is to ensure that all parties feel connected throughout the treatment process as this contributes positively to the progress in and outside of therapy. We pride ourselves on how quick and efficient our setup process is. Whether or not we are the right service for you, we promise to give you a response and strive to make you feel less-alone in your searching process. Our therapists are ready to be a part of your journey.
We utilize multiple approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, client/child-centered therapy, and also play therapy.
Are you ready to dig deeper with us? We strive to build strong relationships and help dig deeper 'into the roots' of any challenges that you or your family may be experiencing. Our goal is to ensure that all parties feel connected throughout the treatment process as this contributes positively to the progress in and outside of therapy. We pride ourselves on how quick and efficient our setup process is. Whether or not we are the right service for you, we promise to give you a response and strive to make you feel less-alone in your searching process. Our therapists are ready to be a part of your journey.
![Photo of Emiley Goulet, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/982a58f3-0eb9-4538-8123-57f05e81bd19/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe it is a very positive step for someone to seek therapy. Let me help you with some of the difficult challenges we all deal with in life. I have worked previously with clients in the community/school setting counseling clients between the ages of 3-17 and their families. I have helped children and families suffering from grief, depression, dysfunctional family dynamics, anger issues, low self esteem, school challenges, interpersonal issues, and challenging life circumstances.
I believe it is a very positive step for someone to seek therapy. Let me help you with some of the difficult challenges we all deal with in life. I have worked previously with clients in the community/school setting counseling clients between the ages of 3-17 and their families. I have helped children and families suffering from grief, depression, dysfunctional family dynamics, anger issues, low self esteem, school challenges, interpersonal issues, and challenging life circumstances.
![Photo of Donna Carrasco, MA, LPC, NCC, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23423108-7548-43ad-80f7-7ca702d86b20/1/320x400.jpeg)
Donna Carrasco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CART
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006 (Online Only)
I love counseling. It is an honor for me to help people walk through difficult seasons in life. I love seeing people healed and stronger on the other side of of these difficult seasons. I work with all ages, individuals, and couples.
I love counseling. It is an honor for me to help people walk through difficult seasons in life. I love seeing people healed and stronger on the other side of of these difficult seasons. I work with all ages, individuals, and couples.
![Photo of Katelyn Sullins, LPC-A, EMDR, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/338c342e-330e-40b9-9006-3156869053ed/2/320x400.jpeg)
My life was drastically changed when I started therapy. If you’re seeking freedom, understanding, growth, or simply to feel better, we probably beat to the same drum. It truly is my honor and privilege to sit with you in your hard. We were never meant to journey alone. The clients I tend to work with are processing through grief/life transition, relationship struggles and attachment issues. Most of my clients want to live a free-er fuller life not weighed down by the decisions they've made or what others have done to them.
My life was drastically changed when I started therapy. If you’re seeking freedom, understanding, growth, or simply to feel better, we probably beat to the same drum. It truly is my honor and privilege to sit with you in your hard. We were never meant to journey alone. The clients I tend to work with are processing through grief/life transition, relationship struggles and attachment issues. Most of my clients want to live a free-er fuller life not weighed down by the decisions they've made or what others have done to them.
![Photo of Karen B Ohnheiser-Reischlng, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a68ccd3-dedf-49f6-832a-f10ca2fe98ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen B Ohnheiser-Reischlng
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006 (Online Only)
My goal as counselor is to help individuals navigate through life. I have extensive experience with working with families, children and adults. I specialize in relationships, grief and trauma. I have 20 years of experience working in the field of counseling.
My goal as counselor is to help individuals navigate through life. I have extensive experience with working with families, children and adults. I specialize in relationships, grief and trauma. I have 20 years of experience working in the field of counseling.
![Photo of Mary Toups, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0258d037-4a7c-48b5-9e8e-fa89505ad296/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I’m Mary Toups. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 23 years of clinical experience. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression and anxiety. I utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Brief Solution focused therapy.
Hello, I’m Mary Toups. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 23 years of clinical experience. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression and anxiety. I utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Brief Solution focused therapy.
![Photo of Kaity Garcia, MS, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df4edc8c-3bc3-4664-bcec-08911c265c4a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kaity Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boerne, TX 78006
The thought of therapy can be new, scary, exciting, intimidating, relieving - whatever you might be feeling I'm so glad you're here! My hope is that when you step into my office you feel safe, valued, and heard. If you’re in a season of life you’re unsure how to navigate through, find yourself exhausted from trying to keep everything together, or have a child who needs a place to process and heal, I’d love the opportunity to come alongside and support you through it!
The thought of therapy can be new, scary, exciting, intimidating, relieving - whatever you might be feeling I'm so glad you're here! My hope is that when you step into my office you feel safe, valued, and heard. If you’re in a season of life you’re unsure how to navigate through, find yourself exhausted from trying to keep everything together, or have a child who needs a place to process and heal, I’d love the opportunity to come alongside and support you through it!
See more therapy options for Boerne
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Boerne
- Alamo Heights
- Bulverde
- Castle Hills
- Converse
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Garden Ridge
- Helotes
- Leon Valley
- Live Oak
- San Antonio
- Shavano Park
- Spring Branch
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.