Play Therapy in Copperas Cove, TX

Photo of Elizabeth Brothers, MS, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Brothers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
Not accepting new clients
I have 9 years experience working with children and families. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer a unique service to children who have experienced trauma and help them through the use of play. I also enjoy working with teens and adults.
I have 9 years experience working with children and families. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer a unique service to children who have experienced trauma and help them through the use of play. I also enjoy working with teens and adults.
(972) 544-5321 View (972) 544-5321
Photo of Rena Maus, MS, MTS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rena Maus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MTS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
I'm here to help people needing support in navigating through life's difficult situations. Do you need help with personal growth, or guidance to feel more like your true self. My aim is to provide a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings to reach your goals. Sometimes talking or seeing things from a different point of view helps ideas fall into place. Natural supplements and coping skills assist with sleeping, pain, and emotional duress. Relationship problems tend to be eased by talking things through and using adapted materials in session and/or homework.
I'm here to help people needing support in navigating through life's difficult situations. Do you need help with personal growth, or guidance to feel more like your true self. My aim is to provide a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings to reach your goals. Sometimes talking or seeing things from a different point of view helps ideas fall into place. Natural supplements and coping skills assist with sleeping, pain, and emotional duress. Relationship problems tend to be eased by talking things through and using adapted materials in session and/or homework.
(254) 853-5058 View (254) 853-5058
Photo of Brenda Kay Gillespie, MA, MEd
Brenda Kay Gillespie
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
Brenda, a highly qualified professional with a master's degree in clinical mental health and a second master's in education, boasts an extensive 31-year career within the Texas public school system. Her wealth of experience spans 25 years as an educator in various capacities, including the classroom, ESL, and Special Education. Currently in her sixth year as a certified professional school counselor, Brenda holds the title of Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Daniel Helvetius, M.Ed., LPC-S, NCC.
Brenda, a highly qualified professional with a master's degree in clinical mental health and a second master's in education, boasts an extensive 31-year career within the Texas public school system. Her wealth of experience spans 25 years as an educator in various capacities, including the classroom, ESL, and Special Education. Currently in her sixth year as a certified professional school counselor, Brenda holds the title of Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Daniel Helvetius, M.Ed., LPC-S, NCC.
(254) 566-5198 View (254) 566-5198
Photo of Angela Marie Jourdain, MS, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Marie Jourdain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
Our office believes that access to counseling should be easy and comfortable. I personally try my best to never turn away a client, schedule immediately, and work with any financial barriers. Although I work with a variety of treatment goals and treatment modalities, I am known for my work with children, trauma experienced populations, relationship counseling, addictions, military and advocacy for community health. When working with children, I always involve the parents and I attempt to assess in a variety of settings to assure I have the entire picture. Counseling should feel comfortable and safe.
Our office believes that access to counseling should be easy and comfortable. I personally try my best to never turn away a client, schedule immediately, and work with any financial barriers. Although I work with a variety of treatment goals and treatment modalities, I am known for my work with children, trauma experienced populations, relationship counseling, addictions, military and advocacy for community health. When working with children, I always involve the parents and I attempt to assess in a variety of settings to assure I have the entire picture. Counseling should feel comfortable and safe.
(254) 280-0793 View (254) 280-0793

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cyndi Holder, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cyndi Holder
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Killeen, TX 76549  (Online Only)
I am a passionate professional with over twenty years of experience, the majority of which has been spent working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have a genuine, natural rapport with my clients and truly believe in the therapeutic process. I am excited to enter the telehealth platform to deliver counseling services. In my practice, I prefer to use a variety of counseling modalities depending on the age and needs of the client.
I am a passionate professional with over twenty years of experience, the majority of which has been spent working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have a genuine, natural rapport with my clients and truly believe in the therapeutic process. I am excited to enter the telehealth platform to deliver counseling services. In my practice, I prefer to use a variety of counseling modalities depending on the age and needs of the client.
(817) 790-9969 View (817) 790-9969
Photo of Katryn Melfi, MA, LPC-A, LMT
Katryn Melfi
LPC-Associate, MA, LPC-A, LMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Killeen, TX 76549
Join me in taking your first steps into counseling. I want to walk with you as you discover your strengths and work through difficulties that brought you here. I am a mindfulness and somatic based counselor who believes that our trauma and stress can be held within the body. Processing it in mindful ways aids us to moving on to greater things. Working at all stages of life, we face different demands and struggles. I work with couples and individuals based on their needs of the moment. I am also passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and helping others find a safe haven to feel better understood.
Join me in taking your first steps into counseling. I want to walk with you as you discover your strengths and work through difficulties that brought you here. I am a mindfulness and somatic based counselor who believes that our trauma and stress can be held within the body. Processing it in mindful ways aids us to moving on to greater things. Working at all stages of life, we face different demands and struggles. I work with couples and individuals based on their needs of the moment. I am also passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and helping others find a safe haven to feel better understood.
(254) 970-3550 View (254) 970-3550
Photo of Maricela Rubi Chapman - Maricela Chapman, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maricela Chapman, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Killeen, TX 76549
I've been in private practice since 2006. I make every effort to assist each client to live in the here and now in a healthy manner. I am motivated and continue to make every effort to effectively treat the following conditions and symptoms: Depression, Aniety, Panic Attacks, Emotional Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD and Conflict Resolution. I have worked with incarcerated juveniles, foster children, and adult men and women. I am a provider for many insurance companies and at times I operate on a sliding scale fee.
I've been in private practice since 2006. I make every effort to assist each client to live in the here and now in a healthy manner. I am motivated and continue to make every effort to effectively treat the following conditions and symptoms: Depression, Aniety, Panic Attacks, Emotional Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD and Conflict Resolution. I have worked with incarcerated juveniles, foster children, and adult men and women. I am a provider for many insurance companies and at times I operate on a sliding scale fee.
(254) 277-3341 View (254) 277-3341
Photo of Sally Louise Ray, JD, MA, LPC, Counselor
Sally Louise Ray
Counselor, JD, MA, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Killeen, TX 76549
Not accepting new clients
I have 17 years specialized training & experience in body-centered psychotherapies, working with trauma, post traumatic stress & moral injury. Neuroscience confirms trauma resides in the body; we know the body's wisdom guides the release of trauma perfectly with adequate safety, effective "witnessing," & mindful inner attention. Distressing thoughts, beliefs & social inhibition are the primary barriers to the body's ability to release trauma & re-wire the neurological system in a transformational process that decades of "talk therapy" could never accomplish. These powerful, highly effective interventions assure the debilitating effects of trauma are no longer something people must "live with."
I have 17 years specialized training & experience in body-centered psychotherapies, working with trauma, post traumatic stress & moral injury. Neuroscience confirms trauma resides in the body; we know the body's wisdom guides the release of trauma perfectly with adequate safety, effective "witnessing," & mindful inner attention. Distressing thoughts, beliefs & social inhibition are the primary barriers to the body's ability to release trauma & re-wire the neurological system in a transformational process that decades of "talk therapy" could never accomplish. These powerful, highly effective interventions assure the debilitating effects of trauma are no longer something people must "live with."
(512) 900-6190 View (512) 900-6190
Photo of Caron Palmer, MA, LMFT-S, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caron Palmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Hood, TX 76544
Not accepting new clients
Visit my website: www.caronpalmercounseling.com Through individual, couple, and child/family counseling, my desire is to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which you can deepen personal understanding and strengthen relationships. I approach therapy from an Attachment Theory model providing therapy for a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Treatment is personalized to you and your specific situation. Those currently in the military or who have served in the military often have unique challenges. I have had the privilege of working with military individuals and families for many years.
Visit my website: www.caronpalmercounseling.com Through individual, couple, and child/family counseling, my desire is to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which you can deepen personal understanding and strengthen relationships. I approach therapy from an Attachment Theory model providing therapy for a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Treatment is personalized to you and your specific situation. Those currently in the military or who have served in the military often have unique challenges. I have had the privilege of working with military individuals and families for many years.
(254) 212-4557 View (254) 212-4557

Online Therapists

Photo of Sally Fletcher, MA
Sally Fletcher
LPC Associate, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666
I build rapport quickly with kids and I am using in person Child-Centered Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy with 4-13 year olds.
You care so much about your child. They are your top priority. You may be at your wits end or nervous about what is going on with your child. You would do anything to see them happier and thriving in all areas of life. I've helped many families with behavioral, social, and emotional concerns. I help build coping, self esteem, and resilience skills. I believe in involving the parents and helping them learn new strategies because this will bring more lasting results for the child/teen. I finished my Bachelors in Counseling in 2000 and Graduate degree in Counseling in 2013. I have worked helping children for 19 years.
I build rapport quickly with kids and I am using in person Child-Centered Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy with 4-13 year olds.
You care so much about your child. They are your top priority. You may be at your wits end or nervous about what is going on with your child. You would do anything to see them happier and thriving in all areas of life. I've helped many families with behavioral, social, and emotional concerns. I help build coping, self esteem, and resilience skills. I believe in involving the parents and helping them learn new strategies because this will bring more lasting results for the child/teen. I finished my Bachelors in Counseling in 2000 and Graduate degree in Counseling in 2013. I have worked helping children for 19 years.
(512) 886-7203 View (512) 886-7203
Photo of Katie Purswell, PhD, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Purswell
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, TX 78666
With children, I offer child-centered play therapy, a developmentally appropriate and culturally inclusive approach that is backed by decades of research.
Welcome! Taking that first step to seek out help can be challenging, and I'm glad you are starting that journey. I work with adults, children, and teens who are looking for a place to explore how they can show up more authentically in the world. That might mean we work together toward you healing from past hurts or trauma, becoming more self-accepting, exploring past or new identities, finding ways to move through depression/anxiety, parenting more confidently, or helping your child access their full potential.
With children, I offer child-centered play therapy, a developmentally appropriate and culturally inclusive approach that is backed by decades of research.
Welcome! Taking that first step to seek out help can be challenging, and I'm glad you are starting that journey. I work with adults, children, and teens who are looking for a place to explore how they can show up more authentically in the world. That might mean we work together toward you healing from past hurts or trauma, becoming more self-accepting, exploring past or new identities, finding ways to move through depression/anxiety, parenting more confidently, or helping your child access their full potential.
(830) 244-6944 View (830) 244-6944
Photo of Reanna Owens, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Reanna Owens
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Since play is a child’s first language, sessions often encompass play therapy techniques, building pro-social competences and finding ways to create positive coping skills.
Hello, my name is Reanna Owens, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have served children, adolescents and families working at residential treatment centers, foster care, and various social service agencies. I am dedicated to working with children and their families to build the necessary skills to help your child develop and grow into their best selves. My experience includes working with children and families with a history of trauma, grief and loss, behavioral issues at home and/or at school, depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorders, and family transitions.
Since play is a child’s first language, sessions often encompass play therapy techniques, building pro-social competences and finding ways to create positive coping skills.
Hello, my name is Reanna Owens, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have served children, adolescents and families working at residential treatment centers, foster care, and various social service agencies. I am dedicated to working with children and their families to build the necessary skills to help your child develop and grow into their best selves. My experience includes working with children and families with a history of trauma, grief and loss, behavioral issues at home and/or at school, depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorders, and family transitions.
(830) 642-1702 View (830) 642-1702
Photo of Nikkala Kordzik, MA, LPC, RPT, LCDC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nikkala Kordzik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT, LCDC, NCC
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and adults, who are experiencing anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and life transitions, as well as career and substance use concerns. I also provide play therapy services to children and teenagers, and counsel Texas clients in-office and via telehealth. I offer flexible counseling appointment times, including daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. I provide individualized and holistic counseling techniques, and help clients create solutions to meet their goals and needs. Visit my website at www.solutionfocusedcounselingtexas.com and call me at (830) 376-2657, today to schedule an appointment!
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and adults, who are experiencing anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and life transitions, as well as career and substance use concerns. I also provide play therapy services to children and teenagers, and counsel Texas clients in-office and via telehealth. I offer flexible counseling appointment times, including daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. I provide individualized and holistic counseling techniques, and help clients create solutions to meet their goals and needs. Visit my website at www.solutionfocusedcounselingtexas.com and call me at (830) 376-2657, today to schedule an appointment!
(830) 376-2657 View (830) 376-2657
Photo of Rosanna Kate Worthington, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rosanna Kate Worthington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748
She specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, eco-therapy, sand tray therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and TraumaPlay.
Childhood is a time of intense curiosity, discovery, and connection. When a child struggles to achieve these foundations due to social and emotional challenges or trauma, the whole family suffers. Rosanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years experience helping diverse children and families find healing, balance, and joy. Rosanna recognizes that for children to explore their feelings and integrate new skills, they must first feel safe, connected, and competent. In other words, therapy must be fun! Rosanna taps into the natural language of children through play, expressive arts, nature, and rhythm & movement.
She specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, eco-therapy, sand tray therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and TraumaPlay.
Childhood is a time of intense curiosity, discovery, and connection. When a child struggles to achieve these foundations due to social and emotional challenges or trauma, the whole family suffers. Rosanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years experience helping diverse children and families find healing, balance, and joy. Rosanna recognizes that for children to explore their feelings and integrate new skills, they must first feel safe, connected, and competent. In other words, therapy must be fun! Rosanna taps into the natural language of children through play, expressive arts, nature, and rhythm & movement.
(512) 643-6762 View (512) 643-6762
Photo of Priscilla Leyva, MA, LPC-A
Priscilla Leyva
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78748
I implement play or talk therapy in session, depending on the developmental stage of the child.
It takes a village to create the life that you want for your child. You want the best for them and only look to trusted professionals for guidance on their needs. As someone who comes from a Hispanic family (with LOTS of nieces and nephews), I know firsthand the importance of open communication and trust building as you seek assistance for them. No matter what the concern is, my primary (and ongoing) goal is to gain your family's trust. I value creating a comfortable environment for families to express their needs through any stage of the counseling process. My specialties include working with children and teens diagnosed
I implement play or talk therapy in session, depending on the developmental stage of the child.
It takes a village to create the life that you want for your child. You want the best for them and only look to trusted professionals for guidance on their needs. As someone who comes from a Hispanic family (with LOTS of nieces and nephews), I know firsthand the importance of open communication and trust building as you seek assistance for them. No matter what the concern is, my primary (and ongoing) goal is to gain your family's trust. I value creating a comfortable environment for families to express their needs through any stage of the counseling process. My specialties include working with children and teens diagnosed
(737) 758-2614 View (737) 758-2614
Photo of Kimberley Lynn Hudson, MEd, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberley Lynn Hudson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryan, TX 77802
As a mother of three, and a counselor for over 20 years, I know how difficult it is to grow up in this world today. Therapy provides a safe space to work through those things in our lives that are difficult. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults. I use play therapy, art therapy and talk therapy with my clients. I strive to offer hope and solutions to families with children dealing with such issues as trauma, grief, loss, abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, self harm, and much more. My clients are also those that need solutions for navigating behavior, peer relations, ADHD, ODD or autism.
As a mother of three, and a counselor for over 20 years, I know how difficult it is to grow up in this world today. Therapy provides a safe space to work through those things in our lives that are difficult. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults. I use play therapy, art therapy and talk therapy with my clients. I strive to offer hope and solutions to families with children dealing with such issues as trauma, grief, loss, abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, self harm, and much more. My clients are also those that need solutions for navigating behavior, peer relations, ADHD, ODD or autism.
(979) 803-2902 View (979) 803-2902
Photo of Rachel Preston - Pursuit of Happiness, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pursuit of Happiness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78665
Welcome to Pursuit of Happiness! We have had the honor of providing trauma-informed counseling for over 3,000 children in foster care since our formation in 2011. All of our counselors practice trauma-informed counseling and have training in play and trauma techniques to help children and families heal and grow in a safe therapeutic space. Our counselors will come directly to you and meet in the home, school, or daycare depending on your schedule needs. Virtual counseling is also available. We are in network with Superior Healthplan, Traditional Medicaid, and Wellpoint.
Welcome to Pursuit of Happiness! We have had the honor of providing trauma-informed counseling for over 3,000 children in foster care since our formation in 2011. All of our counselors practice trauma-informed counseling and have training in play and trauma techniques to help children and families heal and grow in a safe therapeutic space. Our counselors will come directly to you and meet in the home, school, or daycare depending on your schedule needs. Virtual counseling is also available. We are in network with Superior Healthplan, Traditional Medicaid, and Wellpoint.
(210) 988-6704 View (210) 988-6704
Photo of Kristalyn K Allison - Allison and Associates Counseling, PLLC, LCSW-S, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison and Associates Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
We help a wide range of clients. For children 4 years old and up, we have several clinicians that have been specially trained in play therapy to address issues specific to children. We also have clinicians that are trauma trained and can help adults and children heal from past trauma and begin to live life without carrying pain from the past. We work with parents and families who are struggling with life changes and relational hurts to heal and begin to communicate better. Women's issues, including birth trauma, infertility, and other past trauma are among our specialties. We offer canine assisted therapy and EMDR.
We help a wide range of clients. For children 4 years old and up, we have several clinicians that have been specially trained in play therapy to address issues specific to children. We also have clinicians that are trauma trained and can help adults and children heal from past trauma and begin to live life without carrying pain from the past. We work with parents and families who are struggling with life changes and relational hurts to heal and begin to communicate better. Women's issues, including birth trauma, infertility, and other past trauma are among our specialties. We offer canine assisted therapy and EMDR.
(830) 620-1175 View (830) 620-1175
Photo of A. B. Parris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
A. B. Parris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78757
As it is their first language, with children I typically offer play therapy moving more into expressive arts and talk therapy as clients age.
Are you or your child struggling with signs of anxiety, depression? Maybe feeling out of place or constantly misunderstood? I am here to tell you, you are not alone. Given my own identities and experiences I am especially passionate about working with children, teens and young adults (ages 4-21) with the following identities: Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2S+, Impacted by foster care/adoption, and/or Impacted by trauma. I practice from client centered theory using a prescriptive lens to apply what is most effective for you/your child while viewing things through the broader picture of attachment and interpersonal neurobiology.
As it is their first language, with children I typically offer play therapy moving more into expressive arts and talk therapy as clients age.
Are you or your child struggling with signs of anxiety, depression? Maybe feeling out of place or constantly misunderstood? I am here to tell you, you are not alone. Given my own identities and experiences I am especially passionate about working with children, teens and young adults (ages 4-21) with the following identities: Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2S+, Impacted by foster care/adoption, and/or Impacted by trauma. I practice from client centered theory using a prescriptive lens to apply what is most effective for you/your child while viewing things through the broader picture of attachment and interpersonal neurobiology.
(512) 222-1808 View (512) 222-1808
Photo of Swapnila S Das - Yourpsychologist, PhD, Psychologist
Yourpsychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
 Cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions  Person-centered play therapy for kids , Trauma-focused  Eye movement desensitization reprocessing  Behavior support system  Autism and Other learning disabilities   Psychosis.
Based on my 25 years of experience, I usually recommend a holistic and objective assessment of the problems as part of the solution. These assessments include understanding, first and foremost, the needs of the individual. These can include anxiety, depression, ADHD, peer issues, family problems, stress, and many other things. I treasure the insight the individuals bring to the conversation with their questions, concerns, observations, and overall experiences. I bring these understandings to my therapy sessions and welcome those involved with the individual to lead the individual towards a more passionate, kind, fulfilling life.
 Cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions  Person-centered play therapy for kids , Trauma-focused  Eye movement desensitization reprocessing  Behavior support system  Autism and Other learning disabilities   Psychosis.
Based on my 25 years of experience, I usually recommend a holistic and objective assessment of the problems as part of the solution. These assessments include understanding, first and foremost, the needs of the individual. These can include anxiety, depression, ADHD, peer issues, family problems, stress, and many other things. I treasure the insight the individuals bring to the conversation with their questions, concerns, observations, and overall experiences. I bring these understandings to my therapy sessions and welcome those involved with the individual to lead the individual towards a more passionate, kind, fulfilling life.
(512) 982-6440 View (512) 982-6440

See more therapy options for Copperas Cove

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.