Play Therapy in Missouri City, TX
![Photo of Iristela Rodriguez, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/422b4520-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use a combination of talk and play therapy with a strength based approach.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing individual, couples and family counseling. I provide a therapeutic environment that promotes safety, empathy, and support. I believe in a strength based approach in order to attain desired goals. Treatment focuses on processing and working out any individual or family issues that are impeding one from attaining goals. I have been working with individuals and families for 18 years. My treatment specializations include anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational problems, family dynamics, divorce, blended families, military families, and parenting.
I use a combination of talk and play therapy with a strength based approach.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing individual, couples and family counseling. I provide a therapeutic environment that promotes safety, empathy, and support. I believe in a strength based approach in order to attain desired goals. Treatment focuses on processing and working out any individual or family issues that are impeding one from attaining goals. I have been working with individuals and families for 18 years. My treatment specializations include anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational problems, family dynamics, divorce, blended families, military families, and parenting.
![Photo of Annastasia Chantel Vincent, LPC, TF-CBT, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e8052d5-69f7-4675-b006-77de991b6f6b/2/320x400.png)
Annastasia Chantel Vincent
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, TF-CBT, NBCC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
Depending on the client and their needs, I incorporate various techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, positive therapy, and play therapy.
Hello! My name is Annastasia Vincent and I am an LPC here at Heart 2 Heart. Before counseling, I served as an elementary educator working to inspire children academically, socially, and emotionally. My education and experiences in that role has equipped me to continue to work closely alongside families and children with a variety of needs and concerns. Most of my work is done with children/adolescents (ages 3-14) and their parents, but I also work with teens and young adults. I help children and young people to develop and work toward goals that promote emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual growth and wellbeing.
Depending on the client and their needs, I incorporate various techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, positive therapy, and play therapy.
Hello! My name is Annastasia Vincent and I am an LPC here at Heart 2 Heart. Before counseling, I served as an elementary educator working to inspire children academically, socially, and emotionally. My education and experiences in that role has equipped me to continue to work closely alongside families and children with a variety of needs and concerns. Most of my work is done with children/adolescents (ages 3-14) and their parents, but I also work with teens and young adults. I help children and young people to develop and work toward goals that promote emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual growth and wellbeing.
![Photo of Bernave Vega, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c833bf0-d6f5-49af-9dd0-2d1bd40251e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bernave employs a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
Bernave Vega, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Nationally Certified Counselor, has a year of dedicated experience in mental health. His passion lies in supporting couples, adolescents, and adults in navigating life's obstacles. Bernave specializes in depression, anxiety, gender/sexuality identity conflicts, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. He has a close connection to the LGBTQIA+ community, offering compassionate support to individuals facing challenges related to gender and sexual identity. This, combined with his professional background, equips him to offer the guidance and assistance his clients seek.
Bernave employs a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
Bernave Vega, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Nationally Certified Counselor, has a year of dedicated experience in mental health. His passion lies in supporting couples, adolescents, and adults in navigating life's obstacles. Bernave specializes in depression, anxiety, gender/sexuality identity conflicts, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. He has a close connection to the LGBTQIA+ community, offering compassionate support to individuals facing challenges related to gender and sexual identity. This, combined with his professional background, equips him to offer the guidance and assistance his clients seek.
![Photo of Susannah Rolf, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef7b523a-943d-4ed2-9ca6-966151971b97/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susannah Rolf is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience. She is experienced in working with pediatric populations and parents experiencing parenting challenges or difficulties. She is passionate about helping individuals and family systems create more authentic communication and connection by addressing mental health barriers, trauma, and ongoing conflict. Susannah completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kansas and subsequently, her Certificate in Play Therapy at the Kansas City Play Therapy Institute (now Heartland Play Therapy).
Susannah Rolf is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience. She is experienced in working with pediatric populations and parents experiencing parenting challenges or difficulties. She is passionate about helping individuals and family systems create more authentic communication and connection by addressing mental health barriers, trauma, and ongoing conflict. Susannah completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kansas and subsequently, her Certificate in Play Therapy at the Kansas City Play Therapy Institute (now Heartland Play Therapy).
![Photo of Judi Dai, MEd, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47ccb33a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Judi Dai
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77459
Practicing from a Child-Centered Play Therapy perspective, I believe that children are strong and capable.
Your child is your whole world. When they're happy, you're happy, and when they're hurting, the pain you feel for them is excruciating. But by the time you find yourself perusing the internet for help, you are already exhausted, have experienced many sleepless nights, and are losing hope. I would love to help improve your family's hopefulness and regain its vitality. Counseling provides a safe, compassionate space that can help children develop more full and healthy connections, which translates into feeling competent, worthy of love, and thus more resilient to handle life's struggles.
Practicing from a Child-Centered Play Therapy perspective, I believe that children are strong and capable.
Your child is your whole world. When they're happy, you're happy, and when they're hurting, the pain you feel for them is excruciating. But by the time you find yourself perusing the internet for help, you are already exhausted, have experienced many sleepless nights, and are losing hope. I would love to help improve your family's hopefulness and regain its vitality. Counseling provides a safe, compassionate space that can help children develop more full and healthy connections, which translates into feeling competent, worthy of love, and thus more resilient to handle life's struggles.
![Photo of Meagan Davenport, MEd, LPC, RPT, CSC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/518471f9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meagan Davenport
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RPT, CSC, NCC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
Meagan is trained in Child Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, EMDR, IFS, and also uses the IATP model which focuses on establishing strong attachments to caregivers and healing from past traumas.
“Does every family go through this?” “Why is this so hard?” “I need help!” Every family has a season of struggle. You are not alone. Meagan uses a family system approach, which allows for the entire family to benefit and heal from the therapeutic process. Together we will create a plan that best suits your family’s needs. Meagan’s focus is working with children from hard places; children who have experienced traumas, adopted children, foster children, and children from divorced families. These can include but are not limited to those who struggle with self-regulation, behavior responses, anxiety, and meltdowns.
Meagan is trained in Child Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, EMDR, IFS, and also uses the IATP model which focuses on establishing strong attachments to caregivers and healing from past traumas.
“Does every family go through this?” “Why is this so hard?” “I need help!” Every family has a season of struggle. You are not alone. Meagan uses a family system approach, which allows for the entire family to benefit and heal from the therapeutic process. Together we will create a plan that best suits your family’s needs. Meagan’s focus is working with children from hard places; children who have experienced traumas, adopted children, foster children, and children from divorced families. These can include but are not limited to those who struggle with self-regulation, behavior responses, anxiety, and meltdowns.
![Photo of Karen T Sullivan, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd69d03-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Karen T Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77459
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, I utilize creative modalities - art, music, books, sand, movement - to engage clients.
For 20 years, I have helped children and their families cope with bad things that sometimes happen in a child's life. This includes abuse, divorce, school issues, loss of a loved one, or low self-esteem. I understand the ripple effects that these can have on family members and how hard it is to watch your child struggle. I use a neuroscience-informed approach to create a safe environment for clients to release the emotional pain in a way that makes the most effective use of your time.
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, I utilize creative modalities - art, music, books, sand, movement - to engage clients.
For 20 years, I have helped children and their families cope with bad things that sometimes happen in a child's life. This includes abuse, divorce, school issues, loss of a loved one, or low self-esteem. I understand the ripple effects that these can have on family members and how hard it is to watch your child struggle. I use a neuroscience-informed approach to create a safe environment for clients to release the emotional pain in a way that makes the most effective use of your time.
![Photo of Teresa Brown, MEd, LPC, RPT, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4039be7d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RPT, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
Is your child anxious or have meltdowns? Does your child have self-esteem issues or have trouble making friends? Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD or have behavior issues at school and home? Teresa is a Registered Play Therapist certified by the Association of Play Therapy. Children use play to process issues. Each family is unique and deserves a plan to assist them with their specific needs. Working as a team with the parents is an important part of the process. She works with the parents as a team to provide the support they need to help their child. Teresa is also Certified to work with Highly Sensitive Children and Adults
Is your child anxious or have meltdowns? Does your child have self-esteem issues or have trouble making friends? Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD or have behavior issues at school and home? Teresa is a Registered Play Therapist certified by the Association of Play Therapy. Children use play to process issues. Each family is unique and deserves a plan to assist them with their specific needs. Working as a team with the parents is an important part of the process. She works with the parents as a team to provide the support they need to help their child. Teresa is also Certified to work with Highly Sensitive Children and Adults
![Photo of Janella del Mundo Gee, MEd, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51850681-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janella del Mundo Gee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
Waitlist for new clients
Play therapy is a passion of mine.
I specialize in working with children and parents. I have been working in the field of play therapy since 2011 when I was a graduate student. My approach to play therapy is non-directive, client-centered play therapy. I have worked with children from diverse backgrounds. I look at each child and figure out which therapeutic modality works best for them. In terms of parenting, I use Theraplay to build the attachment bond with the parent and child. I also assess the family and we can collaborate on ways that meet your family's needs.
Play therapy is a passion of mine.
I specialize in working with children and parents. I have been working in the field of play therapy since 2011 when I was a graduate student. My approach to play therapy is non-directive, client-centered play therapy. I have worked with children from diverse backgrounds. I look at each child and figure out which therapeutic modality works best for them. In terms of parenting, I use Theraplay to build the attachment bond with the parent and child. I also assess the family and we can collaborate on ways that meet your family's needs.
![Photo of Kelsie Valle, LPC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a78a7d3a-fa5f-4dd7-94e2-9bc31a4dafdc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsie Valle
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
I have a love for EDMR, artistic expression, and play therapy; I incorporate artistic expression and play into all of my work with clients.
In our practice, we work with individuals and families to create treatment plans to meet their goals. Our holistic approach integrates play therapy techniques and EMDR to heal from past trauma, allowing for the building of brighter futures. We work with all ages, ranging from toddlers to seniors. Our practice is experienced in supporting families from diverse backgrounds, including families with adopted children. Within our practice, we offer music therapy and Yoga services. I personally specialize in working with families and individuals suffering from eating disorders, trauma, and self-harm.
I have a love for EDMR, artistic expression, and play therapy; I incorporate artistic expression and play into all of my work with clients.
In our practice, we work with individuals and families to create treatment plans to meet their goals. Our holistic approach integrates play therapy techniques and EMDR to heal from past trauma, allowing for the building of brighter futures. We work with all ages, ranging from toddlers to seniors. Our practice is experienced in supporting families from diverse backgrounds, including families with adopted children. Within our practice, we offer music therapy and Yoga services. I personally specialize in working with families and individuals suffering from eating disorders, trauma, and self-harm.
![Photo of Amna Ahmed, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abff39ad-b2e8-4cf3-9efe-108563c6c564/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amna Ahmed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77459
I work from a client centered perspective and enjoy integrating a variety of modalities including CBT, EMDR, Expressive Arts, Play therapy and Mindfulness-based interventions.
I work with children, teens and young adults going through traumatic events, major life changes and/or struggling with their mental health. I provide a safe space to understand your emotions, learn healthy ways to cope, and start your healing process. With children I believe in working with the family/parents as a team to build skills to strengthen the parent-child connection.
I work from a client centered perspective and enjoy integrating a variety of modalities including CBT, EMDR, Expressive Arts, Play therapy and Mindfulness-based interventions.
I work with children, teens and young adults going through traumatic events, major life changes and/or struggling with their mental health. I provide a safe space to understand your emotions, learn healthy ways to cope, and start your healing process. With children I believe in working with the family/parents as a team to build skills to strengthen the parent-child connection.
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![Photo of Ayana C Jefferson, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd664437-9cc9-4743-b665-f9cdd6f83828/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ayana C Jefferson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
Therapy is a journey towards healing and change; one you do not have to travel alone. In a world of individuality and quick fixes, it shows courage and strength to seek help. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve healing and change in the warmth and safety of a therapeutic relationship. I pride myself with working with adults on general life issues. I will encourage your success through self discovery in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Together we will unpack your past and focus on your strength to reach your goals.
Therapy is a journey towards healing and change; one you do not have to travel alone. In a world of individuality and quick fixes, it shows courage and strength to seek help. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve healing and change in the warmth and safety of a therapeutic relationship. I pride myself with working with adults on general life issues. I will encourage your success through self discovery in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Together we will unpack your past and focus on your strength to reach your goals.
![Photo of Tiffany Martin, MA, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbd3cfae-b554-4bc0-9a0a-cdf0a0321895/1/320x400.jpeg)
By providing a sincere, trusting, and nonjudgmental relationship with my clients, we can build a relationship that will help the client achieve their goal. Personal growth is the goal, and therapy is a positive tool that assists us to identify our strengths, personal success, and the areas where we could benefit from growth.
By providing a sincere, trusting, and nonjudgmental relationship with my clients, we can build a relationship that will help the client achieve their goal. Personal growth is the goal, and therapy is a positive tool that assists us to identify our strengths, personal success, and the areas where we could benefit from growth.
![Photo of Carmen Casares-Cernoch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cbab2fb-90cd-4054-8c9d-4cd77f23da46/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carmen Casares-Cernoch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15+ years experience working in the clinical and social services field. I deeply believe my role is to guide you in the discovery process to find your strengths and build up those strengths to get to where YOU want to be in life. Therapy is a journey and requires work on behalf of the client and counselor. Change comes with effort and at times it is difficult but my commitment is to guide and facilitate the change you want to see. Techniques and modalities depend on a person’s circumstances, always prioritizing you.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15+ years experience working in the clinical and social services field. I deeply believe my role is to guide you in the discovery process to find your strengths and build up those strengths to get to where YOU want to be in life. Therapy is a journey and requires work on behalf of the client and counselor. Change comes with effort and at times it is difficult but my commitment is to guide and facilitate the change you want to see. Techniques and modalities depend on a person’s circumstances, always prioritizing you.
![Photo of Haley Sincere, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42d6cd6f-c532-46d0-ab88-490783889175/3/320x400.jpeg)
Haley Sincere
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77459
Healing is a journey where you can discover your own path to growth and emotional wellness. I commend you for taking the first step to seeking help. There is strength in asking for assistance when life becomes challenging. I believe that true healing happens when you feel seen and supported in telling your story.
Healing is a journey where you can discover your own path to growth and emotional wellness. I commend you for taking the first step to seeking help. There is strength in asking for assistance when life becomes challenging. I believe that true healing happens when you feel seen and supported in telling your story.
![Photo of Julie Ung - Collective Pathways Counseling, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fe79090-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Collective Pathways Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459 (Online Only)
Healing is possible. Are you tired of experiencing dissatisfaction and distress? Are you feeling lonely and fearful that no one understands you? Isolation and avoidance can oftentimes lead to further anxiety and depression. Whether it is due to life's circumstances, a difficult relationship, or a transitional time in life, I am here to listen and help. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for working with issues in parenting and behavior management, and infidelity in relationships. I am trained to work with children ages 5+, adolescents, and adults. I provide individual, couple, family and group services.
Healing is possible. Are you tired of experiencing dissatisfaction and distress? Are you feeling lonely and fearful that no one understands you? Isolation and avoidance can oftentimes lead to further anxiety and depression. Whether it is due to life's circumstances, a difficult relationship, or a transitional time in life, I am here to listen and help. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for working with issues in parenting and behavior management, and infidelity in relationships. I am trained to work with children ages 5+, adolescents, and adults. I provide individual, couple, family and group services.
![Photo of Michael Allen Chalfan Jr, MEd, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c03930e-183e-400e-a07e-b53a94d4f8dd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Allen Chalfan Jr
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MEd, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77459
My perfect client is someone who wants to enhance their overall well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I welcome individuals of any ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, religion, and gender. I work with individuals, families, couples, children, and relationships. Every client is unique, so they will receive a customized plan for their therapy. I integrate various therapeutic approaches to offer a diverse range of therapies. My goal is to support positive behavioral changes, enhance relationship skills, improve coping abilities, and assist in making informed decisions. Let's make it happen!
My perfect client is someone who wants to enhance their overall well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I welcome individuals of any ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, religion, and gender. I work with individuals, families, couples, children, and relationships. Every client is unique, so they will receive a customized plan for their therapy. I integrate various therapeutic approaches to offer a diverse range of therapies. My goal is to support positive behavioral changes, enhance relationship skills, improve coping abilities, and assist in making informed decisions. Let's make it happen!
![Photo of Tamra Wiley Lewis, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aa54b6c-1515-4d67-a278-ff6894c67428/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tamra Wiley Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77489 (Online Only)
Do you want peace and a simpler way to heal your spirit? Have you ever found yourself lost and trying to figure out what's my best move? Do you want to create a better you to enjoy and prosper in your life? Based on proven techniques we help create you a better life. During the healing process we help you overcome life's obstacles and learn to navigate challenges. Because we live in a world that is volatile and presents the unexpected, clients today need coping skills and a way to ignite the positivity within themselves while creating a flame for others around them.
Do you want peace and a simpler way to heal your spirit? Have you ever found yourself lost and trying to figure out what's my best move? Do you want to create a better you to enjoy and prosper in your life? Based on proven techniques we help create you a better life. During the healing process we help you overcome life's obstacles and learn to navigate challenges. Because we live in a world that is volatile and presents the unexpected, clients today need coping skills and a way to ignite the positivity within themselves while creating a flame for others around them.
![Photo of Carolyn Clansy Miller, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed8029e2-9000-4761-84ef-22e9e7d168e5/3/320x400.jpeg)
No one is immune to life-challenges and sometimes you need a professional who knows how to guide you through difficult circumstances compassionately, skillfully and efficiently.
With nearly 20 years of experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy for children, adolescents and adults, I not only understand the many colors of pain, I also know pathways to healing.
Because of my passion to help as many people as I can, I received broad-based training and have established a general practice focused on treating common conditions including depression, grief, anxiety, divorce, abuse, ADHD, marital difficulties, anger, infertility, childhood disorders, PTSD, and many others.
No one is immune to life-challenges and sometimes you need a professional who knows how to guide you through difficult circumstances compassionately, skillfully and efficiently.
With nearly 20 years of experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy for children, adolescents and adults, I not only understand the many colors of pain, I also know pathways to healing.
Because of my passion to help as many people as I can, I received broad-based training and have established a general practice focused on treating common conditions including depression, grief, anxiety, divorce, abuse, ADHD, marital difficulties, anger, infertility, childhood disorders, PTSD, and many others.
![Photo of Cynthia Lozano Rojas - Texas Counseling Center in Pearland, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/096ea93a-9c95-488f-9a33-184489aa4a3e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Texas Counseling Center in Pearland
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77459
Welcome to Texas Counseling Center in Pearland! Every day people like you are searching for a new beginning. We admire you for taking such a brave step. Change does not start in our first session, it has already begun. At our center we are dedicated to you, the client, and meeting your goals! Reach out to schedule your appointment with our care coordinator, Danny, by calling 346-440-1800.
Welcome to Texas Counseling Center in Pearland! Every day people like you are searching for a new beginning. We admire you for taking such a brave step. Change does not start in our first session, it has already begun. At our center we are dedicated to you, the client, and meeting your goals! Reach out to schedule your appointment with our care coordinator, Danny, by calling 346-440-1800.
See more therapy options for Missouri City
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Missouri City
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Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.