Play Therapy in Shavano Park, TX
![Photo of Julie Gowen, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ef6fb3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Gowen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78231
I utilize a variety of tools for creative expression, including: art, journal, play therapy and visualization exercises.
Looking to connect mind, body, and spirit in your personal life and relationships? Then you've come to the right place. My ideal client is one who is ready to make positive changes in his/her life and will work collaboratively to achieve stated goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Areas of interest include play therapy, adolescent therapy and premarital counseling.
I utilize a variety of tools for creative expression, including: art, journal, play therapy and visualization exercises.
Looking to connect mind, body, and spirit in your personal life and relationships? Then you've come to the right place. My ideal client is one who is ready to make positive changes in his/her life and will work collaboratively to achieve stated goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Areas of interest include play therapy, adolescent therapy and premarital counseling.
![Photo of Belinda Arriaga, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac75653a-dc86-4927-839e-b0b685ff4e88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Belinda Arriaga
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78230
I have additional training in cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, sand play, & play therapy.
I am a bi-iterate and bicultural psychotherapist that specializes on problems that affect the individual/couple/family when generations within the household have contrasting cultural understandings. When working with individuals, couples, and families, I explore cultural differences and values to find the strengths and the coping tools. I have also worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have experience in many areas, including trauma, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, multigenerational family conflict, couples counseling, life transitions, chronic pain, and grief.
I have additional training in cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, sand play, & play therapy.
I am a bi-iterate and bicultural psychotherapist that specializes on problems that affect the individual/couple/family when generations within the household have contrasting cultural understandings. When working with individuals, couples, and families, I explore cultural differences and values to find the strengths and the coping tools. I have also worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have experience in many areas, including trauma, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, multigenerational family conflict, couples counseling, life transitions, chronic pain, and grief.
![Photo of Ashley Wright - Wright Path Counseling and Wellness, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c46b116-75cf-4120-a2a8-2e74d2dbb458/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wright Path Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78230
Play therapy and EMDR offer transformative ways to address childhood trauma.
Coping with childhood trauma (as an adult or child) is a challenging journey marked by lingering scars that affect relationships, self-esteem, and well-being. Memories of past trauma resurface as intrusive thoughts, intense emotions, and vulnerability. Healing involves facing painful memories, breaking coping patterns, and rebuilding resilience. Yet, amidst the darkness, there's hope—a resilient spirit refusing to be defined by the past. It's about reclaiming agency, rewriting one's narrative, finding strength in vulnerability, and solace in connection. Scars remain, but they don't define one's entire existence.
Play therapy and EMDR offer transformative ways to address childhood trauma.
Coping with childhood trauma (as an adult or child) is a challenging journey marked by lingering scars that affect relationships, self-esteem, and well-being. Memories of past trauma resurface as intrusive thoughts, intense emotions, and vulnerability. Healing involves facing painful memories, breaking coping patterns, and rebuilding resilience. Yet, amidst the darkness, there's hope—a resilient spirit refusing to be defined by the past. It's about reclaiming agency, rewriting one's narrative, finding strength in vulnerability, and solace in connection. Scars remain, but they don't define one's entire existence.
![Photo of Brooke Gilliland, MA, LPC, RPT, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed403fee-2c3c-4613-b73a-397200d12d0a/1/320x400.png)
Brooke Gilliland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
Shavano Park, TX 78257
Waitlist for new clients
I work with caregivers, doing one-on-one sessions with guardians to assist in daily concerns, as well as play therapy sessions with the child.
You may be nervous just thinking about starting the therapy process. So here's a little bit about how I do therapy. I specialize in Christian counseling and play therapy, as well as using expressive/sandtray therapy in sessions. What does this mean? It means that I believe it's super helpful to use many things within the therapy context. The image of sitting on a couch talking is not the only way counseling services are provided. Therapy can include using your faith to understand how to do things differently. It can also include using forms of creativity (art, sandtray) to identify points of being stuck and find new ways to heal!
I work with caregivers, doing one-on-one sessions with guardians to assist in daily concerns, as well as play therapy sessions with the child.
You may be nervous just thinking about starting the therapy process. So here's a little bit about how I do therapy. I specialize in Christian counseling and play therapy, as well as using expressive/sandtray therapy in sessions. What does this mean? It means that I believe it's super helpful to use many things within the therapy context. The image of sitting on a couch talking is not the only way counseling services are provided. Therapy can include using your faith to understand how to do things differently. It can also include using forms of creativity (art, sandtray) to identify points of being stuck and find new ways to heal!
![Photo of Deborah Levi Lane, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d4f4cef-9c59-4cd2-a3a4-3a3bb0f4d710/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Levi Lane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Shavano Park, TX 78249
I am not your typical "one-size-fits-all" therapist. Like you, I am unique. Respect and understanding of the individual and his/her needs are necessary to reach a successful treatment outcome. My work as a psychotherapist is to find what works for you. I build on the strengths of the individual. I provide personalized therapy to discerning clients who want the ultimate therapist-patient relationship, to include convenience, privacy, and real-time support . . . tailored to their lifestyle. Other benefits of this "concierge" approach: increased availability, priority appointments, and after-hours access.
I am not your typical "one-size-fits-all" therapist. Like you, I am unique. Respect and understanding of the individual and his/her needs are necessary to reach a successful treatment outcome. My work as a psychotherapist is to find what works for you. I build on the strengths of the individual. I provide personalized therapy to discerning clients who want the ultimate therapist-patient relationship, to include convenience, privacy, and real-time support . . . tailored to their lifestyle. Other benefits of this "concierge" approach: increased availability, priority appointments, and after-hours access.
![Photo of Gaby Suitor - Love Your Mind Therapy, LPC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a33c8841-7fe6-45a6-84b6-ce04cfc704e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Love Your Mind Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78231 (Online Only)
Hi I'm Gaby! I use an integrative approach implementing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to help treat adults and teens. Through this process, I help clients develop healthy and appropriate thinking patterns, problem-solving skills, and coping mechanisms. I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space where clients feel heard, validated, and respected! I love working with teens transitioning from high school to college, or college into adult life. I also enjoy working with all individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, self-worth, ADHD, and trauma.
Hi I'm Gaby! I use an integrative approach implementing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to help treat adults and teens. Through this process, I help clients develop healthy and appropriate thinking patterns, problem-solving skills, and coping mechanisms. I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space where clients feel heard, validated, and respected! I love working with teens transitioning from high school to college, or college into adult life. I also enjoy working with all individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, self-worth, ADHD, and trauma.
![Photo of Ryan Daniel Buell, EdS, LPC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f401938a-44b7-45ba-9da2-61b00d9711b7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Daniel Buell
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, EdS, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78249
Sometimes, it's hard to walk through the door and ask for help. I've been there myself many times in my life. In today's world, it's also tough to find time to practice self-care. Therapy is meant to be a judgment-free space where we explore whatever you need to, whether it's grief, trauma, self-love, spirituality, self-esteem or cultural/identity issues.
Sometimes, it's hard to walk through the door and ask for help. I've been there myself many times in my life. In today's world, it's also tough to find time to practice self-care. Therapy is meant to be a judgment-free space where we explore whatever you need to, whether it's grief, trauma, self-love, spirituality, self-esteem or cultural/identity issues.
![Photo of Maria Mejia-Desatnik, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdc6b18-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping individuals, couples and families deal with the difficulties and challenges life sometimes presents us with. These may include situations related to transitions in life, unexpected events, feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress, difficulties in communication, and conflict in relationships, among other issues. I view life as a journey -specifically, a learning journey- with all its ups and downs.
I specialize in helping individuals, couples and families deal with the difficulties and challenges life sometimes presents us with. These may include situations related to transitions in life, unexpected events, feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress, difficulties in communication, and conflict in relationships, among other issues. I view life as a journey -specifically, a learning journey- with all its ups and downs.
![Photo of Sherry Rantz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52c908d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You can click on my website link to directly set up an appointment. I enjoy working with people of all ages. I specialize in working with children and adolescents dealing with anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem, aspergers, depression, school and family problems and self-identity issues. I believe in working closely with parents and families. Working together we can make things better for the family. To my work I bring thirty years of experience as a therapist in private practice, a therapist at Jewish Family Service, and a classroom teacher.
You can click on my website link to directly set up an appointment. I enjoy working with people of all ages. I specialize in working with children and adolescents dealing with anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem, aspergers, depression, school and family problems and self-identity issues. I believe in working closely with parents and families. Working together we can make things better for the family. To my work I bring thirty years of experience as a therapist in private practice, a therapist at Jewish Family Service, and a classroom teacher.
![Photo of Kimberlee Kay Daughtry, LPC-S, RPT, EMDR, CGT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5bcab78-94d6-41ad-a98f-a481cc1f073e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberlee Kay Daughtry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT, EMDR, CGT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shavano Park, TX 78230
You are not broken, and you do not need to be fixed. You were hurt, and you need to heal. Life’s challenges and pain can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self, but you can reclaim your sense of peace. Imagine no longer second-guessing yourself, worrying, or being triggered by past experiences. Together, we can uncover what’s beneath the surface, contributing to unwanted patterns in your relationships with yourself and others. In our work together, I provide a sacred space where you can explore these issues of the heart. We will develop a personalized plan to help you heal, breathe in hope, and rediscover the joy in life
You are not broken, and you do not need to be fixed. You were hurt, and you need to heal. Life’s challenges and pain can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self, but you can reclaim your sense of peace. Imagine no longer second-guessing yourself, worrying, or being triggered by past experiences. Together, we can uncover what’s beneath the surface, contributing to unwanted patterns in your relationships with yourself and others. In our work together, I provide a sacred space where you can explore these issues of the heart. We will develop a personalized plan to help you heal, breathe in hope, and rediscover the joy in life
![Photo of Steven L Fields, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3618e8c-2335-410a-a7f1-a3e2426db111/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an encouraging therapist who is passionate about helping others reach their goals and experience hope and healing. My therapy approach is rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found this approach very effective with a children, teens, and adults. CBT is strongly supported in the professional literature as having verifiable evidence of success. As a Christian, I like the emphasis CBT has on the importance of building truth into our lives and how important it is to speak truth to ourselves.
I am an encouraging therapist who is passionate about helping others reach their goals and experience hope and healing. My therapy approach is rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found this approach very effective with a children, teens, and adults. CBT is strongly supported in the professional literature as having verifiable evidence of success. As a Christian, I like the emphasis CBT has on the importance of building truth into our lives and how important it is to speak truth to ourselves.
15 Second Videos
Wright Path Counseling and Wellness
Brooke Gilliland
Kimberlee Kay Daughtry
![Photo of Nolan Martinez, PhD, LPC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63af6bad-365d-48db-8c54-5fa02f0a08ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nolan Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Shavano Park, TX 78257
I work with couples, families, and individuals (teens, kids, and adults). Do you want to experience things like growth, change, and healing? Are you experiencing grief, trauma (PTSD), addiction, anxiety, depression, or psychosis? Do you take medication, but it feels like something is missing or off? Maybe it’s something else. I help by treating the SOURCE of what you are facing, and I help with the day-to-day and the past of how to deal with the source, so you can be your best self. The source is a ‘root cause’ or a ‘seed’ of how it started.
I work with couples, families, and individuals (teens, kids, and adults). Do you want to experience things like growth, change, and healing? Are you experiencing grief, trauma (PTSD), addiction, anxiety, depression, or psychosis? Do you take medication, but it feels like something is missing or off? Maybe it’s something else. I help by treating the SOURCE of what you are facing, and I help with the day-to-day and the past of how to deal with the source, so you can be your best self. The source is a ‘root cause’ or a ‘seed’ of how it started.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Laurie A. Hightower, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7f26f02-8f3e-4b27-b573-c22b8618b47b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie A. Hightower
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78249
In my work with individuals, couples, families, children in play therapy, & adolescents, I strive to help clients use their lived connections as catalysts for positive growth and change.
Couple issues? Family problems? Children or Adolescents with issues? An individual struggling with problems? No matter the stage in your life or relationship there can be bumps in the road at times. Sometimes no matter how hard you may try, you may find you are struggling. Sometimes we find that despite our best efforts we may need help with certain aspects of life. Perhaps we need help leaving old unhealthy behaviors behind, or maybe we need help learning better ways of communicating with our loved ones.
In my work with individuals, couples, families, children in play therapy, & adolescents, I strive to help clients use their lived connections as catalysts for positive growth and change.
Couple issues? Family problems? Children or Adolescents with issues? An individual struggling with problems? No matter the stage in your life or relationship there can be bumps in the road at times. Sometimes no matter how hard you may try, you may find you are struggling. Sometimes we find that despite our best efforts we may need help with certain aspects of life. Perhaps we need help leaving old unhealthy behaviors behind, or maybe we need help learning better ways of communicating with our loved ones.
![Photo of Margaret Echavarria, MA, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b8921c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Echavarria
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78230
Why play? “ Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I provide services to children through adults using a variety of modalities from a Person/Child-Centered perspective. My goal is to help my clients gain new insights and develop strategies that will enable them to reach their optimal potential in a comfortable and nurturing environment. My experience base includes 10 years experience as a Special Education Teacher and 18 years as an Elementary School Counselor in the public school system. I welcome clients of all ages with my specialty being school age children.
Why play? “ Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I provide services to children through adults using a variety of modalities from a Person/Child-Centered perspective. My goal is to help my clients gain new insights and develop strategies that will enable them to reach their optimal potential in a comfortable and nurturing environment. My experience base includes 10 years experience as a Special Education Teacher and 18 years as an Elementary School Counselor in the public school system. I welcome clients of all ages with my specialty being school age children.
![Photo of Rachel Saenz, MS, LPC, CGP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f822e5bc-9e1f-4d4a-a28d-4f106932ac01/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Saenz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78231
My experience also extends to child-centered play therapy for children dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self esteem.
Hello, my name is Rachel Saenz and I am passionate about helping people through their grief journey and helping them move through their feelings while also providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts. The majority of my practice focuses on grief/bereavement, trauma/PTSD, C-PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and pregnancy/postpartum issues. My approaches include person centered therapy where you are met with unconditional positive regard and a safe space. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help challenge all the troubling thoughts running through our minds.
My experience also extends to child-centered play therapy for children dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self esteem.
Hello, my name is Rachel Saenz and I am passionate about helping people through their grief journey and helping them move through their feelings while also providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts. The majority of my practice focuses on grief/bereavement, trauma/PTSD, C-PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and pregnancy/postpartum issues. My approaches include person centered therapy where you are met with unconditional positive regard and a safe space. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help challenge all the troubling thoughts running through our minds.
![Photo of Henrietta Dominguez, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf7d91c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Henrietta Dominguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78230
I have satisfied requirements by the Association for Play Therapy.
Thank you for considering me to guide you in your therapeutic process. I am committed to supporting my clients in a therapeutic relationship by implementing professional counseling practices and respectful client service. I work with my clients to establish a healthy mind, body and spirit for needed change, personal growth, and supportive relationships. I empower my clients to focus on their strengths as they explore their potential. In therapy, my clients are mindful of their needs as they reconnect with their true self and explore that which holds them back.
I have satisfied requirements by the Association for Play Therapy.
Thank you for considering me to guide you in your therapeutic process. I am committed to supporting my clients in a therapeutic relationship by implementing professional counseling practices and respectful client service. I work with my clients to establish a healthy mind, body and spirit for needed change, personal growth, and supportive relationships. I empower my clients to focus on their strengths as they explore their potential. In therapy, my clients are mindful of their needs as they reconnect with their true self and explore that which holds them back.
![Photo of Judith K Pfeifer - Lifetime Christian Counselors,LLC, MS, LPC-S, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4495ec66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lifetime Christian Counselors,LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78231
I am a Registered Play Therapist, Sand Tray Therapist, and Animal Assisted Therapist.
I am prepared to help a variety of individuals who are in need of support and encouragement in the areas of : child play therapy , adult issues , family and couples therapy . I work with a range of client issues : behavioral adjustments , coping , anxiety , domestic violence , depression and grief issues . I approach therapy from a Christian perspective which allows each person to search for their inner source of faith and support . Everyone receives the support to gain the spiritual insights to meet the challenges of life.
I am a Registered Play Therapist, Sand Tray Therapist, and Animal Assisted Therapist.
I am prepared to help a variety of individuals who are in need of support and encouragement in the areas of : child play therapy , adult issues , family and couples therapy . I work with a range of client issues : behavioral adjustments , coping , anxiety , domestic violence , depression and grief issues . I approach therapy from a Christian perspective which allows each person to search for their inner source of faith and support . Everyone receives the support to gain the spiritual insights to meet the challenges of life.
![Photo of Teresa V. Serna, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eaab6813-e667-44c3-927a-8396d293de7f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa V. Serna
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78230 (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, or a painful difficult past that is affecting your life now? I have extensive training in a wide range of treatment modalities because every client is unique and I strive to offer an individual approach in treating each client. My treatment approaches are based on a combination of psychotherapy models that help clients uncover the root of their problems and support clients in strengthening their defenses.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, or a painful difficult past that is affecting your life now? I have extensive training in a wide range of treatment modalities because every client is unique and I strive to offer an individual approach in treating each client. My treatment approaches are based on a combination of psychotherapy models that help clients uncover the root of their problems and support clients in strengthening their defenses.
![Photo of Alicia V Demontegnac - Optimal Counseling Services PLLC, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb54254e-79ea-405b-8f85-56f028543ba0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Optimal Counseling Services PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78230
I have worked with anyone and everyone in some way or form in the time I have been practicing. I want clients to feel free to be able to understand that the work is all theirs and I am just a person who facilitate growth.
I have worked with anyone and everyone in some way or form in the time I have been practicing. I want clients to feel free to be able to understand that the work is all theirs and I am just a person who facilitate growth.
![Photo of Barbara Viridiana Davis, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21fe0569-4bdd-4104-9871-faee90d41fac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Viridiana Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78249
Hi, my name is Barbara! Its so very nice to meet you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor having over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adult, middle age adults and seniors. With almost three decades of experience, I've come to know that all great things are worthwhile and therefore require consistency and patience. I cannot promise you a solution, but I can guarantee you that together we can make great progress along your life journey! I am bilingual Spanish!
Hi, my name is Barbara! Its so very nice to meet you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor having over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adult, middle age adults and seniors. With almost three decades of experience, I've come to know that all great things are worthwhile and therefore require consistency and patience. I cannot promise you a solution, but I can guarantee you that together we can make great progress along your life journey! I am bilingual Spanish!
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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.