Play Therapy in Tomball, TX
![Photo of LaShekia Scott, Post-MA, LMFT-A, LCDC-I, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2746f931-9d49-494b-b4f0-7297e391c20d/1/320x400.jpeg)
LaShekia Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Post-MA, LMFT-A, LCDC-I
Verified Verified
Tomball, TX 77377 (Online Only)
Introducing a dedicated and compassionate guide to navigate through life's challenges. When faced with adversity or feeling trapped in difficult circumstances, I am here to offer unwavering support and accompany you on your path towards healing, freedom, and inner peace. As a licensed marriage and family therapist associate (LMFT-A) in the state of TX and WA, I provide support, guidance, and empowerment to my clients, assisting them in my journey towards long-lasting change, restoration of hope, and living authentically fulfilled lives. Utilizing modalities like CC Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Gottman Method CT.
Introducing a dedicated and compassionate guide to navigate through life's challenges. When faced with adversity or feeling trapped in difficult circumstances, I am here to offer unwavering support and accompany you on your path towards healing, freedom, and inner peace. As a licensed marriage and family therapist associate (LMFT-A) in the state of TX and WA, I provide support, guidance, and empowerment to my clients, assisting them in my journey towards long-lasting change, restoration of hope, and living authentically fulfilled lives. Utilizing modalities like CC Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Gottman Method CT.
![Photo of Sarah Peck, MEd, LPC, NCC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c4b3247-a79b-4517-a2d3-fc549e30a0ed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Peck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77377
Specializing in talk therapy, EMDR, Gottman Method Level 1, and play therapy, I offer diverse modalities for healing.
Life can be challenging. It's important to know that you're not alone on this journey, and there is a way forward with someone in your corner. I'm here to offer you a guiding hand as we walk through understanding feelings and solving problems together. I'm here to support you, providing not just empathy but real solutions that make a positive difference in your life. Together, we'll navigate challenges using personalized strategies, fostering growth and resilience, that create a path towards lasting happiness and fulfillment. Additionally, for children, I offer play therapy, a safe, creative space where they can express themselves.
Specializing in talk therapy, EMDR, Gottman Method Level 1, and play therapy, I offer diverse modalities for healing.
Life can be challenging. It's important to know that you're not alone on this journey, and there is a way forward with someone in your corner. I'm here to offer you a guiding hand as we walk through understanding feelings and solving problems together. I'm here to support you, providing not just empathy but real solutions that make a positive difference in your life. Together, we'll navigate challenges using personalized strategies, fostering growth and resilience, that create a path towards lasting happiness and fulfillment. Additionally, for children, I offer play therapy, a safe, creative space where they can express themselves.
![Photo of Mary L Engle, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53e73cab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Christian Counselor that works with ages 3 to adults. I am EMDR trained. My areas of specialization are: trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, school problems, relationship problems, family of origin issues, and divorce. I have training in play therapy that I utilize when working with children.
I am a Christian Counselor that works with ages 3 to adults. I am EMDR trained. My areas of specialization are: trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, school problems, relationship problems, family of origin issues, and divorce. I have training in play therapy that I utilize when working with children.
![Photo of Michelle Urquhart, LPC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4450422-8776-41e4-b9c2-c081413f22a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Urquhart
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Tomball, TX 77337
By using play therapy, I provide children with the space to learn and heal in the ways that come most naturally to them.
Every parent and child deserves support in navigating their life challenges. Parents may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how things can get better. Children may struggle with the ever-evolving changes that accompany growing up, and learning how to be and who they are in their world.
By using play therapy, I provide children with the space to learn and heal in the ways that come most naturally to them.
Every parent and child deserves support in navigating their life challenges. Parents may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how things can get better. Children may struggle with the ever-evolving changes that accompany growing up, and learning how to be and who they are in their world.
![Photo of Deandre A. Dyer - Full Circle Therapy PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9b30503-bf12-48c2-8703-a388a76b033e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize techniques found in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR.
Life is filled with things to worry about. Sometimes those worries come from trauma or within yourself. For adults this could be irritability, anxiety, or fear. For children & teens these worries could even present as behavioral issues or in-school disturbances. Developing confidence, self-esteem, and positive thinking habits can be the key to unlocking a better reality. I want to help you build this confidence & self-esteem; I want to equip you with the tools to create positive thinking habits, overcome trauma, and inevitably help you to use all of these skills to overcome your worries.
I utilize techniques found in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR.
Life is filled with things to worry about. Sometimes those worries come from trauma or within yourself. For adults this could be irritability, anxiety, or fear. For children & teens these worries could even present as behavioral issues or in-school disturbances. Developing confidence, self-esteem, and positive thinking habits can be the key to unlocking a better reality. I want to help you build this confidence & self-esteem; I want to equip you with the tools to create positive thinking habits, overcome trauma, and inevitably help you to use all of these skills to overcome your worries.
![Photo of Jessica Marie Sohns Supervised By Jennifer Cain Lpc-S Rpt-S, MEd, LPC-A, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26e9c136-c94d-4c56-8d07-3cf28c6efc5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Marie Sohns Supervised By Jennifer Cain Lpc-S Rpt-S
LPC Intern, MEd, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
As a play therapist in training, I offer a child-centered play therapy approach to children ages 4-10, and parental consults when needed if your child is attending sessions with me.
Have you, or if you are a parent, your child, experienced a medical trauma? It can feel scary, isolating, hopeless, and stigmatizing. Are you feeling anxious? Lonely? Depressed? Is your child suddenly changing their behavior, having emotional outbursts, trouble in school, to the point where you feel like you've tried everything, but nothing has helped? I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these experiences so that they can move forward with confidence and hope with the tools they need to break out of these cycles and find their own healing and wholeness.
As a play therapist in training, I offer a child-centered play therapy approach to children ages 4-10, and parental consults when needed if your child is attending sessions with me.
Have you, or if you are a parent, your child, experienced a medical trauma? It can feel scary, isolating, hopeless, and stigmatizing. Are you feeling anxious? Lonely? Depressed? Is your child suddenly changing their behavior, having emotional outbursts, trouble in school, to the point where you feel like you've tried everything, but nothing has helped? I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these experiences so that they can move forward with confidence and hope with the tools they need to break out of these cycles and find their own healing and wholeness.
![Photo of Britney M Tegtmeier, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe8a6f70-0322-4235-9c29-38fdb912fa78/4/320x400.jpeg)
Britney works with families, children, teens, and adults. She values helping people make connections. She can be flexible with what that looks like or how that is achieved. Britney loves to work with clients to develop a plan that empowers the individual as well as support growth inter-personally. Britney hopes to foster self resilience and empowerment for everyone she encounters.
Britney works with families, children, teens, and adults. She values helping people make connections. She can be flexible with what that looks like or how that is achieved. Britney loves to work with clients to develop a plan that empowers the individual as well as support growth inter-personally. Britney hopes to foster self resilience and empowerment for everyone she encounters.
![Photo of Hayley Finley, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b2a3a99-c0e4-45aa-be7c-a1cb689b814b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hayley Finley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77377
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create deep and meaningful connections with my clients in order for them to feel safe enough to explore whatever it is that brought them to therapy. My role as counselor is to assist you in finding what works best for you when it comes to managing your mental health or just life in general. Being a part of someone’s journey in counseling and witnessing their growth and empowerment is such a great honor.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create deep and meaningful connections with my clients in order for them to feel safe enough to explore whatever it is that brought them to therapy. My role as counselor is to assist you in finding what works best for you when it comes to managing your mental health or just life in general. Being a part of someone’s journey in counseling and witnessing their growth and empowerment is such a great honor.
![Photo of Sheela Pandya Trivedi, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ca31522-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheela Pandya Trivedi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
As a therapist, my goal is to work with clients to develop goals and objectives which will help them to achieve the stability through warm, accepting, non-judgmental, goal oriented therapeutic sessions. The methods used are very eclectic and inclusive considering the client’s comfort and orientation. Methods incorporated (but not limited to) are, CBT, DBT, behavioral therapy, family therapy, solution-based brief therapy, multimodal therapy, relationship counseling.
As a therapist, my goal is to work with clients to develop goals and objectives which will help them to achieve the stability through warm, accepting, non-judgmental, goal oriented therapeutic sessions. The methods used are very eclectic and inclusive considering the client’s comfort and orientation. Methods incorporated (but not limited to) are, CBT, DBT, behavioral therapy, family therapy, solution-based brief therapy, multimodal therapy, relationship counseling.
![Photo of Stephanie Suchon, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53186381-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Suchon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
It takes courage to seek help and to take the first steps towards a change. I provide personalized counseling to individuals (6 y/o+) and families. I am especially passionate about working with blended families and desire to see them thrive! I have learned and am still learning the dynamics and intricate parts of blending a family from my own personal experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, and family/relationship issues.
It takes courage to seek help and to take the first steps towards a change. I provide personalized counseling to individuals (6 y/o+) and families. I am especially passionate about working with blended families and desire to see them thrive! I have learned and am still learning the dynamics and intricate parts of blending a family from my own personal experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, and family/relationship issues.
![Photo of Dr. Karen S Roper, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae43ffbe-3085-43ad-85dd-5a9d1eb54e9f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety and symptoms of depression are insidious. They have a way of invading every aspect of our lives leading to a feeling of overwhelming confusion and despair. Often, depression and symptoms of anxiety are pushed aside in an effort to ignore their effects. Ignoring the problem leads to difficulty identifying the real issues that need focus. I work with my patients from a place of health and happiness. We start by focusing on the future and desired outcomes. After setting goals for therapy, I will teach you effective methods and tools for relaxation and grounding. Goal attainment leads to real change and good mental health.
Anxiety and symptoms of depression are insidious. They have a way of invading every aspect of our lives leading to a feeling of overwhelming confusion and despair. Often, depression and symptoms of anxiety are pushed aside in an effort to ignore their effects. Ignoring the problem leads to difficulty identifying the real issues that need focus. I work with my patients from a place of health and happiness. We start by focusing on the future and desired outcomes. After setting goals for therapy, I will teach you effective methods and tools for relaxation and grounding. Goal attainment leads to real change and good mental health.
15 Second Videos
Sheela Pandya Trivedi
Paris Miles
Mindful Transformations Counseling Center
Tasha N Lee
Kellie Gallegos
Sarah Burnette-Rodriguez
District Counseling at Spring-Tomball
![Photo of Ashlee Sumrall, LPC, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf6f8e55-cab6-45d4-bda7-f64f1ec7de1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an LPC and a certified School Counselor. I graduated from Sam Houston State with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2006. I later earned my Masters in School Counseling from Lamar University. I have worked in education for over 10 years. This experience has given me the opportunity to help support many students, families, and fellow educators. I work with children age 6 and up, preteens, teens, and adults. I am driven to help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, gender identity, self esteem, divorced families, and trauma.
I am an LPC and a certified School Counselor. I graduated from Sam Houston State with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2006. I later earned my Masters in School Counseling from Lamar University. I have worked in education for over 10 years. This experience has given me the opportunity to help support many students, families, and fellow educators. I work with children age 6 and up, preteens, teens, and adults. I am driven to help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, gender identity, self esteem, divorced families, and trauma.
![Photo of Paris Miles, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a207773c-5b7c-4071-86ea-485a3018f8f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone struggles with mental health to some degree. The "healthy" mindsets are simply the ones who know how to manage their struggles in more productive ways! The fact that you're here shows me that you're already self-aware enough to realize there's room for improvement and want to invest in your wellbeing. That is worth an applause and it takes courage to seek help. I am someone who believes that everyone has what is necessary for healing within themselves. Through a collaborative effort, we can help you achieve your goals!
Everyone struggles with mental health to some degree. The "healthy" mindsets are simply the ones who know how to manage their struggles in more productive ways! The fact that you're here shows me that you're already self-aware enough to realize there's room for improvement and want to invest in your wellbeing. That is worth an applause and it takes courage to seek help. I am someone who believes that everyone has what is necessary for healing within themselves. Through a collaborative effort, we can help you achieve your goals!
![Photo of Lea Bond - Let’s Talk Counseling Center, M, S, L, P, C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/369742f7-31e8-483d-91c8-8d48f24f08f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Let’s Talk Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, M, S, L, P, C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
Are you searching for that counselor who can really help with life’s challenges? are you struggling under the burden of anxiety or depression? With life changes, family or relationship issues? With troubled children or teens? With a stress overload at home, school or work? With your own sense of self worth? I am an experienced counselor dedicated to helping women, children and teens with these issues.
Are you searching for that counselor who can really help with life’s challenges? are you struggling under the burden of anxiety or depression? With life changes, family or relationship issues? With troubled children or teens? With a stress overload at home, school or work? With your own sense of self worth? I am an experienced counselor dedicated to helping women, children and teens with these issues.
![Photo of Lizette Pinto, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efd6276-76ef-45d1-8fcd-4e46aa42bd8c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lizette Pinto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
My life journey and experience created in me a passion for the work I am currently privileged to be doing. My niche is working alongside teen girls and women who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life challenges and self-esteem issues. I love a good challenge and new experiences, and found that I really enjoy working with changes of phases in life and trauma. I feel pride in providing a safe place to empower my clients to explore themselves and become self aware and set boundaries. I love all of my clients and love working with all humans! Being a human is really hard sometimes.
My life journey and experience created in me a passion for the work I am currently privileged to be doing. My niche is working alongside teen girls and women who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life challenges and self-esteem issues. I love a good challenge and new experiences, and found that I really enjoy working with changes of phases in life and trauma. I feel pride in providing a safe place to empower my clients to explore themselves and become self aware and set boundaries. I love all of my clients and love working with all humans! Being a human is really hard sometimes.
![Photo of Erica Cleveland - Mindful Transformations Counseling Center, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c4cf647-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindful Transformations Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Tomball, TX 77377
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE to meet your needs! THERE IS AN OPEN SPOT FOR YOU! I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of counseling roles for the last 18 years. This experience has allowed me to effectively work with a wide range of individuals, groups, children, adolescents, teens, seniors, couples and families in anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, addictions, self-esteem, anger management, marriage conflicts, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorders. My essential goal for each client is to establish empowerment, nurture successful growth and find positive direction.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE to meet your needs! THERE IS AN OPEN SPOT FOR YOU! I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of counseling roles for the last 18 years. This experience has allowed me to effectively work with a wide range of individuals, groups, children, adolescents, teens, seniors, couples and families in anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, addictions, self-esteem, anger management, marriage conflicts, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorders. My essential goal for each client is to establish empowerment, nurture successful growth and find positive direction.
![Photo of Jessica Buchner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/739582b7-cfe8-4466-ad23-94fa6d7cecee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be tough sometimes. There are times when you just need someone to listen and for you to be able to talk to them openly, without any judgment or fear. Kids, teens, adults, and families are welcome to come and bring their struggles and hurts with them. Young adults who are dealing with the stress of college or just of life in general as an adult can come and learn to release their worries. We work together to set goals and work through your issues and needs to meet your desired goals. Clients can range from children as young as 3 all the way up to parents and grandparents that are wanting to live happier lives.
Life can be tough sometimes. There are times when you just need someone to listen and for you to be able to talk to them openly, without any judgment or fear. Kids, teens, adults, and families are welcome to come and bring their struggles and hurts with them. Young adults who are dealing with the stress of college or just of life in general as an adult can come and learn to release their worries. We work together to set goals and work through your issues and needs to meet your desired goals. Clients can range from children as young as 3 all the way up to parents and grandparents that are wanting to live happier lives.
![Photo of Michael D. Erickson - Erickson Counseling & Mediation PLLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de5ada73-22dd-46cc-b95e-1e35fcd02900/5/320x400.jpeg)
Erickson Counseling & Mediation PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tomball, TX 77375
Michael D. Erickson LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an exemplary history of experience working in the mental healthcare industry. Skilled with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse and existential therapy. Strong healthcare professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Trained and credentialed mediator for civil and divorce mediation. Also an experienced parenting coordinator/facilitator trained in the legal arena.
Michael D. Erickson LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an exemplary history of experience working in the mental healthcare industry. Skilled with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse and existential therapy. Strong healthcare professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Trained and credentialed mediator for civil and divorce mediation. Also an experienced parenting coordinator/facilitator trained in the legal arena.
![Photo of Tasha N Lee, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/082e1ca8-6c8a-472c-85ce-2d9df2f37651/2/320x400.jpeg)
*Online & Face-to Face Sessions Provided* My ideal client is one who has acknowledged they need to speak with someone, and has decided to take the first step to healing. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential space. I desire to develop a therapeutic relationship, where you have the freedom to disclose and be vulnerable without judgment. I strive to create an environment of trust and respect. I believe this is essential in the therapeutic relationship. Counseling is for those who have a diagnosis AND those who don't. Sometimes, we just need some help to deal with life. *If you email me, please check your spam folder for my reply*
*Online & Face-to Face Sessions Provided* My ideal client is one who has acknowledged they need to speak with someone, and has decided to take the first step to healing. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential space. I desire to develop a therapeutic relationship, where you have the freedom to disclose and be vulnerable without judgment. I strive to create an environment of trust and respect. I believe this is essential in the therapeutic relationship. Counseling is for those who have a diagnosis AND those who don't. Sometimes, we just need some help to deal with life. *If you email me, please check your spam folder for my reply*
![Photo of John Nomura, PhD, BCBA-D, LP, LSSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3f67ff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
PLEASE VISIT JOHNNOMURA.COM TO SCHEDULE. Looking for a child/adolescent psychological assessment or adult ADHD testing? Dr. Nomura is a highly credentialed, respected evaluator who has a reputation for thorough, reliable reports. Dr. Nomura evaluates children's behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. He assesses for ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, and others. Dr. Nomura is a previous professor, and he is an expert assessment consultant for school-based psychologists. To ensure the highest level of care, he only accepts a few clients each month.
PLEASE VISIT JOHNNOMURA.COM TO SCHEDULE. Looking for a child/adolescent psychological assessment or adult ADHD testing? Dr. Nomura is a highly credentialed, respected evaluator who has a reputation for thorough, reliable reports. Dr. Nomura evaluates children's behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. He assesses for ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, and others. Dr. Nomura is a previous professor, and he is an expert assessment consultant for school-based psychologists. To ensure the highest level of care, he only accepts a few clients each month.
See more therapy options for Tomball
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Tomball
See More Play TherapyPlay 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.