Play Therapy in West Lake Hills, TX
![Photo of Stephanie M Arsenault, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5d7f49-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie M Arsenault
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
With younger children I use play therapy and CBT along with teaching tools to help them be successful.
If you are reading my profile, then you are probably looking for someone to help you with the problems that you and your family are facing. Perhaps your child is struggling with social anxiety, is depressed, acting out aggressively, having difficulties accepting a divorce, experiencing stress from school and extracurricular activities, or they just want someone to talk things through with. My practice focuses on helping youth learn how to cope with the stressors life brings them and to reach their potential.
With younger children I use play therapy and CBT along with teaching tools to help them be successful.
If you are reading my profile, then you are probably looking for someone to help you with the problems that you and your family are facing. Perhaps your child is struggling with social anxiety, is depressed, acting out aggressively, having difficulties accepting a divorce, experiencing stress from school and extracurricular activities, or they just want someone to talk things through with. My practice focuses on helping youth learn how to cope with the stressors life brings them and to reach their potential.
![Photo of Mateus Madden, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b89983d-51d4-46ef-89b8-9aabe262f5de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Utilized interventions include Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, play therapy, and attachment-based psychotherapy.
My experience has been working with children, teens, families, and young adults who have worked on behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and life changes. When it feels appropriate we can focus on the present feeling while simultaneously exploring the past and future. Furthermore, we can work together to develop coping skills and tools to manage day-to-day life.
Utilized interventions include Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, play therapy, and attachment-based psychotherapy.
My experience has been working with children, teens, families, and young adults who have worked on behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and life changes. When it feels appropriate we can focus on the present feeling while simultaneously exploring the past and future. Furthermore, we can work together to develop coping skills and tools to manage day-to-day life.
![Photo of Ana Maria Cabezas, LPC-S, SEP, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6950883f-daaf-4e17-8e04-89b295ec1389/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Maria Cabezas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, SEP, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
In addition, I have specialized training in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Play Therapy and Sandtray Therapy.
At Austin Bilingual Therapy, you will find a safe and trusting place to explore your concerns. Through nurturing, curiosity and playfulness, you will become aware of what keeps you from believing, feeling or doing what you want to reach in life. I see myself as a companion to you or to your family and children in this journey that is life. I feel honored that you are choosing me to be a witness to your growth as an individual, parent, child, sibling, and partner.
In addition, I have specialized training in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Play Therapy and Sandtray Therapy.
At Austin Bilingual Therapy, you will find a safe and trusting place to explore your concerns. Through nurturing, curiosity and playfulness, you will become aware of what keeps you from believing, feeling or doing what you want to reach in life. I see myself as a companion to you or to your family and children in this journey that is life. I feel honored that you are choosing me to be a witness to your growth as an individual, parent, child, sibling, and partner.
![Photo of Cindy Kidd Brackmeyer, MEd, LPC, RPT, CAAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a45b43c2-d51d-43d7-bd18-1764287bd7c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cindy Kidd Brackmeyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RPT, CAAC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and an Animal Assisted Canine Counselor .
I work hard to assist my clients and families with their struggles. I am dedicated to my profession and often work with children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, families who have experienced divorce, as well as spectrum disorders.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and an Animal Assisted Canine Counselor .
I work hard to assist my clients and families with their struggles. I am dedicated to my profession and often work with children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, families who have experienced divorce, as well as spectrum disorders.
![Photo of Katherine St George, MA, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88ad14db-2c65-4f16-89a8-bd24a3b09058/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine St George
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist in San Antonio, TX. I hold a Master’s degree in Art Therapy/Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM with specialized classes in Children’s Mental Health. I work with individual children, teens, families and adults. I have worked with a variety of populations and settings including inpatient and outpatient care, residential facilities, and hospital settings centralized in trauma-informed care.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist in San Antonio, TX. I hold a Master’s degree in Art Therapy/Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM with specialized classes in Children’s Mental Health. I work with individual children, teens, families and adults. I have worked with a variety of populations and settings including inpatient and outpatient care, residential facilities, and hospital settings centralized in trauma-informed care.
![Photo of Alexander Leerburger-Mahl, MHS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/628f2226-1e35-4d19-b57f-5d6bf1c37dc6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alexander Leerburger-Mahl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
![Photo of Barbara Wood - Three Oaks Counseling & Psychiatry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c2b6a7f-8206-4fec-a12c-9ffb402e050c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Three Oaks Counseling & Psychiatry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
We are a group of talented and experienced mental health clinicians that provides counseling and medication management all across Austin and greater Texas. We have offices in West Lake Hills, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs. We also provide telehealth service anywhere in Texas.
We are a group of talented and experienced mental health clinicians that provides counseling and medication management all across Austin and greater Texas. We have offices in West Lake Hills, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs. We also provide telehealth service anywhere in Texas.
![Photo of Katherine E Hunt, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8bad8f4-0238-49af-a14d-d2cb5fa7e63b/1/320x400.png)
Katherine E Hunt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I am passionate about collaborating with clients to build meaningful lives and improve wellness. I specialize in group and individual therapy using various techniques to fulfill the needs that best fit the client. I take a Positive Psychology and Person Centered approach, allowing the client to direct their own self-discovery. Creativity is a main influence, allowing me to utilize art techniques, client-directed activities, behavioral approaches, and remain fluid to shape sessions. By encouraging, reflection, identifying what makes one happy, and showing unconditional support, allows me to understand individual needs.
I am passionate about collaborating with clients to build meaningful lives and improve wellness. I specialize in group and individual therapy using various techniques to fulfill the needs that best fit the client. I take a Positive Psychology and Person Centered approach, allowing the client to direct their own self-discovery. Creativity is a main influence, allowing me to utilize art techniques, client-directed activities, behavioral approaches, and remain fluid to shape sessions. By encouraging, reflection, identifying what makes one happy, and showing unconditional support, allows me to understand individual needs.
![Photo of Aubrey Jones, MAT, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c61d3cb-d4ea-44c3-b5de-b4c6361952b9/2/320x400.png)
Aubrey Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MAT, LPC-A
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
In my therapeutic practice, I am committed to providing compassionate and inclusive support to individuals with diverse needs. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a spectrum of challenges, including but not limited to eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding that each person's journey is unique. My clients value the opportunity to process utilizing both Art Therapy and Talk Therapy.
In my therapeutic practice, I am committed to providing compassionate and inclusive support to individuals with diverse needs. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a spectrum of challenges, including but not limited to eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding that each person's journey is unique. My clients value the opportunity to process utilizing both Art Therapy and Talk Therapy.
![Photo of Maria Fransisca Cloud - Connect & Reflect Counseling Services, PLLC., LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dbac49f-bb71-46a5-85ee-d818f507ab21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Connect & Reflect Counseling Services, PLLC.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (Online Only)
Hola, my name is Francisca. I am Mexican-American, first generation, and a bilingual clinician. I live and practice in Austin, Texas. I grew up speaking Spanish as my primary language and learned English at a young age. I work using a cultural and relational lens approach. Other modalities used: EMDR-trained/Family systems/Eclectic/ Attachment based/ Person-centered, Narrative therapy.
Hola, my name is Francisca. I am Mexican-American, first generation, and a bilingual clinician. I live and practice in Austin, Texas. I grew up speaking Spanish as my primary language and learned English at a young age. I work using a cultural and relational lens approach. Other modalities used: EMDR-trained/Family systems/Eclectic/ Attachment based/ Person-centered, Narrative therapy.
![Photo of Amanda C Smith, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c32917e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda C Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Therapy is a special relationship that fosters behavioral and thought changes while increasing personal growth through the creation of a secure environment. Through effective communication, therapeutic techniques, and positive support together we can work on the difficulties and struggles in your and your family's lives. I enjoy working with individuals and families struggling with a variety of issues. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, self-esteem and trauma. I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for the past 10 years in a variety of therapeutic settings.
Therapy is a special relationship that fosters behavioral and thought changes while increasing personal growth through the creation of a secure environment. Through effective communication, therapeutic techniques, and positive support together we can work on the difficulties and struggles in your and your family's lives. I enjoy working with individuals and families struggling with a variety of issues. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, self-esteem and trauma. I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for the past 10 years in a variety of therapeutic settings.
![Photo of Victoria Shackelford, MFA, MA, LPC, NCC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e76d7d0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Shackelford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFA, MA, LPC, NCC, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
If you or you adolescent child are struggling with the effects of life changing stressful and traumatic events, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, the death of a loved one, the breakup of a long term marriage or a once loving relationship and are seeking help to make your way through the chaos---consider archetypal psychotherapy to make meaning from the way we engage these traumatic difficulties and learn skills for transforming your approach to life.
I provide Jungian Psychotherapy services for couples, adults and adolescents suffering, Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, depression, grief, anger and loss of meaning in life.
If you or you adolescent child are struggling with the effects of life changing stressful and traumatic events, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, the death of a loved one, the breakup of a long term marriage or a once loving relationship and are seeking help to make your way through the chaos---consider archetypal psychotherapy to make meaning from the way we engage these traumatic difficulties and learn skills for transforming your approach to life.
I provide Jungian Psychotherapy services for couples, adults and adolescents suffering, Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, depression, grief, anger and loss of meaning in life.
![Photo of Torri Lynn Friedmann, LMSW, Coach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9ecd51-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Torri Lynn Friedmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, Coach
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I help individuals and women persevere in times of stress. We look at your strengths and your life story and together we find a way to get you to a place of peace. I help individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. I also work with women who are experiencing postpartum depression, and anxiety. I strive to help individuals find healing, clarity, and direction during and after life transitions. Together we will help you find your life purpose and direction.
I help individuals and women persevere in times of stress. We look at your strengths and your life story and together we find a way to get you to a place of peace. I help individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. I also work with women who are experiencing postpartum depression, and anxiety. I strive to help individuals find healing, clarity, and direction during and after life transitions. Together we will help you find your life purpose and direction.
![Photo of Judy L Alexander, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4b1d93-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Entering into therapy with a clinician who is skilled, empathic, understanding, and without judgement is a critical component to a successful therapeutic experience. I view therapy as a collaborative process where you and I work together to define your treatment goals and explore the issues that are of concern to you. I work hard to create a safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences, elicit feedback, and work towards change. While my primary therapeutic model is psychodynamic, I also take advantage of other modalities, working to meet the individual needs of my clients.
Entering into therapy with a clinician who is skilled, empathic, understanding, and without judgement is a critical component to a successful therapeutic experience. I view therapy as a collaborative process where you and I work together to define your treatment goals and explore the issues that are of concern to you. I work hard to create a safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences, elicit feedback, and work towards change. While my primary therapeutic model is psychodynamic, I also take advantage of other modalities, working to meet the individual needs of my clients.
![Photo of Tara Sen Pitt, MA`, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f60cc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Sen Pitt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA`, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Are you ready for a change? Has the quarantine left you feeling anxious, shaky, or depressed? I can help with that. Areas of specialty include ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, and multicultural issues (I am half-Asian). I also work with clients with perinatal issues (surrounding the birth experience and beyond), and adoption. I love doing sandtray work and EMDR with clients. I work with kids, teens and adults.
Are you ready for a change? Has the quarantine left you feeling anxious, shaky, or depressed? I can help with that. Areas of specialty include ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, and multicultural issues (I am half-Asian). I also work with clients with perinatal issues (surrounding the birth experience and beyond), and adoption. I love doing sandtray work and EMDR with clients. I work with kids, teens and adults.
![Photo of Shannon Rueter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d2a02ac-a411-46b6-90b8-98b6d71929a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Rueter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
Deciding to speak to a therapist is a step in the direction of health - mental, emotional, and sometimes physical. My clients usually come to me after they have tried all they can think of - I feel honored to be their next step and honor the steps they've already taken. Whether a client's concerns pertain to parenting or becoming a parent, perinatal mental health, life transitions, ADHD, or general mental health, I enjoy working together with my clients to determine the best next steps for them.
Deciding to speak to a therapist is a step in the direction of health - mental, emotional, and sometimes physical. My clients usually come to me after they have tried all they can think of - I feel honored to be their next step and honor the steps they've already taken. Whether a client's concerns pertain to parenting or becoming a parent, perinatal mental health, life transitions, ADHD, or general mental health, I enjoy working together with my clients to determine the best next steps for them.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Julia Small, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f026017c-935b-42d4-b89f-83fb68d67498/3/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy with me typically includes both Child-Centered Play Therapy sessions, in conjunction with reflective parenting sessions.
As a parent, you often wonder if you’re getting it right. You might be noticing some concerning changes in your child, or maybe your family has just gone through something that shook your world. You may be exhausted by the emotional rollercoaster or wondering if you are enough. It might even be hard to remember when things got this way, or remember how things used to be. To be sure, you are ready for relief. You’re ready to feel more peace, and have confidence that you and your child have the support you need. Most of all, you’re ready to enjoy and connect with your children in deeper ways.
Therapy with me typically includes both Child-Centered Play Therapy sessions, in conjunction with reflective parenting sessions.
As a parent, you often wonder if you’re getting it right. You might be noticing some concerning changes in your child, or maybe your family has just gone through something that shook your world. You may be exhausted by the emotional rollercoaster or wondering if you are enough. It might even be hard to remember when things got this way, or remember how things used to be. To be sure, you are ready for relief. You’re ready to feel more peace, and have confidence that you and your child have the support you need. Most of all, you’re ready to enjoy and connect with your children in deeper ways.
![Photo of Heidi Schilling, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fb315ab-f2eb-4b69-b24f-72d08956605f/3/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I offer experiential activities and play therapy.
Everyone wants to be heard, seen, and understood. However, we often don't feel those things in life, especially when we have experienced trauma. It is easy to feel alone as you struggle in silence. However, you are not alone. I aim to create a safe, warm, empathetic space so you or your child/adolescent can find relief and power in sharing your story. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as with adults who have experienced trauma. Working with children and adolescents gives me a unique perspective to help adults addressing childhood trauma. I provide individual and family therapy and parent coaching.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I offer experiential activities and play therapy.
Everyone wants to be heard, seen, and understood. However, we often don't feel those things in life, especially when we have experienced trauma. It is easy to feel alone as you struggle in silence. However, you are not alone. I aim to create a safe, warm, empathetic space so you or your child/adolescent can find relief and power in sharing your story. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as with adults who have experienced trauma. Working with children and adolescents gives me a unique perspective to help adults addressing childhood trauma. I provide individual and family therapy and parent coaching.
![Photo of Melissa Bing](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f44863ae-d435-41c0-bfa3-d0d2e00cb466/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Bing
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
During the therapeutic process, I use many play therapy techniques.
Hello! My name is Melissa & I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Supervised by Diana Garza-Louis, LPC-S, LMFT-S. In my practice I see children & adolescents, and I believe the most important thing is to establish a trusting relationship with clients. I believe that change can’t happen unless safety & security are established first. My goal for each session is to bring authenticity to the playroom & create a safe space for each child to learn how to trust their own inner wisdom, strength, & gain confidence. Through compassion, humor, and encouragement, I create a supportive environment for a therapeutic healing process.
During the therapeutic process, I use many play therapy techniques.
Hello! My name is Melissa & I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Supervised by Diana Garza-Louis, LPC-S, LMFT-S. In my practice I see children & adolescents, and I believe the most important thing is to establish a trusting relationship with clients. I believe that change can’t happen unless safety & security are established first. My goal for each session is to bring authenticity to the playroom & create a safe space for each child to learn how to trust their own inner wisdom, strength, & gain confidence. Through compassion, humor, and encouragement, I create a supportive environment for a therapeutic healing process.
![Photo of Sara Buckley, LCSW-S, RPT-S, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a00ae18-f63b-4109-9a87-b14360d2edca/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Buckley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
I have extensive training in play therapy, sandtray therapy, and in using EMDR with children.
I believe that we can make many changes in our lives in a myriad of ways. We can make changes within ourselves by breaking negative thinking patterns, learning new ways to manage and react to feelings, or by changing behavioral habits. We can also makes changes in our physical and social world, and I seek to help you make decisions and find solutions by identifying realistic, practical, acheivable goals. Core to my practice is a belief that therapy does not need to be painful to be effective, and that smaller changes lead to more and bigger changes.
I have extensive training in play therapy, sandtray therapy, and in using EMDR with children.
I believe that we can make many changes in our lives in a myriad of ways. We can make changes within ourselves by breaking negative thinking patterns, learning new ways to manage and react to feelings, or by changing behavioral habits. We can also makes changes in our physical and social world, and I seek to help you make decisions and find solutions by identifying realistic, practical, acheivable goals. Core to my practice is a belief that therapy does not need to be painful to be effective, and that smaller changes lead to more and bigger changes.
See more therapy options for West Lake Hills
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for West Lake Hills
- Austin
- Bee Cave
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- Dripping Springs
- Lakeway
- Leander
- Manchaca
- Pflugerville
- Rollingwood
- Round Rock
- Sunset Valley
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.