Play Therapy in Spanish Fork, UT

Photo of Brooke Willis, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooke Willis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Waitlist for new clients
Your care is important, so I use research-based models in my approach, such as EMDR, play therapy, IFS, TBRI, CPRT and DBT strategies.
I’m glad you are here! Mental health matters, and sometimes we need help and support to get us to where we want to be. My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, valued and important. Your healing journey matters, and I would love to help you along the way. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, family struggles, trust difficulties or the effects of trauma, I’m here to help. We can work together to decide what treatment will be most helpful for you, and we can adapt along the way. You deserve to find relief, hope and healing!
Your care is important, so I use research-based models in my approach, such as EMDR, play therapy, IFS, TBRI, CPRT and DBT strategies.
I’m glad you are here! Mental health matters, and sometimes we need help and support to get us to where we want to be. My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, valued and important. Your healing journey matters, and I would love to help you along the way. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, family struggles, trust difficulties or the effects of trauma, I’m here to help. We can work together to decide what treatment will be most helpful for you, and we can adapt along the way. You deserve to find relief, hope and healing!
(385) 437-6996 View (385) 437-6996
Photo of Tiffany Huntsman, ACMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffany Huntsman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Through play and filial therapy, I work well with children of any age, along with their parents.
Now scheduling new clients within a week! Is your family facing tough moments with mental health challenges? Do you have daily struggles and strained communication with a child or partner? These challenges don't mean you are failing. You have questions and don't know where to look for answers. I can help! I'm dedicated to fostering positive change in children, youth, adults, and couples. I believe in families and helping support them through any struggles, whether it's divorce, blended families, separation anxiety, school refusal, defiance, ADHD, OCD, autism, adoption, communication difficulties, conflict, or trauma.
Through play and filial therapy, I work well with children of any age, along with their parents.
Now scheduling new clients within a week! Is your family facing tough moments with mental health challenges? Do you have daily struggles and strained communication with a child or partner? These challenges don't mean you are failing. You have questions and don't know where to look for answers. I can help! I'm dedicated to fostering positive change in children, youth, adults, and couples. I believe in families and helping support them through any struggles, whether it's divorce, blended families, separation anxiety, school refusal, defiance, ADHD, OCD, autism, adoption, communication difficulties, conflict, or trauma.
(385) 230-7424 View (385) 230-7424
Photo of Dr. Vjollca Martinson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Vjollca Martinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
I utilize different therapeutic approaches such as: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, art and play therapy techniques.
As a marriage and family therapist, I have been successful in helping individuals re-create and maintain enjoyable relationships throughout their lives. My goal as a clinician is to help you and your loved one(s) learn to build loving, trusting, understanding and safe environments and relationships that enable recovery, moving forward and healing. I love to see you and your loved one(s) smile again! My main clinical specialty is treating children, teens and adults who have experienced traumatic events. I have successfully treated depression, anxiety, addiction, affairs, divorce, grief and loss, stress, etc.
I utilize different therapeutic approaches such as: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, art and play therapy techniques.
As a marriage and family therapist, I have been successful in helping individuals re-create and maintain enjoyable relationships throughout their lives. My goal as a clinician is to help you and your loved one(s) learn to build loving, trusting, understanding and safe environments and relationships that enable recovery, moving forward and healing. I love to see you and your loved one(s) smile again! My main clinical specialty is treating children, teens and adults who have experienced traumatic events. I have successfully treated depression, anxiety, addiction, affairs, divorce, grief and loss, stress, etc.
(385) 448-4155 View (385) 448-4155
Photo of Lynette Beard, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynette Beard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
I use a variety of evidenced-based therapy models to assist you in your healing journey including: EMDR, IFS, TF-CBT, DBT strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts and strengths-based therapy.
I believe each person is unique and has great worth. Whether you are at the beginning of your healing journey, somewhere in the middle or towards the end, finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I am here to support, encourage, validate, explore and discover with you. Life can be stressful and can also feed us lies, doubts and bring a concoction of unpleasant emotions. I am here to walk alongside you as you rediscover yourself and work through past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, self worth or whatever struggles you are currently dealing with. I also specialize in working with children to help them through these struggles.
I use a variety of evidenced-based therapy models to assist you in your healing journey including: EMDR, IFS, TF-CBT, DBT strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts and strengths-based therapy.
I believe each person is unique and has great worth. Whether you are at the beginning of your healing journey, somewhere in the middle or towards the end, finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I am here to support, encourage, validate, explore and discover with you. Life can be stressful and can also feed us lies, doubts and bring a concoction of unpleasant emotions. I am here to walk alongside you as you rediscover yourself and work through past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, self worth or whatever struggles you are currently dealing with. I also specialize in working with children to help them through these struggles.
(801) 516-3928 View (801) 516-3928
Photo of Eddie Shin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eddie Shin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Using proven, evidence-based techniques like ART, play therapy, sandtray, DBT skills, and narrative therapy, I help clients feel empowered and ready to take on whatever life throws their way.
Life can be tough, but you don't have to face it alone. It's okay to seek help when you need a fresh perspective to overcome life's challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, anger, family issues, or just feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Using proven, evidence-based techniques like ART, play therapy, sandtray, DBT skills, and narrative therapy, I help clients feel empowered and ready to take on whatever life throws their way.
Life can be tough, but you don't have to face it alone. It's okay to seek help when you need a fresh perspective to overcome life's challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, anger, family issues, or just feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
(385) 403-8950 View (385) 403-8950
Photo of Bobbie Pugh, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bobbie Pugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
I have received training in and utilize Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) and I am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.
Your child means the world to you. You’ve worked and invested so much throughout the years for their benefit and well being. Despite all the planning and parenting preparation you did, there are somethings that you weren’t prepared for: Constant arguments at home and meltdowns. Emails/calls from the school of your child struggling with focus and sitting still. A child that worries and is scared so much of the time. When your teenager says to their friends “I just want to die.” How to help your child through big life changes such as divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one. Or, if someone has purposely hurt him/her.
I have received training in and utilize Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) and I am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.
Your child means the world to you. You’ve worked and invested so much throughout the years for their benefit and well being. Despite all the planning and parenting preparation you did, there are somethings that you weren’t prepared for: Constant arguments at home and meltdowns. Emails/calls from the school of your child struggling with focus and sitting still. A child that worries and is scared so much of the time. When your teenager says to their friends “I just want to die.” How to help your child through big life changes such as divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one. Or, if someone has purposely hurt him/her.
(801) 821-4061 View (801) 821-4061
Photo of Melanie J Smith, MA, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melanie J Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Art City Family Counseling is specially designed to promote health and healing for the entire family system. It has an individual/couple session room, a sand tray room, and a dedicated play therapy room to facilitate health and healing for even the youngest clients. Additionally, groups are offered with various focuses such as depression and anxiety support, parent-child relational training,and foster/adoption support.
Art City Family Counseling is specially designed to promote health and healing for the entire family system. It has an individual/couple session room, a sand tray room, and a dedicated play therapy room to facilitate health and healing for even the youngest clients. Additionally, groups are offered with various focuses such as depression and anxiety support, parent-child relational training,and foster/adoption support.
(801) 471-0080 View (801) 471-0080
Photo of Hailey Boggess, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hailey Boggess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Waitlist for new clients
I believe your treatment needs to be as unique as you are! To guide our work, I use your intuitive sense about what you need from therapy, and a personalized combination of tools that work best for you. The main modalities I use are EMDR, IFS ('Parts Work'), art therapy, mindfulness, and somatic tools. I also use mind-body science to address mental health from a holistic view, including movement, sleep, nutrition, nature, and learning about your nervous system. When working with children, I generally use art therapy, play therapy, and sandtray therapy. My trained therapy dog Pippin (hypoallergenic) attends sessions as well!
I believe your treatment needs to be as unique as you are! To guide our work, I use your intuitive sense about what you need from therapy, and a personalized combination of tools that work best for you. The main modalities I use are EMDR, IFS ('Parts Work'), art therapy, mindfulness, and somatic tools. I also use mind-body science to address mental health from a holistic view, including movement, sleep, nutrition, nature, and learning about your nervous system. When working with children, I generally use art therapy, play therapy, and sandtray therapy. My trained therapy dog Pippin (hypoallergenic) attends sessions as well!
(385) 557-6634 View (385) 557-6634
Photo of Amy Richards, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Richards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
She is trained in the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Experiential Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solutions-Focused therapy.
Amy has worked with a large number of children, teenagers, and adults both in outpatient mental health, residential treatment centers and in the public school system. She’s passionate about giving people the tools they need to make good decisions and to cope with difficult feelings and circumstances. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, identity issues, LGBTQ communities, and faith transitions.
She is trained in the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Experiential Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solutions-Focused therapy.
Amy has worked with a large number of children, teenagers, and adults both in outpatient mental health, residential treatment centers and in the public school system. She’s passionate about giving people the tools they need to make good decisions and to cope with difficult feelings and circumstances. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, identity issues, LGBTQ communities, and faith transitions.
(801) 405-3553 View (801) 405-3553
Photo of Alexis Driskell - Payson Family Therapy, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Payson Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
During my graduate studies I received training and supervision specific to children and play therapy (including art, therapy games, sand, music, etc.
•Immediate Openings Available• My focus since graduate school has been helping children, teenagers, and young adults learn the skills necessary to thrive and lead fulfilling lives. I have great success in helping clients who struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, life adjustments, self-esteem, struggles in school, and more. While I do teach coping skills I like to work with clients and their parents to get to the root causes of their struggles to help facilitate lasting change.
During my graduate studies I received training and supervision specific to children and play therapy (including art, therapy games, sand, music, etc.
•Immediate Openings Available• My focus since graduate school has been helping children, teenagers, and young adults learn the skills necessary to thrive and lead fulfilling lives. I have great success in helping clients who struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, life adjustments, self-esteem, struggles in school, and more. While I do teach coping skills I like to work with clients and their parents to get to the root causes of their struggles to help facilitate lasting change.
(385) 442-7996 View (385) 442-7996
Photo of Adrianne Moody, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adrianne Moody
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Adrianne has been trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, Child Centered Play Therapy, sand tray therapy and is Certified by EAGALA in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
Adrianne has been working as a therapist since 2015. Adrianne understands the challenges of today and has experience working with people with diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Adrianne has a deep understanding of the struggles that children of all ages experience with the stress of divorce and custody issues as well as trauma and school stress. Adrianne has experienced many of her own unexpected life struggles and it has helped her to have a deeper level of empathy and understanding for each individual person. She would be glad to spend time with you getting to know you and your personal situation.
Adrianne has been trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, Child Centered Play Therapy, sand tray therapy and is Certified by EAGALA in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
Adrianne has been working as a therapist since 2015. Adrianne understands the challenges of today and has experience working with people with diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Adrianne has a deep understanding of the struggles that children of all ages experience with the stress of divorce and custody issues as well as trauma and school stress. Adrianne has experienced many of her own unexpected life struggles and it has helped her to have a deeper level of empathy and understanding for each individual person. She would be glad to spend time with you getting to know you and your personal situation.
(385) 219-4955 View (385) 219-4955
Photo of Shara Jackson Harper, CSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shara Jackson Harper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
You are looking for a therapist with warm, inviting energy who will walk with you through the heavy parts of your life right now. You are trying to reach your goals, and experience more hope in your daily life. You need support to increase your skills and capacity to meet and manage challenges. Perhaps you have experienced grief, loss, change or tip toeing through new beginnings of unexpected endings. Maybe you are figuring out life as a new parent, or figuring out who you are in your current season of life. You want to know that you are not alone, that you will be ok, and to be supported by a therapist who gets you.
You are looking for a therapist with warm, inviting energy who will walk with you through the heavy parts of your life right now. You are trying to reach your goals, and experience more hope in your daily life. You need support to increase your skills and capacity to meet and manage challenges. Perhaps you have experienced grief, loss, change or tip toeing through new beginnings of unexpected endings. Maybe you are figuring out life as a new parent, or figuring out who you are in your current season of life. You want to know that you are not alone, that you will be ok, and to be supported by a therapist who gets you.
(385) 442-6786 View (385) 442-6786
Photo of Marcea Walker, MFTI, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marcea Walker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Whether it is relational issues, marital conflict, faith transitions, anxiety, depression or parenting challenges, I approach my practice with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to helping my clients navigate their unique journeys. I understand that life's hurdles can be daunting, but I firmly believe in the resilience of the human spirit. Using evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally- Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space for my clients to explore, heal, and grow.
Whether it is relational issues, marital conflict, faith transitions, anxiety, depression or parenting challenges, I approach my practice with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to helping my clients navigate their unique journeys. I understand that life's hurdles can be daunting, but I firmly believe in the resilience of the human spirit. Using evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally- Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space for my clients to explore, heal, and grow.
(385) 469-3224 View (385) 469-3224
Photo of Makenzie Foulger, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Makenzie Foulger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Waitlist for new clients
Unhappy? Not feeling yourself or that you're enough? I am devoted to assisting clients discover what their happiness looks like and how to get there. I want to help you see you're always enough and deserve to be you! I believe people are not their problems. I believe problems are made up of varying components through experiences and relationships. Being a Marriage and Family Therapist means I approach issues through a systemic lens. I view individuals as part of a system, not as the problem. I know you have a story that needs to be told and I want to hear your story!
Unhappy? Not feeling yourself or that you're enough? I am devoted to assisting clients discover what their happiness looks like and how to get there. I want to help you see you're always enough and deserve to be you! I believe people are not their problems. I believe problems are made up of varying components through experiences and relationships. Being a Marriage and Family Therapist means I approach issues through a systemic lens. I view individuals as part of a system, not as the problem. I know you have a story that needs to be told and I want to hear your story!
(435) 515-3603 x2 View (435) 515-3603 x2
Photo of The Whole Child Therapy - Jone Lokahi Vuikadavu, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Whole Child Therapy - Jone Lokahi Vuikadavu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
We are all special and unique in our own ways. We all have something to contribute to ourselves and to others. Their is no else like you, nor have there ever been, nor ever will be. The circumstances that we face today and yesterday are what contributes to how we feel about ourselves today and how we may see ourselves in the future. In this journey of life, these circumstances can either be a road block or a stepping stone.
We are all special and unique in our own ways. We all have something to contribute to ourselves and to others. Their is no else like you, nor have there ever been, nor ever will be. The circumstances that we face today and yesterday are what contributes to how we feel about ourselves today and how we may see ourselves in the future. In this journey of life, these circumstances can either be a road block or a stepping stone.
(385) 483-3648 View (385) 483-3648
Photo of Chris Wilkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chris Wilkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
We all have a story to tell. I'm interested in yours. I won't judge or criticize. Therapy is supposed to reduce your distress and eliminate feelings of stigma, brokenness and inadequacy. We all have our struggles, we all need help at times. Together we will find the solution. My goals include helping you heal and become increasingly empowered to be a stronger, happier and more content human being. I help individuals, couples and families improve communication, increase assertiveness, implement appropriate boundaries, and increase confidence and healthy self-love. I have a team of 10 therapists. Let's find one that will help you heal
We all have a story to tell. I'm interested in yours. I won't judge or criticize. Therapy is supposed to reduce your distress and eliminate feelings of stigma, brokenness and inadequacy. We all have our struggles, we all need help at times. Together we will find the solution. My goals include helping you heal and become increasingly empowered to be a stronger, happier and more content human being. I help individuals, couples and families improve communication, increase assertiveness, implement appropriate boundaries, and increase confidence and healthy self-love. I have a team of 10 therapists. Let's find one that will help you heal
(385) 250-1589 View (385) 250-1589
Photo of Madeline (Maddie) Evans, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Madeline (Maddie) Evans
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
My therapeutic process takes a humanistic family systems approach. I use several core modalities and theories that form an experiential eclectic style. I believe that change occurs through a healing process and journey that is unique to each individual, couple or family that I may see. I strive to emphasize the importance of collaboration and a sense of safety as the healing journey is embarked on. My humanistic approach fuels my belief that people are not the problem, rather the problem is the problem. I encourage clients to take the courageous step into vulnerability as they accomplish their goals.
My therapeutic process takes a humanistic family systems approach. I use several core modalities and theories that form an experiential eclectic style. I believe that change occurs through a healing process and journey that is unique to each individual, couple or family that I may see. I strive to emphasize the importance of collaboration and a sense of safety as the healing journey is embarked on. My humanistic approach fuels my belief that people are not the problem, rather the problem is the problem. I encourage clients to take the courageous step into vulnerability as they accomplish their goals.
(801) 224-2313 View (801) 224-2313
Photo of Triston Morgan - Spanish Fork Center For Couples and Families, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Spanish Fork Center For Couples and Families
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Relationships are one of the most important things in life. Whether that be with a partner, spouse, parent, child or other family member. We understand that strengthening and maintaining those relationships is at the top or your list. It’s at the top of our list too! Change is possible if you have a desire to learn and apply the skills and knowledge you will acquire through participating in therapy.
Relationships are one of the most important things in life. Whether that be with a partner, spouse, parent, child or other family member. We understand that strengthening and maintaining those relationships is at the top or your list. It’s at the top of our list too! Change is possible if you have a desire to learn and apply the skills and knowledge you will acquire through participating in therapy.
(801) 810-2793 View (801) 810-2793
Photo of Tutu A Wreh - Wreh's Wellness Services, LLC, MSW, LCSW, C-SWHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wreh's Wellness Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-SWHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
At Wreh's Wellness Services, we enjoy working with children (ages 5+), families, adolescents, couples, individuals and groups. We work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stressor related concerns, grief and loss, personality disorders, self-esteem, familial relationship challenges, addiction, trauma and other psychosocial symptoms. We have experiences providing supportive and counseling services to individuals in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics and in the home.
At Wreh's Wellness Services, we enjoy working with children (ages 5+), families, adolescents, couples, individuals and groups. We work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stressor related concerns, grief and loss, personality disorders, self-esteem, familial relationship challenges, addiction, trauma and other psychosocial symptoms. We have experiences providing supportive and counseling services to individuals in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics and in the home.
(724) 573-8109 View (724) 573-8109
Photo of Allison Hansen, MA,  CMHC, Counselor
Allison Hansen
Counselor, MA, CMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
You are of great worth. Each person is of great worth. When any of us lose the recognition of our worth, despair and hopelessness can take over. Anyone facing these, or like challenges, may benefit from professional help. If you or a loved one seek improvement, you have resources right here. If you will share your world and your journey, the sense of great worth can be restored and sustained. Options include traditional therapy as well as equine therapy.
You are of great worth. Each person is of great worth. When any of us lose the recognition of our worth, despair and hopelessness can take over. Anyone facing these, or like challenges, may benefit from professional help. If you or a loved one seek improvement, you have resources right here. If you will share your world and your journey, the sense of great worth can be restored and sustained. Options include traditional therapy as well as equine therapy.
(801) 919-8226 View (801) 919-8226
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See more therapy options for Spanish Fork

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.