Play Therapy in Lake Forest Park, WA

Photo of Rachel Kathleen Ramondetta, MA, LMFTA, MHP, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rachel Kathleen Ramondetta
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA, MHP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges and transitions. My practice focuses on helping clients develop effective coping strategies to overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, relationships, and family dynamics. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, my primary areas of focus include: distress related to attachment, identity, and adjustment issues, as well as communication difficulties, relationship concerns, healing from traumatic experiences, and family dynamics.
I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges and transitions. My practice focuses on helping clients develop effective coping strategies to overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, relationships, and family dynamics. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, my primary areas of focus include: distress related to attachment, identity, and adjustment issues, as well as communication difficulties, relationship concerns, healing from traumatic experiences, and family dynamics.
(206) 207-6622 View (206) 207-6622
Photo of Teresa (Terie) Clement, MEd, LMHC, CMHS, CDWF, Counselor
Teresa (Terie) Clement
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, CMHS, CDWF
Verified Verified
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155  (Online Only)
Everyone has the capacity to change no matter what their present difficulty, and adversity can offer a new chance for growth. I am an experienced, non-judgmental clinical therapist devoted to helping my clients improve their quality of life.
Everyone has the capacity to change no matter what their present difficulty, and adversity can offer a new chance for growth. I am an experienced, non-judgmental clinical therapist devoted to helping my clients improve their quality of life.
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Photo of Kim Kauffman - Kim Kauffman - Thrive Child & Family Counseling, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Kauffman - Thrive Child & Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Childhood is a sacred time yet our children are facing many challenges and choices as they try to navigate growing into the best and healthiest version of themselves. I provide support and a safe place for parents to be real about their hopes and fears and work with children in a way that celebrates their strengths. In our sessions together I will bring over 25 yrs of experience as a counselor serving children and families (outpatient & in schools) and 23 yrs of learning and personal growth raising two children. I have hand-picked each item in my therapy office to help meet the needs of my clients.
Childhood is a sacred time yet our children are facing many challenges and choices as they try to navigate growing into the best and healthiest version of themselves. I provide support and a safe place for parents to be real about their hopes and fears and work with children in a way that celebrates their strengths. In our sessions together I will bring over 25 yrs of experience as a counselor serving children and families (outpatient & in schools) and 23 yrs of learning and personal growth raising two children. I have hand-picked each item in my therapy office to help meet the needs of my clients.
(206) 222-1106 View (206) 222-1106
Photo of Jennifer Lee - Wayfinder Counseling, MSW, LICSW, CMHS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wayfinder Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CMHS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155  (Online Only)
I'm an individual and family therapist who enjoys helping adolescents and adults cope with life changes and traumatic experiences. Some issues I help clients with include: healing from abuse, divorce, school difficulties, parenting challenges, domestic violence, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness. I work to provide my clients with a safe and comfortable space to talk as well as to provide them with tools to help get through difficult times and situations. I am experienced in working with clients from the LGBTQ community, as well as those in non-traditional family/relationship structures.
I'm an individual and family therapist who enjoys helping adolescents and adults cope with life changes and traumatic experiences. Some issues I help clients with include: healing from abuse, divorce, school difficulties, parenting challenges, domestic violence, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness. I work to provide my clients with a safe and comfortable space to talk as well as to provide them with tools to help get through difficult times and situations. I am experienced in working with clients from the LGBTQ community, as well as those in non-traditional family/relationship structures.
(253) 343-1613 View (253) 343-1613
Photo of Ivko Pejovic, LMHC, Counselor
Ivko Pejovic
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
I have over 20 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. My areas of expertise include individual, couple, and family therapy. My specialties are PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Also, I have been facilitating different groups for 20 years and a DBT group for 9 years. All of the clients who have committed themself to this DBT class have learned some specific DBT skills that they can apply in their daily lives when they feel depressed or anxious.
I have over 20 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. My areas of expertise include individual, couple, and family therapy. My specialties are PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Also, I have been facilitating different groups for 20 years and a DBT group for 9 years. All of the clients who have committed themself to this DBT class have learned some specific DBT skills that they can apply in their daily lives when they feel depressed or anxious.
(206) 207-8707 View (206) 207-8707

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amy Schaller, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Schaller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
In sessions, you will have the opportunity to see the world through your child’s eyes as you engage in play together.
Are you wanting to find joy and ease in your parenting, but instead encountering frustration? If your child joined your family through adoption or has a trauma history, challenging moments can sometimes crowd out the joy. Maybe you find yourself yelling or losing your patience more than you would like. Maybe you’d like to get to the roots of your child’s baffling behaviors, but you don’t know where to start. Together, we can shift your perspective and see your child through a new lens. Underneath the big behaviors is your child's true self, a struggling child who wants to feel regulated, connected, and safe.
In sessions, you will have the opportunity to see the world through your child’s eyes as you engage in play together.
Are you wanting to find joy and ease in your parenting, but instead encountering frustration? If your child joined your family through adoption or has a trauma history, challenging moments can sometimes crowd out the joy. Maybe you find yourself yelling or losing your patience more than you would like. Maybe you’d like to get to the roots of your child’s baffling behaviors, but you don’t know where to start. Together, we can shift your perspective and see your child through a new lens. Underneath the big behaviors is your child's true self, a struggling child who wants to feel regulated, connected, and safe.
(206) 889-6202 View (206) 889-6202
Photo of Jessica Goede, MEd, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jessica Goede
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
With youth, I typically incorporate play, art, and storytelling alongside emotion regulation approaches.
“Shame can't survive being spoken: Shame needs secrecy, silence, and judgment to survive, but empathy can destroy it” (Brené Brown). Empathy and shame resilience are core to my practice. Perhaps you are thinking you don’t want to hide anymore; you are tired of feeling triggered; you feel hijacked by anxiety and depression. Clients can expect me to hold a safe but brave space where we explore these issues and unearth shame. From my own time in the client’s chair, I’m well acquainted with facing pain—and vulnerability hangovers. Not easy but worth it. I would be honored to sit with you and discover new possibilities found in healing.
With youth, I typically incorporate play, art, and storytelling alongside emotion regulation approaches.
“Shame can't survive being spoken: Shame needs secrecy, silence, and judgment to survive, but empathy can destroy it” (Brené Brown). Empathy and shame resilience are core to my practice. Perhaps you are thinking you don’t want to hide anymore; you are tired of feeling triggered; you feel hijacked by anxiety and depression. Clients can expect me to hold a safe but brave space where we explore these issues and unearth shame. From my own time in the client’s chair, I’m well acquainted with facing pain—and vulnerability hangovers. Not easy but worth it. I would be honored to sit with you and discover new possibilities found in healing.
(425) 970-9311 View (425) 970-9311
Photo of Julia L Fay, MS, LMHC, CN, Counselor
Julia L Fay
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98133
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
(206) 202-5148 View (206) 202-5148
Photo of Kaitlyn S McGurn, MA, LMHC, RPT, Counselor
Kaitlyn S McGurn
Counselor, MA, LMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98125
I have a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and I am a registered play therapist.
It takes courage to reach out for support during times of struggle and hardship. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients can build self-awareness, a feeling of wellbeing and confidence, and coping skills to face life transitions and obstacles. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities from experiential therapies ( play, art, and sand tray) with young clients, to cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and narrative therapy for older clients. I believe in tailoring a therapeutic approach that is specific to the individual needs of each client.
I have a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and I am a registered play therapist.
It takes courage to reach out for support during times of struggle and hardship. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients can build self-awareness, a feeling of wellbeing and confidence, and coping skills to face life transitions and obstacles. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities from experiential therapies ( play, art, and sand tray) with young clients, to cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and narrative therapy for older clients. I believe in tailoring a therapeutic approach that is specific to the individual needs of each client.
(206) 672-9985 View (206) 672-9985
Photo of Jeanine M. O'Connell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeanine M. O'Connell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
I work with people of all ages committed to developing self-awareness in order to change or enhance their quality of life. I work with children experiencing anxiety, depression, and home/school challenges. Supporting children usually involves working with parents/guardians and families. I enjoy working with individual adults interested in understanding themselves, their relationships, and their actions. My therapy practice includes play therapy and art therapy, sand- play, active listening, family systems work, and parenting education. I am curious and compassionate in my relationship to clients with varying needs and backgrounds.
I work with people of all ages committed to developing self-awareness in order to change or enhance their quality of life. I work with children experiencing anxiety, depression, and home/school challenges. Supporting children usually involves working with parents/guardians and families. I enjoy working with individual adults interested in understanding themselves, their relationships, and their actions. My therapy practice includes play therapy and art therapy, sand- play, active listening, family systems work, and parenting education. I am curious and compassionate in my relationship to clients with varying needs and backgrounds.
(425) 382-6897 View (425) 382-6897
Photo of Marcelina Chavez-Penner, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Marcelina Chavez-Penner
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133  (Online Only)
My training has taught me that our traumas show up and play out in everyday aspects of our lives; therefore, my approach is relationship centered and client focused.
Hi, my name is Lina. I am a queer, latine(x), white, femme therapist offering support in the greater Seattle area. I specialize in supporting children, teens, and young adults with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and attachment challenges, especially folks who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have experience working with a wide range of clients from children with FASD, young adults working through childhood trauma, and teenagers coming out as trans. Each one of us has a unique set of needs, so I am here to meet you where you are and walk with you at your pace.
My training has taught me that our traumas show up and play out in everyday aspects of our lives; therefore, my approach is relationship centered and client focused.
Hi, my name is Lina. I am a queer, latine(x), white, femme therapist offering support in the greater Seattle area. I specialize in supporting children, teens, and young adults with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and attachment challenges, especially folks who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have experience working with a wide range of clients from children with FASD, young adults working through childhood trauma, and teenagers coming out as trans. Each one of us has a unique set of needs, so I am here to meet you where you are and walk with you at your pace.
(206) 278-7684 View (206) 278-7684
Photo of Kellie A Preston, MS, LMFT, CMHS, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kellie A Preston
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CMHS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Kenmore, WA 98028
The Play Therapy Cottage is a nonclinical residential setting, providing you with a tiny home experience in a garden setting.
I believe everyone has innate wisdom within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles are in front of them. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma and consequently suffering from anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, sleep issues, developmental obstacles. Expressive therapies offers a unique way to language those issues using art, painting, clay work, journal writing, sand tray play and canine therapy, and they begin to externalize worries and concerns, crisis and trauma through symbols and mastery is gained. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished and individuals experience their true potential.
The Play Therapy Cottage is a nonclinical residential setting, providing you with a tiny home experience in a garden setting.
I believe everyone has innate wisdom within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles are in front of them. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma and consequently suffering from anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, sleep issues, developmental obstacles. Expressive therapies offers a unique way to language those issues using art, painting, clay work, journal writing, sand tray play and canine therapy, and they begin to externalize worries and concerns, crisis and trauma through symbols and mastery is gained. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished and individuals experience their true potential.
(425) 786-9544 View (425) 786-9544
Photo of Linda Simmons, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Simmons
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I have worked with individuals, couples, children and families for over 20 years in private practice and other settings. I offer a variety of treatment options including play therapy, sand tray therapy, mindfulness practices and EMDR.
I am a Licensed Marriage and family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I have worked with individuals, couples, children and families for over 20 years in private practice and other settings. I offer a variety of treatment options including play therapy, sand tray therapy, mindfulness practices and EMDR.
(970) 239-0197 View (970) 239-0197
Photo of Marisa McCann, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Marisa McCann
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
(360) 743-3225 View (360) 743-3225
Photo of Steven Kubacki, PhD, Psychologist
Steven Kubacki
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
These include Modern Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Stress Management, Behavioral Medicine, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Guided Imagery, Play Therapy, Parental Counseling, Psychodrama, Meditation, and Spiritual Counseling.
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
These include Modern Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Stress Management, Behavioral Medicine, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Guided Imagery, Play Therapy, Parental Counseling, Psychodrama, Meditation, and Spiritual Counseling.
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
(206) 922-8133 View (206) 922-8133
Photo of Jenesse R Aquino, LMHCA, Counselor
Jenesse R Aquino
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Intern with 5 years of social work experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment specialties include trauma, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. I have practiced behavioral health using evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy interventions. Children learn through play, Play therapy interventions provide children a way to express their feelings and overcome trauma through a natural self healing process. I assist adolescents and adults in learning healthy coping skills and recognizing restrictive habits and patterns.
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Intern with 5 years of social work experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment specialties include trauma, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. I have practiced behavioral health using evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy interventions. Children learn through play, Play therapy interventions provide children a way to express their feelings and overcome trauma through a natural self healing process. I assist adolescents and adults in learning healthy coping skills and recognizing restrictive habits and patterns.
(425) 842-0257 View (425) 842-0257
Photo of Andrea Jensen, MA, LMHCA
Andrea Jensen
Mental Health Counselor Associate , MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
My goal is to help rehabilitate and uplift 1,000 people through therapeutic treatment, online psychoeducation, and my workbooks. Yogananda said it best, “A person who has reformed themselves will reform thousands.” Currently, I am working in private practice treating kids as young as 8 to adult clients for trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal issues. I use many modalities in treatment including CBT, DBT, attachment theory, interpersonal outcomes method, boundaries, mindfulness, meditation, art therapy, and lifespan integration.
My goal is to help rehabilitate and uplift 1,000 people through therapeutic treatment, online psychoeducation, and my workbooks. Yogananda said it best, “A person who has reformed themselves will reform thousands.” Currently, I am working in private practice treating kids as young as 8 to adult clients for trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal issues. I use many modalities in treatment including CBT, DBT, attachment theory, interpersonal outcomes method, boundaries, mindfulness, meditation, art therapy, and lifespan integration.
(425) 584-5617 View (425) 584-5617
Photo of Rachel Richards, LMHC, Counselor
Rachel Richards
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133  (Online Only)
At Four Winds Therapy we believe that humans have the ability to awaken their highest potential and that authentic individualized therapy and collaborative support can help one to recognize their true inner goodness. Therapy with Four Winds is client centered and we believe that therapy's focus can be whatever you'd like it to be. We are here to address your mental health needs with compassion and respect. We are trauma informed and culturally aware as well as respectful to people of all backgrounds and beliefs and we operate within counseling's strict ethical guidelines.
At Four Winds Therapy we believe that humans have the ability to awaken their highest potential and that authentic individualized therapy and collaborative support can help one to recognize their true inner goodness. Therapy with Four Winds is client centered and we believe that therapy's focus can be whatever you'd like it to be. We are here to address your mental health needs with compassion and respect. We are trauma informed and culturally aware as well as respectful to people of all backgrounds and beliefs and we operate within counseling's strict ethical guidelines.
(503) 836-8894 View (503) 836-8894
Photo of Helena P Hillinga Haas, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC, Art Therapist
Helena P Hillinga Haas
Art Therapist, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98125
At Dream Big Wellness we warmly welcome our clients in taking this step to find support and compassionate care. We are a team of licensed and experienced WA state Counselors and nationally board certified Art Therapists. We specialize in supporting people impacted by medical illness, trauma, stress, bereavement, grief & loss, adjustment & transition, anxiety & depression. Dream Big Wellness is an Art Therapy & Integrative WeIlness organization. I work with all ages and have a specialization with children, teens, and young adults.
At Dream Big Wellness we warmly welcome our clients in taking this step to find support and compassionate care. We are a team of licensed and experienced WA state Counselors and nationally board certified Art Therapists. We specialize in supporting people impacted by medical illness, trauma, stress, bereavement, grief & loss, adjustment & transition, anxiety & depression. Dream Big Wellness is an Art Therapy & Integrative WeIlness organization. I work with all ages and have a specialization with children, teens, and young adults.
(425) 671-3622 View (425) 671-3622
Photo of Angela E Agelopoulos - Seattle Counseling and Wellness, PsyD, Psychologist
Seattle Counseling and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children. We provide individual, couples counseling, family therapy, and psychological testing.
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children. We provide individual, couples counseling, family therapy, and psychological testing.
(206) 922-4437 View (206) 922-4437

See more therapy options for Lake Forest Park

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.