Play Therapy in Albion, MI
Paige Pung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Albion, MI 49224
Paige has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds, including those seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, life adjustments, relationship issues, anger issues, grief, loss, and trauma. Paige values a strength-based, person-centered approach to therapy. She believes that every person has strengths and the potential to grow, meet their goals, and regain control in their life. She frequently applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treatment, helping clients challenge their thinking and improve emotional regulation.
Paige has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds, including those seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, life adjustments, relationship issues, anger issues, grief, loss, and trauma. Paige values a strength-based, person-centered approach to therapy. She believes that every person has strengths and the potential to grow, meet their goals, and regain control in their life. She frequently applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treatment, helping clients challenge their thinking and improve emotional regulation.
More Therapists Nearby
Katlin Dunford
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Parma, MI 49269
Are you looking to take charge of your mental health? Some days our emotions can get the best of us and seem unbearable to handle on our own. Together we can establish some goals and a plan to gain control over your life. With an open mind and a little creativity, WE can accomplish anything!
Are you looking to take charge of your mental health? Some days our emotions can get the best of us and seem unbearable to handle on our own. Together we can establish some goals and a plan to gain control over your life. With an open mind and a little creativity, WE can accomplish anything!
Korah Hoffman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MPA
Verified Verified
Concord, MI 49237
I come alive helping others grow through their trauma and begin living life again. As an experienced therapist offering EMDR, I have worked in the mental health field since 2006 and specialize in trauma, PTSD, car accidents, violent attacks, couples/family counseling, grief/loss, panic/anxiety disorders, and depression. I love working with children as well as adults and families. I strongly believe and practice treating each person as a whole, unique, and talented individual. I have earned two masters degrees in Social Worker and Public Administration, both received from Arizona State University.
I come alive helping others grow through their trauma and begin living life again. As an experienced therapist offering EMDR, I have worked in the mental health field since 2006 and specialize in trauma, PTSD, car accidents, violent attacks, couples/family counseling, grief/loss, panic/anxiety disorders, and depression. I love working with children as well as adults and families. I strongly believe and practice treating each person as a whole, unique, and talented individual. I have earned two masters degrees in Social Worker and Public Administration, both received from Arizona State University.
Online Therapists
Linnea Sieh
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Troy, MI 48083
Waitlist for new clients
Creative play interventions, sand tray therapy, expressive arts, therapy interventions, mindfulness, Superhero Therapy- incorporating pop culture, CBT, and motivational interviewing are all a part of my counseling toolbox.
It can be challenging to address your mental health concerns alone. As your counselor, I woud be honored to work together with you, or your child/teen, in a collaborative effort to discover new ways to cope with stressors and improve the quality of life. I utilize creative strength and interest based interventions to ensure an affirming and welcoming environment for clients from ages 4 and up- both neurodiverse and neurotypical. My counseling style is non-judgemental and is flexible to better respond to individual client needs. I also offer Supervision for Michigan LLC clinicians who are seeking full licensure.
Creative play interventions, sand tray therapy, expressive arts, therapy interventions, mindfulness, Superhero Therapy- incorporating pop culture, CBT, and motivational interviewing are all a part of my counseling toolbox.
It can be challenging to address your mental health concerns alone. As your counselor, I woud be honored to work together with you, or your child/teen, in a collaborative effort to discover new ways to cope with stressors and improve the quality of life. I utilize creative strength and interest based interventions to ensure an affirming and welcoming environment for clients from ages 4 and up- both neurodiverse and neurotypical. My counseling style is non-judgemental and is flexible to better respond to individual client needs. I also offer Supervision for Michigan LLC clinicians who are seeking full licensure.
Meagan Shepherd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Huntington Woods, MI 48070
My approach is informed by a variety of modalities including, Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, the Enneagram, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I believe it is our nature to heal and as individuals facing adversity, we often need support from others. My goal in therapy is to partner with clients to foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect that acts as a container for healing, resilience, and growth. It is my passion to empower others to better understand themselves and the world around them so they can show up more fully in their lives. We’ll do this together by exploring challenges and strengths, uncovering blind spots, and developing new strategies for leading a happier and healthier life.
My approach is informed by a variety of modalities including, Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, the Enneagram, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I believe it is our nature to heal and as individuals facing adversity, we often need support from others. My goal in therapy is to partner with clients to foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect that acts as a container for healing, resilience, and growth. It is my passion to empower others to better understand themselves and the world around them so they can show up more fully in their lives. We’ll do this together by exploring challenges and strengths, uncovering blind spots, and developing new strategies for leading a happier and healthier life.
Debra Powell
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864
I am a trauma-informed therapist and I utilize a number of different approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing.
Life can be really challenging under the best of circumstances, sometimes we can get stuck and need some help to move forward or to get back on track. Maybe its to find peace when times are difficult. Your needs will guide how we work together and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment. I want to work with people to help them to realize their own therapeutic goals, identify their own strengths and overcome the barriers that will help them to move forward.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and I utilize a number of different approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing.
Life can be really challenging under the best of circumstances, sometimes we can get stuck and need some help to move forward or to get back on track. Maybe its to find peace when times are difficult. Your needs will guide how we work together and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment. I want to work with people to help them to realize their own therapeutic goals, identify their own strengths and overcome the barriers that will help them to move forward.
Shine Wellness Clinic, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Romeo, MI 48065
Our sessions incorporate play/sand therapy, yoga, meditation and mindfulness training!.
My vision began several years ago when I realized that most counseling agencies tend to concentrate on only one aspect of wellbeing, "Mental Health". Many people seeking whole body wellness are forced to travel to multiple providers to gain the full experience. Why not have one agency that meets the multiple aspect in achieving the "Whole Body Wellness" concept? I truly believe that maximizing personal wellbeing is dependent on the emotional, physical and spiritual health of every individual. I am proud to provide the surrounding community with a comprehensive clinic that addresses whole body wellness.
Our sessions incorporate play/sand therapy, yoga, meditation and mindfulness training!.
My vision began several years ago when I realized that most counseling agencies tend to concentrate on only one aspect of wellbeing, "Mental Health". Many people seeking whole body wellness are forced to travel to multiple providers to gain the full experience. Why not have one agency that meets the multiple aspect in achieving the "Whole Body Wellness" concept? I truly believe that maximizing personal wellbeing is dependent on the emotional, physical and spiritual health of every individual. I am proud to provide the surrounding community with a comprehensive clinic that addresses whole body wellness.
Cassandra Jessee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton, MI 48116
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize multiple modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, Solution Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, psychotherapy, play therapy and animal therapy.
Anxiety? Panic? Depression? Trauma? Is the world just too much lately? Do you want to feel heard and enjoy life? My therapy dog Timon and I would love to guide and help you. Following a critical illness in my life, I started a quest for purpose and devoted myself to an educational journey to create synergy with my own life experiences. My interest is trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, suicide ideation, past sexual abuse, relationship issues coupled with focus on how interpersonal, cognitive thinking and environmental factors play a part in helping people to change.
I utilize multiple modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, Solution Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, psychotherapy, play therapy and animal therapy.
Anxiety? Panic? Depression? Trauma? Is the world just too much lately? Do you want to feel heard and enjoy life? My therapy dog Timon and I would love to guide and help you. Following a critical illness in my life, I started a quest for purpose and devoted myself to an educational journey to create synergy with my own life experiences. My interest is trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, suicide ideation, past sexual abuse, relationship issues coupled with focus on how interpersonal, cognitive thinking and environmental factors play a part in helping people to change.
Kendra Weidenfeller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Wyoming, MI 49519 (Online Only)
I practice TF-CBT, CBT, solution focused therapy, and enjoy incorporating play therapy as well.
I've always had a strong passion for helping children and families through some of the most stressful and difficult times of their life. I enjoy working with children who are struggling with attachment, anxiety, grief and loss, identity, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. I'm deeply passionate about collaborating with parents to work towards a common goal. I strive to help clients have a voice, feel heard, and supported as they transition through challenging times in their lives.
I practice TF-CBT, CBT, solution focused therapy, and enjoy incorporating play therapy as well.
I've always had a strong passion for helping children and families through some of the most stressful and difficult times of their life. I enjoy working with children who are struggling with attachment, anxiety, grief and loss, identity, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. I'm deeply passionate about collaborating with parents to work towards a common goal. I strive to help clients have a voice, feel heard, and supported as they transition through challenging times in their lives.
Allie Lyn VanSickle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Dexter, MI 48130
My work is primarily focused in the areas of safe Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and play therapy.
There is a reason you have decided to seek therapy for yourself or a loved one. The world is becoming an increasingly challenging place for those of any age to navigate. Whatever the reason that brings you to treatment, I am prepared to support you in identifying and treating the root cause(s) of problems that you are facing. While you are the expert in your own life, I will use only evidence-based approaches in assisting your exploration in what underlies the challenges you face. Also, for most younger kids and families, I develop individualized treatment manuals, so that parents can be directly involved in the treatment process.
My work is primarily focused in the areas of safe Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and play therapy.
There is a reason you have decided to seek therapy for yourself or a loved one. The world is becoming an increasingly challenging place for those of any age to navigate. Whatever the reason that brings you to treatment, I am prepared to support you in identifying and treating the root cause(s) of problems that you are facing. While you are the expert in your own life, I will use only evidence-based approaches in assisting your exploration in what underlies the challenges you face. Also, for most younger kids and families, I develop individualized treatment manuals, so that parents can be directly involved in the treatment process.
Liz DeLandsheer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I provided play therapy, career counseling, group therapy, and parent/ child attachment.
Are you struggling to find meaningful relationships or just tired of feeling disappointed by others? Maybe your needs are not being met professionally, emotionally, or intellectually? We will explore why you’re stuck, understand the patterns, and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. By first developing insight into behavior and relationship patterns, we can create strategies to resolve those conflicts. Later, learn ways to tolerate pain, move forward in the fear, and feel ready to take action in those steps. You will learn to tolerate anxiety, heal past trauma, improve the connection with yourself, and feel understood.
I provided play therapy, career counseling, group therapy, and parent/ child attachment.
Are you struggling to find meaningful relationships or just tired of feeling disappointed by others? Maybe your needs are not being met professionally, emotionally, or intellectually? We will explore why you’re stuck, understand the patterns, and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. By first developing insight into behavior and relationship patterns, we can create strategies to resolve those conflicts. Later, learn ways to tolerate pain, move forward in the fear, and feel ready to take action in those steps. You will learn to tolerate anxiety, heal past trauma, improve the connection with yourself, and feel understood.
Onna Solomon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Waitlist for new clients
I use a collaborative and empathetic approach with clients, drawing on internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic models.
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find meaning and joy in relationships. I treat a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, major life transitions, and parenting issues. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and belief systems.
I use a collaborative and empathetic approach with clients, drawing on internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic models.
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find meaning and joy in relationships. I treat a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, major life transitions, and parenting issues. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and belief systems.
Hasti Raveau
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Plymouth, MI 48170
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, family systemic therapy, mindfulness based interventions, emotion focused couples therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in treating ADHD/neurodiversity, trauma/PTSD, anxiety/OCD/perfectionism, parenting/co-parenting issues, racial minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form authentic relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of abundance and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, family systemic therapy, mindfulness based interventions, emotion focused couples therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in treating ADHD/neurodiversity, trauma/PTSD, anxiety/OCD/perfectionism, parenting/co-parenting issues, racial minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form authentic relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of abundance and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Katherine Pfeiffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW, IMH-E
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Through the years, my family has benefitted from play therapy, focusing on bonding, and strengthening connection and understanding.
I’m Katherine, a therapist with a specialty in Infant Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health. I am committed to supporting adults, parents, caregivers, and children in their journey to deeper connection. My work focuses on struggles in parenting, the perinatal and postpartum period, attachment, adoption, and trauma. So often, childhood experiences show up in adult relationships and parenting. We find ourselves carrying the weight of the past in our present selves. I use a psychodynamic approach to therapy, walking alongside my clients as they explore memories and experiences that impact their lives.
Through the years, my family has benefitted from play therapy, focusing on bonding, and strengthening connection and understanding.
I’m Katherine, a therapist with a specialty in Infant Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health. I am committed to supporting adults, parents, caregivers, and children in their journey to deeper connection. My work focuses on struggles in parenting, the perinatal and postpartum period, attachment, adoption, and trauma. So often, childhood experiences show up in adult relationships and parenting. We find ourselves carrying the weight of the past in our present selves. I use a psychodynamic approach to therapy, walking alongside my clients as they explore memories and experiences that impact their lives.
Patricia A. Bowersox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LLP
Verified Verified
Troy, MI 48084
I treat my clients based upon their individual goals using CBT, Behavioral, Play, Person-Centered, Experiential, and Family Therapies .
Currently, I am accepting new clients! Please call the clinics directly to make an appoinment. My goal is to guide you on a path of hope so that you reach a place of peace. Working as a team, we will develop a plan that is based upon your individual strengths and needs. I work with clients of all ages but specialize in working with children, adolescents, families and adults. I help my clients learn to cope with ADHD,anxiety, high functioning autism, depression, Bi-polar Mood Disorder, and PTSD. I will work with you to deal with life challenges and changes that result from trauma, divorce, loss and major life changes..
I treat my clients based upon their individual goals using CBT, Behavioral, Play, Person-Centered, Experiential, and Family Therapies .
Currently, I am accepting new clients! Please call the clinics directly to make an appoinment. My goal is to guide you on a path of hope so that you reach a place of peace. Working as a team, we will develop a plan that is based upon your individual strengths and needs. I work with clients of all ages but specialize in working with children, adolescents, families and adults. I help my clients learn to cope with ADHD,anxiety, high functioning autism, depression, Bi-polar Mood Disorder, and PTSD. I will work with you to deal with life challenges and changes that result from trauma, divorce, loss and major life changes..
Kristen Barry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Wyoming, MI 49418
My therapeutic approach has a foundation in building a healthy relationship that is grounded in the values of safety and respect while mindfully applying principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and using play in order to promote positive, empowering change.
I have developed specialized clinical skills through experiences working with individuals and families with early childhood to adolescent difficulties. I have helped families obtain better balance while struggling with distressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, social/peer issues, difficulty at school, behavior problems, ADHD, and developmental delays. I have competency in understanding youth and their families’ individualistic relational challenges with separation, divorce, and co-parenting. I help youth, and their families, in developing skills and tools to increase the likelihood of success.
My therapeutic approach has a foundation in building a healthy relationship that is grounded in the values of safety and respect while mindfully applying principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and using play in order to promote positive, empowering change.
I have developed specialized clinical skills through experiences working with individuals and families with early childhood to adolescent difficulties. I have helped families obtain better balance while struggling with distressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, social/peer issues, difficulty at school, behavior problems, ADHD, and developmental delays. I have competency in understanding youth and their families’ individualistic relational challenges with separation, divorce, and co-parenting. I help youth, and their families, in developing skills and tools to increase the likelihood of success.
Lori McMahon
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAC, CSAT, CSPT
Verified Verified
Munith, MI 49259
At Wade's Hope Counseling Center I work with Families, Adults, Adolescent and Children with play-therapy, art therapy, sand tray, talk therapy, individual, group, family , and Narrative and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Wade's Hope is a place people can talk, be heard, and not judge. I also work with families, adults, adolescents, and children. I use many different therapy theories, such as Narrative, and CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy). I am a spiritual center if the client wants that type of therapy.
At Wade's Hope Counseling Center I work with Families, Adults, Adolescent and Children with play-therapy, art therapy, sand tray, talk therapy, individual, group, family , and Narrative and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Wade's Hope is a place people can talk, be heard, and not judge. I also work with families, adults, adolescents, and children. I use many different therapy theories, such as Narrative, and CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy). I am a spiritual center if the client wants that type of therapy.
Lynn Steinhauer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
For both children and adolescents, therapeutic techniques which utilize play and alternative methods of expression can be most useful.
In my 18 years as a clinical social worker in private practice I have worked with a wide variety of people. I see my work as that of helping people to find and enhance their own coping abilities. I see it as my privilege to people who are temporarily stuck as any of us can be. I am particularly draw to helping people who have experienced trauma, are suffering from mood disorders, eating problems and the challenges of parenting and love relationships.
For both children and adolescents, therapeutic techniques which utilize play and alternative methods of expression can be most useful.
In my 18 years as a clinical social worker in private practice I have worked with a wide variety of people. I see my work as that of helping people to find and enhance their own coping abilities. I see it as my privilege to people who are temporarily stuck as any of us can be. I am particularly draw to helping people who have experienced trauma, are suffering from mood disorders, eating problems and the challenges of parenting and love relationships.
Savanna Loafman
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MSCP, LLP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fenton, MI 48430
I use a variety of treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, behavioral modification, and play therapy.
*Now offering ADHD evaluations* My goal is to provide a relaxed environment where you feel free and supported to explore your thoughts and feelings. I work to help you recognize your true emotions that may be hiding behind initial reactions of defensiveness or anger. Together, we can identify maladaptive patterns of behavior that may be contributing to symptoms of depression or anxiety, or that may be creating barriers to communication. Identification of these patterns provides the opportunity to change them and ultimately find more joy in experiences, intimacy in relationships, and the ability to communicate effectively.
I use a variety of treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, behavioral modification, and play therapy.
*Now offering ADHD evaluations* My goal is to provide a relaxed environment where you feel free and supported to explore your thoughts and feelings. I work to help you recognize your true emotions that may be hiding behind initial reactions of defensiveness or anger. Together, we can identify maladaptive patterns of behavior that may be contributing to symptoms of depression or anxiety, or that may be creating barriers to communication. Identification of these patterns provides the opportunity to change them and ultimately find more joy in experiences, intimacy in relationships, and the ability to communicate effectively.
Mary D Squire
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Adrian, MI 49221
I am also trained in Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
The quality of one's life can be greatly enriched through the personal growth and healing that takes place in psychotherapy. As human beings, we cannot control all the things that happen to us in life, but with help, we often can find ways to bring some positive meaning to unfortunate events. I believe that many of the solutions to our problems lie within us, so I work with clients to help them unlock their own unique strengths and overcome obstacles to resolution.
I am also trained in Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
The quality of one's life can be greatly enriched through the personal growth and healing that takes place in psychotherapy. As human beings, we cannot control all the things that happen to us in life, but with help, we often can find ways to bring some positive meaning to unfortunate events. I believe that many of the solutions to our problems lie within us, so I work with clients to help them unlock their own unique strengths and overcome obstacles to resolution.
See more therapy options for Albion
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Albion
See More Play TherapyPlay Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.