Photo of Courtney VanDermyden, Counselor in Sandy, UT
Courtney VanDermyden
Counselor
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84093
For children and their families, I engage in play therapy, sand tray therapy, and expressive arts to help navigate difficult situations, big emotions, and traumatic experiences.
In the therapy room, my main priority is providing a safe and authentic space for clients to explore and navigate themselves and life challenges. My specialty is working with children 3 and older, as well as working with the LGBTQ+ community.
For children and their families, I engage in play therapy, sand tray therapy, and expressive arts to help navigate difficult situations, big emotions, and traumatic experiences.
In the therapy room, my main priority is providing a safe and authentic space for clients to explore and navigate themselves and life challenges. My specialty is working with children 3 and older, as well as working with the LGBTQ+ community.
(385) 438-3725 View (385) 438-3725
Photo of Lori Lund, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sandy, UT
Lori Lund
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84070
Waitlist for new clients
I have been working with individuals, couples, families, and children for over 20 years. I primarily use a collaborative, strength-based approach to individual, family and couples' therapy, play therapy with children, and when working with diverse populations. I believe that the majority of people have an internal desire and wisdom that directs them toward healing and changing for the better. Similar to our bodies, the brain naturally knows how to heal given the right conditions. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help people tap into the resiliency of the human spirit.
I have been working with individuals, couples, families, and children for over 20 years. I primarily use a collaborative, strength-based approach to individual, family and couples' therapy, play therapy with children, and when working with diverse populations. I believe that the majority of people have an internal desire and wisdom that directs them toward healing and changing for the better. Similar to our bodies, the brain naturally knows how to heal given the right conditions. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help people tap into the resiliency of the human spirit.
(801) 215-9397 View (801) 215-9397
Photo of Melinda Fonda in Sandy, UT
Melinda Fonda
MFTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84070
Striving to help clients find tools to cope with life’s stresses, I pull from attached based theories, emotion focused therapy (EFT), play therapy, experiential therapy, narrative therapy and solution focused approaches.
Are you are experiencing some of the challenges of mother(parent)hood (being a mother/parent)? You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to help! I have a particular passion for working with perinatal mental health disorders (pregnancy and postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD, pregnancy loss and/or complications, grief, infertility), the transition to motherhood, navigating parenthood of children and adolescents, and overall family dynamics. I am also fluent in American Sign Language and have a passion for providing the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community with direct access to mental health resources in their native language.
Striving to help clients find tools to cope with life’s stresses, I pull from attached based theories, emotion focused therapy (EFT), play therapy, experiential therapy, narrative therapy and solution focused approaches.
Are you are experiencing some of the challenges of mother(parent)hood (being a mother/parent)? You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to help! I have a particular passion for working with perinatal mental health disorders (pregnancy and postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD, pregnancy loss and/or complications, grief, infertility), the transition to motherhood, navigating parenthood of children and adolescents, and overall family dynamics. I am also fluent in American Sign Language and have a passion for providing the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community with direct access to mental health resources in their native language.
(385) 438-8956 View (385) 438-8956
Photo of Amy Lambert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Amy Lambert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84093
As a specialist in play therapy and ERP, I offer specialized therapy for children, teens, and adults to help them tackles fears that they never thought they would be able to overcome.
So many of us are trapped by our own fears, insecurities, and doubts, facing challenges like OCD, anxiety, hair pulling, skin picking, ADHD, or emotional outbursts. These issues might manifest as overwhelming sadness, fear in social interactions, or constant anxiety from intrusive thoughts, and can lead to avoidance of social situations, struggles with focus at work, difficulty in personal relationships, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. These fears might be stealing your laughter, freedom, and connection with others. In therapy I can help you or your child navigate these complex experiences.
As a specialist in play therapy and ERP, I offer specialized therapy for children, teens, and adults to help them tackles fears that they never thought they would be able to overcome.
So many of us are trapped by our own fears, insecurities, and doubts, facing challenges like OCD, anxiety, hair pulling, skin picking, ADHD, or emotional outbursts. These issues might manifest as overwhelming sadness, fear in social interactions, or constant anxiety from intrusive thoughts, and can lead to avoidance of social situations, struggles with focus at work, difficulty in personal relationships, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. These fears might be stealing your laughter, freedom, and connection with others. In therapy I can help you or your child navigate these complex experiences.
(801) 332-9526 View (801) 332-9526
Photo of Amanda Arrington, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sandy, UT
Amanda Arrington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT500
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
You deserve to be heard. You deserve to take up space. You deserve to feel safe and at home in your body. Showing up is the hardest part, so kudos to you for being here and looking around. It takes courage to ask for support, especially when you're used to handling everything on your own. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before but it wasn't helpful. Maybe it was painful to stir up the past and difficult to put overwhelming emotions into words. I can support you differently—using yoga, art, play, and nature to enhance traditional talk therapy. Together, you will learn to heal and create the life you’ve been longing for.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve to take up space. You deserve to feel safe and at home in your body. Showing up is the hardest part, so kudos to you for being here and looking around. It takes courage to ask for support, especially when you're used to handling everything on your own. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before but it wasn't helpful. Maybe it was painful to stir up the past and difficult to put overwhelming emotions into words. I can support you differently—using yoga, art, play, and nature to enhance traditional talk therapy. Together, you will learn to heal and create the life you’ve been longing for.
(385) 557-6595 View (385) 557-6595
Photo of Maegen Rindlisbacher, Counselor in Sandy, UT
Maegen Rindlisbacher
Counselor, ACMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
I am trained in multiple evidence based therapies including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART),Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Therapeutic Play Therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Are you struggling to make sense of your thoughts and feelings? Are you ready to cultivate a deeper sense of self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-acceptance? My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and empathetic space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. My approach is deeply rooted in humanizing each person who walks through my door, seeing them not as a diagnosis or a label, but as unique individuals with their own stories, struggles, and strengths.
I am trained in multiple evidence based therapies including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART),Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Therapeutic Play Therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Are you struggling to make sense of your thoughts and feelings? Are you ready to cultivate a deeper sense of self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-acceptance? My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and empathetic space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. My approach is deeply rooted in humanizing each person who walks through my door, seeing them not as a diagnosis or a label, but as unique individuals with their own stories, struggles, and strengths.
(385) 503-8017 View (385) 503-8017
Photo of White Bison Therapy Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sandy, UT
White Bison Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84070
What makes us different than other practices is that we use experiential techniques including play, sand tray, art, music, trauma informed yoga, and outdoor therapies.
White Bison Therapy Collective is a group of mental health professionals with expertise in working with families, couples, and individuals. We take pride in providing modern, evidence-based, relatable, quality, and non-judgmental therapy. We welcome, accept, affirm, and celebrate diversity including people of color (POC); religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs (including atheists); sexual orientations/expressions; gender/sex identities; non-traditional relationships/families; single/childless by choice; all body types, sizes, and shapes; national origin/citizen status; & abilities (neurodiversity, chronic illness, disabilities).
What makes us different than other practices is that we use experiential techniques including play, sand tray, art, music, trauma informed yoga, and outdoor therapies.
White Bison Therapy Collective is a group of mental health professionals with expertise in working with families, couples, and individuals. We take pride in providing modern, evidence-based, relatable, quality, and non-judgmental therapy. We welcome, accept, affirm, and celebrate diversity including people of color (POC); religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs (including atheists); sexual orientations/expressions; gender/sex identities; non-traditional relationships/families; single/childless by choice; all body types, sizes, and shapes; national origin/citizen status; & abilities (neurodiversity, chronic illness, disabilities).
(385) 437-6726 View (385) 437-6726
Photo of Lyna Tevenaz Jones, LPC Intern in Sandy, UT
Lyna Tevenaz Jones
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84093
In working with children, I draw from Play Therapy theory and practice, IFS, Art Therapy, Lifespan Integration therapy, and Sand Tray modalities.
Although we cannot always remove obstacles in life, we can develop resiliency and coping skills that help us navigate towards fulfillment and growth. It is my fundamental belief that our personal history does not have to determine our future. In my clinical practice, I create a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings are processed to guide you to your unique expression of fulfillment. I am an intern psychotherapist specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy serving children, adolescents, and adults.
In working with children, I draw from Play Therapy theory and practice, IFS, Art Therapy, Lifespan Integration therapy, and Sand Tray modalities.
Although we cannot always remove obstacles in life, we can develop resiliency and coping skills that help us navigate towards fulfillment and growth. It is my fundamental belief that our personal history does not have to determine our future. In my clinical practice, I create a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings are processed to guide you to your unique expression of fulfillment. I am an intern psychotherapist specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy serving children, adolescents, and adults.
(801) 997-9497 View (801) 997-9497
Photo of Best Practice Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Best Practice Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, SAP
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84070
I use CBT, EMDR, play therapy, and sandplay therapy.
Clients who come in ready to work on themselves are leaps and bounds ahead of clients who might be dragging their feet in coming to therapy. If you are ready to change and personally motivated, your progress will be quick and you will get a lot out of the therapeutic process. Brief, solution focused therapy is often the most helpful depending on the client, but my intention is always to start where each individual client is at and work to assist them in their goals and desires for change based on their own strengths.
I use CBT, EMDR, play therapy, and sandplay therapy.
Clients who come in ready to work on themselves are leaps and bounds ahead of clients who might be dragging their feet in coming to therapy. If you are ready to change and personally motivated, your progress will be quick and you will get a lot out of the therapeutic process. Brief, solution focused therapy is often the most helpful depending on the client, but my intention is always to start where each individual client is at and work to assist them in their goals and desires for change based on their own strengths.
(801) 754-4031 View (801) 754-4031
Photo of Roselene S Dalanhese, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Roselene S Dalanhese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SAP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84070
Our clinic provides Play Therapy for children ages 3 to 12.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. As the clinical director of South Point Counseling Services, I have gathered a team of clinicians that are committed to providing outstanding services. I believe that lasting changes come from identifying the source of problems, working within the context of the family and challenging/changing dysfunctional beliefs. In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, I have presented at national conferences and to general audiences, speaking on the topics of Anger Management, Depression, Marital Relationship, and Cultural Diversity.
Our clinic provides Play Therapy for children ages 3 to 12.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. As the clinical director of South Point Counseling Services, I have gathered a team of clinicians that are committed to providing outstanding services. I believe that lasting changes come from identifying the source of problems, working within the context of the family and challenging/changing dysfunctional beliefs. In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, I have presented at national conferences and to general audiences, speaking on the topics of Anger Management, Depression, Marital Relationship, and Cultural Diversity.
(801) 719-5465 View (801) 719-5465
Photo of Lacey Hancock, Counselor in Sandy, UT
Lacey Hancock
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84070
I am trained in various approaches including Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Neurofeedback Therapy.
Finding help with someone that you trust and can relate to can be hard to find. When life seems overwhelming, I am here for you. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for adults and adolescents. I can help you through the therapeutic process of healing and changing for the better. I have experience treating a wide array of issues including, emotional issues, anxiety, depression, self-harming, behavior issues, self-esteem, abuse, and relationship challenges. I am passionate about understanding life's challenges and the complexities they entail. My straight forward approach quickly helps individuals learn healthy coping skills and develop a positive life outlook.
I am trained in various approaches including Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Neurofeedback Therapy.
Finding help with someone that you trust and can relate to can be hard to find. When life seems overwhelming, I am here for you. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for adults and adolescents. I can help you through the therapeutic process of healing and changing for the better. I have experience treating a wide array of issues including, emotional issues, anxiety, depression, self-harming, behavior issues, self-esteem, abuse, and relationship challenges. I am passionate about understanding life's challenges and the complexities they entail. My straight forward approach quickly helps individuals learn healthy coping skills and develop a positive life outlook.
(801) 948-0937 View (801) 948-0937
Photo of Lexie Daley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sandy, UT
Lexie Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84070
I utilize play (the language of children) to help them "talk" about their feelings and concerns.
I specialize in working with children and their families, ranging from children with behavioral problems, anxiety, parent-child conflict, and other mental health concerns to those who have experienced trauma (abuse, neglect, divorce, betrayal, etc). I help couples work on their own relationship to improve the family environment and functioning of children.
I utilize play (the language of children) to help them "talk" about their feelings and concerns.
I specialize in working with children and their families, ranging from children with behavioral problems, anxiety, parent-child conflict, and other mental health concerns to those who have experienced trauma (abuse, neglect, divorce, betrayal, etc). I help couples work on their own relationship to improve the family environment and functioning of children.
(435) 291-5193 View (435) 291-5193
Photo of Loraine Hunter / Navigating Family Counseling , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Loraine Hunter / Navigating Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84093
Come find hope and peace again. Work through challenges, adjustments, and trauma and transform your relationships. Learn solid coping skills and emotional regulation. We have therapists who use Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EFT, CBT, EMDR, ART and more. Be prepared to feel listened to and validated; to integrate the latest in brain science into your therapy; to do daily therapy homework and to see changes in your life. If Alpine is too far, we offer online appointments for clients in the state of Utah and have a team of therapists available to help. Schedule today at navigatingfamily.com Medicaid paneled.
Come find hope and peace again. Work through challenges, adjustments, and trauma and transform your relationships. Learn solid coping skills and emotional regulation. We have therapists who use Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EFT, CBT, EMDR, ART and more. Be prepared to feel listened to and validated; to integrate the latest in brain science into your therapy; to do daily therapy homework and to see changes in your life. If Alpine is too far, we offer online appointments for clients in the state of Utah and have a team of therapists available to help. Schedule today at navigatingfamily.com Medicaid paneled.
(385) 247-9047 View (385) 247-9047
Photo of Andrea Moore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Andrea Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84093
With extensive training in play therapy, family & child development, and EMDR, children find an enviorment that allows for discovery, playfulness, and healing in it's most natural form.
Finding peace in a time of many unknowns can be one of life's most difficult challenges. Children & teens, especially, have difficulty expressing their deep and uncomfortable feelings through words. Often showing these parts of themselves through negative behaviors. With expressions of irritability, aggression, sadness, withdrawl, clinginess, yelling, difficulty in friendships, and worry. These symptoms can be worrisome and overwhelming to parents and caregivers, as they try to provide support. Adults, additionally, struggle to find peace and contentment through challenges, and can find relief here.
With extensive training in play therapy, family & child development, and EMDR, children find an enviorment that allows for discovery, playfulness, and healing in it's most natural form.
Finding peace in a time of many unknowns can be one of life's most difficult challenges. Children & teens, especially, have difficulty expressing their deep and uncomfortable feelings through words. Often showing these parts of themselves through negative behaviors. With expressions of irritability, aggression, sadness, withdrawl, clinginess, yelling, difficulty in friendships, and worry. These symptoms can be worrisome and overwhelming to parents and caregivers, as they try to provide support. Adults, additionally, struggle to find peace and contentment through challenges, and can find relief here.
(385) 233-3506 View (385) 233-3506
Photo of Britney Preator, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Britney Preator
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
I believe that mental health is an integral part of our wellbeing and should be attended to like one's own physical health. The therapeutic modalities I have experience in are trauma-focused and person-centered. I enjoy supporting children ages 6 to 18 years old to improve their mental health and heal psychological wounds.
I believe that mental health is an integral part of our wellbeing and should be attended to like one's own physical health. The therapeutic modalities I have experience in are trauma-focused and person-centered. I enjoy supporting children ages 6 to 18 years old to improve their mental health and heal psychological wounds.
(385) 469-1174 View (385) 469-1174
Photo of Nina Ampuero, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Nina Ampuero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
Asking for help can be complicated as it is often associated with weakness. Life is rare without challenges; the challenges can sometimes become overwhelming, stressful, and difficult to cope with. Occasionally, we feel powerless towards past trauma and life difficulties. This can cause us to feel anxious, confused, or hopeless. However, going through life’s challenges alone can increase stress and cause us to feel trapped.
Asking for help can be complicated as it is often associated with weakness. Life is rare without challenges; the challenges can sometimes become overwhelming, stressful, and difficult to cope with. Occasionally, we feel powerless towards past trauma and life difficulties. This can cause us to feel anxious, confused, or hopeless. However, going through life’s challenges alone can increase stress and cause us to feel trapped.
(385) 462-1216 View (385) 462-1216
Photo of Diane Sandoval, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Diane Sandoval
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
Typical clients include those who have an abuse history. This history can range from physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Many clients experience nightmares, loss of appetite and pleasure, relationship disturbance and high levels of anxiety and depression.
Typical clients include those who have an abuse history. This history can range from physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Many clients experience nightmares, loss of appetite and pleasure, relationship disturbance and high levels of anxiety and depression.
(801) 783-3589 View (801) 783-3589
Photo of Beehive Family Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Beehive Family Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
At Beehive Family Services we specialize in compassionate mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by trauma—domestic violence, abuse, and foster care experiences. Our expertise extends to navigating divorce, blended families, and co-parenting challenges, including high-conflict situations. Addressing anxiety and depression, we provide evidence-based therapies to foster resilience and well-being. We're dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space for your unique journey towards a brighter future.
At Beehive Family Services we specialize in compassionate mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by trauma—domestic violence, abuse, and foster care experiences. Our expertise extends to navigating divorce, blended families, and co-parenting challenges, including high-conflict situations. Addressing anxiety and depression, we provide evidence-based therapies to foster resilience and well-being. We're dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space for your unique journey towards a brighter future.
(385) 442-9881 View (385) 442-9881
Photo of Holly Harker, Pre-Licensed Professional in Sandy, UT
Holly Harker
Pre-Licensed Professional, CMHCI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
It is rare for individuals to emerge from childhood without experiencing any form of trauma. Even well-meaning parents can pass it down. Everyone deserves to have their experiences heard and understood. My passion involves assisting people to overcome childhood traumas, attain inner peace, and develop healthy adult relationships to decrease trauma in families. I have found that Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective modalities.
It is rare for individuals to emerge from childhood without experiencing any form of trauma. Even well-meaning parents can pass it down. Everyone deserves to have their experiences heard and understood. My passion involves assisting people to overcome childhood traumas, attain inner peace, and develop healthy adult relationships to decrease trauma in families. I have found that Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective modalities.
(801) 876-6549 View (801) 876-6549
Photo of Sheila Jacobson Long - Child And Trauma Therapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sandy, UT
Sheila Jacobson Long - Child And Trauma Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84094
Are you needing healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions? Are traumatic events or hurtful memories keeping you stuck in the past? Do you feel like you are repeating the same behaviors that prevent you from living the life you want? Change is attainable and I'm here to support you. I am empathetic and understanding, while also practical in my approach to address issues effectively. Together we can come up with plans to directly face your concerns and meet your desired goals. I am passionate in guiding clients in learning new methods and coping skills to find relief and improve their quality of life.
Are you needing healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions? Are traumatic events or hurtful memories keeping you stuck in the past? Do you feel like you are repeating the same behaviors that prevent you from living the life you want? Change is attainable and I'm here to support you. I am empathetic and understanding, while also practical in my approach to address issues effectively. Together we can come up with plans to directly face your concerns and meet your desired goals. I am passionate in guiding clients in learning new methods and coping skills to find relief and improve their quality of life.
(801) 658-9899 View (801) 658-9899
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.