Typically used as a therapeutic treatment for children, play therapy is a method of meeting and responding to the mental health needs of young people in a language they understand – namely, play. Play therapy is seen an effective and suitable intervention in dealing with children’s brain development. It is considered to be one of the most beneficial ways to help children who are experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. A therapist specializing in play therapy will create a safe and comfortable space where the child can play (typically in a non-directive way) with very few limits or rules. The therapist will observe the child at play. The goal is to help children learn to better express themselves and resolve their problems. Think this approach might be right for a child in your life? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s play therapy experts today.
play therapy and sandtray therapy are offered for any age! Play is the language of children for expression, processing and healing.
— Carrie Snyder, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Minneapolis, MNWhile working with children I utilize play therapy where they learn to manage their feelings and emotions as well as social skills. In 2016, I developed a play intervention program for children with autism and developmental disabilities.
— Samantha Levinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bryn Mawr, PAMy office offers teletherapy play sessions with children and is also easily transformed into a space comfortable for adolescents, adults, and couples. For more than 15 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and emotional challenges.
— Samantha Levinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bryn Mawr, PAIn my practice, I specialize in play therapy, a powerful approach that allows children to express themselves in a way that feels natural and safe. Through play, children can explore emotions, build problem-solving skills, and gain confidence—all while we work together to address challenges they may face. I create a supportive environment where play becomes a pathway to growth and healing.
— Brooke Langford, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in New York, NYI believe that everyone can benefit from play. Research has shown that children learn the most while playing because of the way that their brains take in information. I don't think that stops when you turn 18. For that reason, I try to incorporate play therapy techniques when I can, which may mean playing games, doing art, or simply trying fun movements to demonstrate my point.
— Evan Harris, Social Worker in Columbia, MDI use play therapy techniques to help youth learn self-trust, self-compassion, and process and heal from difficult life experiences. I love developing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust with my kiddo clients, and helping them learn that they are inherently strong and resilient.
— Eva Belzil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, COTalk therapy just doesn't seem to cut it with children so they require a mode of communication and expression on their developmental level. I learned Play Therapy at Stetson University where I now teach it as a professor and use it daily in my private practice. Play is a child's natural language and toys, paint brushes, and crayons are their words. This is a well researched and evidenced based approach to treatment that allows children, and their caregivers, to be supported.
— Garrett Graves, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in DeLand, FLI do Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy, two therapies that use play to help parents and children overcome difficulties and process difficult feelings. In Parent Child Interaction Therapy, I will help you follow along with your child's play, while also setting limits. In Child Parent Psychotherapy, I will also help you follow along with you child's play, and help your child use play to process difficult experiences.
— Carly Steinberger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , CAPlay is the natural language of children, and in treatment, toys are their words. In treatment, kids use the natural language of play to make meaning of what they are experiencing and to explore new possibilities. Training: Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School's practicum for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Currently pursuing Registered Play Therapist Credentials from the American Association for Play Therapy;
— Christina Borel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Litchfield, CTI am a Registered Play Therapist and primarily use Adlerian Play Therapy. I also have training in SandTray Therapy.
— Abbie Ashton, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chandler, AZI use play therapy techniques to help youth learn self-trust, self-compassion, and process and heal from difficult life experiences. I love developing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust with my kiddo clients, and helping them learn that they are inherently strong and resilient.
— Eva Belzil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, COPlay is the language of children, and often how we find out more about what they're thinking and feeling. I like to use play therapy as a way to engage with younger clients, whether the session is focused around undirected play or if we're simply playing a game together while we talk. I utilize dollhouses, sand trays, and therapeutic games in-session.
— Peter Lachman, Social Worker in Chicago, ILA few things I want you to know about play therapy: Children use play as means to process their world, it’s amazing. Play is for adults too. The therapeutic relationship helps to facilitate the play therapy process. Themes emerge from play. The foundation of safety and security, and ultimately healthy attachment are built and strengthened through play.
— Andrea Picard, Counselor in Chicago, ILMany therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.
— Kimberly Koljat, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland, OHPeople use materials in the room to express their inner world and find new meaning with creative problem solving. Request intensives for faster progress.
— Chessie Snider, Professional Counselor Associate in Seattle, WAMany therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 hours of practice, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.
— Kimberly Koljat, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland, OH