Play Therapy in Charlemont, MA

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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Elan Moses, Counselor in Charlemont, MA
Elan Moses
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
I offer my clients strategies for growth and change that align with their values and goals. My Holistic and Integrative psychotherapy and Life Coaching is Strength Based and Solution Focused. I am committed to forming a collaboration designed to help you find your own unique path to Wellness, Fulfillment and Happiness. I am also committed to making Therapy and Life Coaching accessible financially, especially to those with no Health Insurance, or if you have concerns about privacy and insurance. I have experience working across the lifespan and with couples. Adolescents and young adults find me particularly easy to talk with.
I offer my clients strategies for growth and change that align with their values and goals. My Holistic and Integrative psychotherapy and Life Coaching is Strength Based and Solution Focused. I am committed to forming a collaboration designed to help you find your own unique path to Wellness, Fulfillment and Happiness. I am also committed to making Therapy and Life Coaching accessible financially, especially to those with no Health Insurance, or if you have concerns about privacy and insurance. I have experience working across the lifespan and with couples. Adolescents and young adults find me particularly easy to talk with.
(413) 376-7268 View (413) 376-7268

Online Therapists

Photo of Abbi Hirschfeld, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Abbi Hirschfeld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton, MA 02186
For children, my approach is warm, child-centered, and focused on play.
I am an LCSW who is passionate about working with families and young children. As a family, are you struggling with communication or experiencing ongoing stress? Have you experienced a traumatic event? Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors, mood changes, or facing a medical or mental health condition? My approach is warm, child-centered, and tailored to the cultural, spiritual, unique needs of each family. Whatever you are facing, my office is a nonjudgemental, safe space for you and your family to heal and achieve your goals.
For children, my approach is warm, child-centered, and focused on play.
I am an LCSW who is passionate about working with families and young children. As a family, are you struggling with communication or experiencing ongoing stress? Have you experienced a traumatic event? Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors, mood changes, or facing a medical or mental health condition? My approach is warm, child-centered, and tailored to the cultural, spiritual, unique needs of each family. Whatever you are facing, my office is a nonjudgemental, safe space for you and your family to heal and achieve your goals.
(617) 766-1971 View (617) 766-1971
Photo of Center Psychotherapy, Counselor in Charlemont, MA
Center Psychotherapy
Counselor
Verified Verified
Winchester, MA 01890
Our clinicians offer varying modalities including EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy for children, and TF-CBT.
Center Psychotherapy is a group mental health practice that is committed to providing quality and expert mental health treatment using a humanist, client-centered approach to therapy. Our clinicians recognize that successful treatment varies with individual needs, strengths, and personal client preferences. We strive to work with you to develop treatment plans and therapeutic interventions that recognize strengths, not just symptom expression.
Our clinicians offer varying modalities including EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy for children, and TF-CBT.
Center Psychotherapy is a group mental health practice that is committed to providing quality and expert mental health treatment using a humanist, client-centered approach to therapy. Our clinicians recognize that successful treatment varies with individual needs, strengths, and personal client preferences. We strive to work with you to develop treatment plans and therapeutic interventions that recognize strengths, not just symptom expression.
(781) 236-3317 View (781) 236-3317
Photo of Ariel E Katz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Ariel E Katz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSc Ed, RPT, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stockbridge, MA 01262
I am also a registered play therapist.
Have you noticed patterns in your life you'd like to change? Negative moods? Unexplained pain? Often these are signs of unresolved trauma. Therapy can help us understand and integrate the meaning enabling us to make changes to our behavior so that we are more successful in our personal and professional lives. I work with adults, children from as young as 2 yrs old, and families. My work is strength based, empowering people to meet personal goals, improve relationships and develop a more comfortable, meaningful life. I attend to the mind body connection. My approach is solution focused and playful.
I am also a registered play therapist.
Have you noticed patterns in your life you'd like to change? Negative moods? Unexplained pain? Often these are signs of unresolved trauma. Therapy can help us understand and integrate the meaning enabling us to make changes to our behavior so that we are more successful in our personal and professional lives. I work with adults, children from as young as 2 yrs old, and families. My work is strength based, empowering people to meet personal goals, improve relationships and develop a more comfortable, meaningful life. I attend to the mind body connection. My approach is solution focused and playful.
(413) 359-6793 View (413) 359-6793
Photo of Ann B Stambler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Ann B Stambler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Newton Centre, MA 02459  (Online Only)
A lot of thought can go into choosing a therapist for you or your family member. Therapy starts with a unique personal relationship that has appropriate professional boundaries and allows you to explore your present dilemma and its relationship to your inner life. With children I use play and talk. With older adolescents and adults therapy is primarily verbal but it is always important to keep a sense of playful exploration even when facing difficult or painful issues. If this approach sounds right for you contact me to set up an initial visit. I am only working virtually via Zoom and no longer working with children under 12.
A lot of thought can go into choosing a therapist for you or your family member. Therapy starts with a unique personal relationship that has appropriate professional boundaries and allows you to explore your present dilemma and its relationship to your inner life. With children I use play and talk. With older adolescents and adults therapy is primarily verbal but it is always important to keep a sense of playful exploration even when facing difficult or painful issues. If this approach sounds right for you contact me to set up an initial visit. I am only working virtually via Zoom and no longer working with children under 12.
(857) 290-4652 View (857) 290-4652
Photo of Dorimar A. Diaz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Dorimar A. Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Springfield, MA 01089
I have practiced art therapy, play therapy and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
Representation matters and I am part of the LGBT community, latinx and have an invisible disability. I have been doing this work for about 10 years (MSW Boston College 2015). I am ready when you are! Genuine compassion and trust is at the root of any solid relationship and necessary for success to manifest! We have to be willing and ready to do the messy work. As your therapist, I also have to be ready. I have to be ready and capable of containing all of what comes up in therapy.
I have practiced art therapy, play therapy and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
Representation matters and I am part of the LGBT community, latinx and have an invisible disability. I have been doing this work for about 10 years (MSW Boston College 2015). I am ready when you are! Genuine compassion and trust is at the root of any solid relationship and necessary for success to manifest! We have to be willing and ready to do the messy work. As your therapist, I also have to be ready. I have to be ready and capable of containing all of what comes up in therapy.
(413) 213-3982 View (413) 213-3982
Photo of Chelsie Maynard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Chelsie Maynard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02171  (Online Only)
While everyone's needs are different, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, sensory interventions, expressive and narrative therapies, and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART).
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I have worked with those navigating a variety of different life challenges and changes, though my specialty is in dealing with trauma and grief, particularly pre-verbal trauma in early childhood. I believe one of the most powerful statements we can hear is: "I'm with you" and this is what I try to embody for my clients and their families. I am also an ordained pastor, have a Masters of Divinity, and am happy to incorporate pastoral counseling and Christian spirituality into treatment if desired.
While everyone's needs are different, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, sensory interventions, expressive and narrative therapies, and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART).
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I have worked with those navigating a variety of different life challenges and changes, though my specialty is in dealing with trauma and grief, particularly pre-verbal trauma in early childhood. I believe one of the most powerful statements we can hear is: "I'm with you" and this is what I try to embody for my clients and their families. I am also an ordained pastor, have a Masters of Divinity, and am happy to incorporate pastoral counseling and Christian spirituality into treatment if desired.
(617) 767-0482 View (617) 767-0482
Photo of S. Belding, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
S. Belding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
I often use expressive and play therapy modalities in sessions to explore topics that are difficult to vocalize.
**Practice currently full** I offer individual and family therapy, working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience; I work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to best meet their needs and to identify strategies to improve their daily lives. I strive to remain attentive to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self and shape their experiences.
I often use expressive and play therapy modalities in sessions to explore topics that are difficult to vocalize.
**Practice currently full** I offer individual and family therapy, working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience; I work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to best meet their needs and to identify strategies to improve their daily lives. I strive to remain attentive to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self and shape their experiences.
(413) 862-7116 View (413) 862-7116
Photo of Nicole N Cardarelli, Counselor in Charlemont, MA
Nicole N Cardarelli
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Waltham, MA 02452  (Online Only)
I use an eclectic approach with my clients, being solution focused and using such modalities as CBT, strength based therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness.
The road to finding peace of mind and a clear vision for one's life can be difficult to navigate. Acknowledging that you desire change is often the first step towards clarity. Many then find that they need further guidance, which is what has likely brought you here. I believe it is important for my clients to recognize and then use their strengths, past successes, supportive relationships (including the therapeutic one) and own hopes to obtain whatever goal they set forth. Moving forward I hope to build a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship which we can use toward a self-fulfilling and clear future.
I use an eclectic approach with my clients, being solution focused and using such modalities as CBT, strength based therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness.
The road to finding peace of mind and a clear vision for one's life can be difficult to navigate. Acknowledging that you desire change is often the first step towards clarity. Many then find that they need further guidance, which is what has likely brought you here. I believe it is important for my clients to recognize and then use their strengths, past successes, supportive relationships (including the therapeutic one) and own hopes to obtain whatever goal they set forth. Moving forward I hope to build a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship which we can use toward a self-fulfilling and clear future.
(617) 505-4891 View (617) 505-4891
Photo of Anna Docurral, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Anna Docurral
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02130  (Online Only)
I utilize a wide variety of techniques including trauma informed care, play therapy, CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy.
My clients are typically between ages 3-19 years old and present with a wide variety of strengths and opportunities for further growth. My passion is working with young children, latency age youth, adolescents, and their families who have experienced trauma. I firmly believe that children and families are resilient and have the power to heal and recreate narratives that reflect their inner strength.
I utilize a wide variety of techniques including trauma informed care, play therapy, CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy.
My clients are typically between ages 3-19 years old and present with a wide variety of strengths and opportunities for further growth. My passion is working with young children, latency age youth, adolescents, and their families who have experienced trauma. I firmly believe that children and families are resilient and have the power to heal and recreate narratives that reflect their inner strength.
(617) 855-0382 View (617) 855-0382
Photo of Sanative Counseling and Wellness Center LLC, Counselor in Charlemont, MA
Sanative Counseling and Wellness Center LLC
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Stoughton, MA 02072  (Online Only)
Our counseling sessions can incorporate a combination of CBT, mindfulness, DBT, play therapy, educational-informative therapy, creative-expressive therapy.
My name is Juliann. I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in the state of Massachusetts. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma and are dealing with the after effects. I also specialize in working with clients who are trying to cope with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, ASD, self-esteem, relationship issues, and overall stress in general.
Our counseling sessions can incorporate a combination of CBT, mindfulness, DBT, play therapy, educational-informative therapy, creative-expressive therapy.
My name is Juliann. I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in the state of Massachusetts. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma and are dealing with the after effects. I also specialize in working with clients who are trying to cope with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, ASD, self-esteem, relationship issues, and overall stress in general.
(781) 725-6020 View (781) 725-6020
Photo of Maya Peretzman, Mental Health Counselor in Charlemont, MA
Maya Peretzman
Mental Health Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445
I offer a rich spectrum of therapeutic activities such as play therapy, role playing, CBT, and talk therapy to foster authentic communication.
I am a psychotherapist with over 10 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents aged 6-18 to overcome personal obstacles and build resilience. I strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for my clients to give them a safe space for emotional growth and positive change. I have a Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies and have developed a range of specialized techniques for the treatment of ADHD, self-control issues, aggression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, mood difficulties, attachment disorders and PTSD. My cross-cultural experience supports my work with diverse populations
I offer a rich spectrum of therapeutic activities such as play therapy, role playing, CBT, and talk therapy to foster authentic communication.
I am a psychotherapist with over 10 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents aged 6-18 to overcome personal obstacles and build resilience. I strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for my clients to give them a safe space for emotional growth and positive change. I have a Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies and have developed a range of specialized techniques for the treatment of ADHD, self-control issues, aggression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, mood difficulties, attachment disorders and PTSD. My cross-cultural experience supports my work with diverse populations
(617) 751-6654 View (617) 751-6654
Photo of Deborah Aleta Martin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Deborah Aleta Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westford, MA 01886
I also worked with the head start programs and preschools with children as young as two through play therapy.
I am an experienced clinician who has worked in rural New England for the past 20 years. Having worked in a rural area you become experienced in working with a very deverisfied cliental.
I also worked with the head start programs and preschools with children as young as two through play therapy.
I am an experienced clinician who has worked in rural New England for the past 20 years. Having worked in a rural area you become experienced in working with a very deverisfied cliental.
(978) 320-3319 x207647 View (978) 320-3319 x207647
Photo of Christina Garidis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Christina Garidis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
I provide play therapy for toddlers and school aged children, psychotherapy for adolescents, parenting support, and counseling for families whose children are experiencing difficulties in school or other settings.
Everyone experiences emotions and situations in life that can be overwhelming, burdening, and anxiety-ridden. Many of these symptoms reflect inner conflicts and desires, but also early attachment patterns. Talking to a professional can help you develop insight and change patterns. My training as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and my previous work in neuroscience have shaped my practice philosophy. I believe that we naturally strive toward growth, safety and making relationships fulfilling. I provide a safe space where we can explore emotional conflicts, and make meaning of them--the basis for change and developing healthier ways of coping.
I provide play therapy for toddlers and school aged children, psychotherapy for adolescents, parenting support, and counseling for families whose children are experiencing difficulties in school or other settings.
Everyone experiences emotions and situations in life that can be overwhelming, burdening, and anxiety-ridden. Many of these symptoms reflect inner conflicts and desires, but also early attachment patterns. Talking to a professional can help you develop insight and change patterns. My training as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and my previous work in neuroscience have shaped my practice philosophy. I believe that we naturally strive toward growth, safety and making relationships fulfilling. I provide a safe space where we can explore emotional conflicts, and make meaning of them--the basis for change and developing healthier ways of coping.
(917) 818-1840 View (917) 818-1840
Photo of Dana Rochman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Dana Rochman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421
I use various modalities; CBT, DBT, solution-focused, EMDR, play therapy - but believe that the relationship is the most powerful part of therapy.
Do things feel out of control? Maybe you're searching for someone to help support your child's mental health. Maybe the tension between you and your partner erupts into conflict too often. Maybe you don't feel like yourself anymore..... whatever the situation, you decided to reach out for some support. That's an amazing first step. I understand - opening up to a stranger can be terrifying! I try my best to make it less so. I’m a relational therapist - this means that who I am is part of the work I do. I come to this work with my own insecurities and vulnerabilities.
I use various modalities; CBT, DBT, solution-focused, EMDR, play therapy - but believe that the relationship is the most powerful part of therapy.
Do things feel out of control? Maybe you're searching for someone to help support your child's mental health. Maybe the tension between you and your partner erupts into conflict too often. Maybe you don't feel like yourself anymore..... whatever the situation, you decided to reach out for some support. That's an amazing first step. I understand - opening up to a stranger can be terrifying! I try my best to make it less so. I’m a relational therapist - this means that who I am is part of the work I do. I come to this work with my own insecurities and vulnerabilities.
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Photo of Stephanie Wuebbens, Psychologist in Charlemont, MA
Stephanie Wuebbens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581
Stephanie specializes in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and play therapy.
Stephanie Wuebbens is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) with over 20 years of experience assisting children, teens, and adults with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, divorce, family conflict, grief, difficult life transitions, and more.
Stephanie specializes in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and play therapy.
Stephanie Wuebbens is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) with over 20 years of experience assisting children, teens, and adults with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, divorce, family conflict, grief, difficult life transitions, and more.
(508) 501-6515 View (508) 501-6515
Photo of Heather Gardener in Charlemont, MA
Heather Gardener
MA
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139  (Online Only)
I use a range of modalities, including psychodynamic, play therapy, DBT, and CBT.
Please note: I can't take insurance but I have a sliding scale - we will figure something out! - - Everyone has their own strengths and needs, children and adults alike. Sometimes the needs are overwhelming and the strengths are hard to find. Those are times when it helps to have someone who will listen, understand, support, validate, encourage, and help. I believe it's important to honor all emotions as valid and all needs as real. I also believe those needs don't have to define who you are, and that recognizing and accepting something as real - a loss, a child's behaviors - opens the way to start making positive changes.
I use a range of modalities, including psychodynamic, play therapy, DBT, and CBT.
Please note: I can't take insurance but I have a sliding scale - we will figure something out! - - Everyone has their own strengths and needs, children and adults alike. Sometimes the needs are overwhelming and the strengths are hard to find. Those are times when it helps to have someone who will listen, understand, support, validate, encourage, and help. I believe it's important to honor all emotions as valid and all needs as real. I also believe those needs don't have to define who you are, and that recognizing and accepting something as real - a loss, a child's behaviors - opens the way to start making positive changes.
(508) 252-0310 View (508) 252-0310
Photo of Deborah Wolozin, Psychologist in Charlemont, MA
Deborah Wolozin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Wayland, MA 01778
I welcome children, teen-agers and their parents, adults, couples and families to my practice. In individual, couple or play therapy, I focus on relationships: to other people, to our pasts, to our bodies, and to our thoughts and feelings. My goal is to establish a safe setting where together we can identify and work on challenging issues in your life with curiosity, understanding and compassion, while helping you to appreciate and make use of the unique resources and strengths that you bring to our work.
I welcome children, teen-agers and their parents, adults, couples and families to my practice. In individual, couple or play therapy, I focus on relationships: to other people, to our pasts, to our bodies, and to our thoughts and feelings. My goal is to establish a safe setting where together we can identify and work on challenging issues in your life with curiosity, understanding and compassion, while helping you to appreciate and make use of the unique resources and strengths that you bring to our work.
(508) 593-4159 View (508) 593-4159
Photo of Molly E Moses, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Molly E Moses
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MTS, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
I can integrate spirituality and ritual, art and music, and play for all ages into our work.
Humans are wacky, beautiful, awesome, creative, remarkable beings. When we have anchors within and outside of ourselves for safety, we can explore possibilities, feel organized and competent, and speak our minds and hearts. There are many forces that can inhibit our vitality. Sometimes, it can be hard to access feelings of curiosity, interest, motivation, connection, or being ourselves. But under the layers of what gets in our way, each of us is already here, already whole.
I can integrate spirituality and ritual, art and music, and play for all ages into our work.
Humans are wacky, beautiful, awesome, creative, remarkable beings. When we have anchors within and outside of ourselves for safety, we can explore possibilities, feel organized and competent, and speak our minds and hearts. There are many forces that can inhibit our vitality. Sometimes, it can be hard to access feelings of curiosity, interest, motivation, connection, or being ourselves. But under the layers of what gets in our way, each of us is already here, already whole.
(413) 216-6447 View (413) 216-6447
Photo of Johanna Wechsler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Charlemont, MA
Johanna Wechsler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139
What stands between you and your Happiness? I welcome you as we develop trust and explore what is getting in the way of you experiencing a more satisfying life. I have been privileged to work with children, teens, and adults with a wide variety of family histories. Often our childhood experiences play a big part in how we develop as adults. Post COVID 19, some have a new set of fears and real issues regarding work, health, and relationships. I have specialized and trained with ADD, Depression, Trauma, and, Anxiety, and there are many tools (Mindfulness, CBT, Compassionate Inquiry) that we can explore to see which is most supportive.
What stands between you and your Happiness? I welcome you as we develop trust and explore what is getting in the way of you experiencing a more satisfying life. I have been privileged to work with children, teens, and adults with a wide variety of family histories. Often our childhood experiences play a big part in how we develop as adults. Post COVID 19, some have a new set of fears and real issues regarding work, health, and relationships. I have specialized and trained with ADD, Depression, Trauma, and, Anxiety, and there are many tools (Mindfulness, CBT, Compassionate Inquiry) that we can explore to see which is most supportive.
(617) 618-6706 View (617) 618-6706
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.