Play Therapy in Northwest, Portland, OR

Sarah Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97201
I have an integrative approach to my personal practice that includes yoga, meditation/mindfulness, child centered play therapy, expressive arts, Synergetic Play therapy, CBT, and various trauma modalities across the lifespan.
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING SUPERVISION CLIENTS------------All therapists and social workers have moments in this field where we need someone to debrief an experience with. Sometimes we just need someone to hold space for our experiences and bare witness to the challenges and heartbreak this profession often brings. No matter what stage you are at in your career, just starting out or 15 years in, a good supervisor can feel like a lifeline. I specialize in offering supervision to CSWAs, LPC-I and licensed professionals seeking supervision in the state of Oregon.
I have an integrative approach to my personal practice that includes yoga, meditation/mindfulness, child centered play therapy, expressive arts, Synergetic Play therapy, CBT, and various trauma modalities across the lifespan.
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING SUPERVISION CLIENTS------------All therapists and social workers have moments in this field where we need someone to debrief an experience with. Sometimes we just need someone to hold space for our experiences and bare witness to the challenges and heartbreak this profession often brings. No matter what stage you are at in your career, just starting out or 15 years in, a good supervisor can feel like a lifeline. I specialize in offering supervision to CSWAs, LPC-I and licensed professionals seeking supervision in the state of Oregon.
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Photo of Fae Tippie, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fae Tippie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
I work Somatically doing body-based experiential work, with role play and drama therapy, expressive arts, EMDR, and I offer Ecotherapy sessions outdoors in alliance with Nature as my co-therapist.
I became a therapist in part because I struggled with the reality of who is here to catch and support the fixers, the doers, the helpers, the leaders, the creatives, the neurodivergent? The kids who don't fit in? If you’ve landed here, and you’re my people, you likely care and feel and think deeply. You are tending to so many needs, and you hold so much for everything and everyone else. If you're struggling with trauma, burnout, dysregulation, stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships and healthy boundaries, I can help. I know that can shift for you and transform into wellbeing.
I work Somatically doing body-based experiential work, with role play and drama therapy, expressive arts, EMDR, and I offer Ecotherapy sessions outdoors in alliance with Nature as my co-therapist.
I became a therapist in part because I struggled with the reality of who is here to catch and support the fixers, the doers, the helpers, the leaders, the creatives, the neurodivergent? The kids who don't fit in? If you’ve landed here, and you’re my people, you likely care and feel and think deeply. You are tending to so many needs, and you hold so much for everything and everyone else. If you're struggling with trauma, burnout, dysregulation, stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships and healthy boundaries, I can help. I know that can shift for you and transform into wellbeing.
(503) 847-9720 View (503) 847-9720
Photo of Jordan Nickel-Dubin, MA, LPC Intern
Jordan Nickel-Dubin
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
I was a children’s theatre teacher for 13 years and know the way to work through tough stuff is play - the language kids speak best.
Welcome! I specialize in working with little people with big feelings. I work from my heart, with a person-centered creative approach. I am dedicated to crafting a collaborative alliance that contributes to the growth of each child. I often use the creative arts of drama, art, storytelling, and movement to enhance the psychotherapeutic process. I believe your child has the ability to thrive and I want to support them in their journey of self-discovery and growth. I strive to meet each child where they are, using play, embodiment, and storytelling to connect in ways that go beyond talking - an important way to help honor their lives.
I was a children’s theatre teacher for 13 years and know the way to work through tough stuff is play - the language kids speak best.
Welcome! I specialize in working with little people with big feelings. I work from my heart, with a person-centered creative approach. I am dedicated to crafting a collaborative alliance that contributes to the growth of each child. I often use the creative arts of drama, art, storytelling, and movement to enhance the psychotherapeutic process. I believe your child has the ability to thrive and I want to support them in their journey of self-discovery and growth. I strive to meet each child where they are, using play, embodiment, and storytelling to connect in ways that go beyond talking - an important way to help honor their lives.
(971) 365-3614 View (971) 365-3614
Photo of Andrew Conner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Conner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
When working with children, I utilize play therapy to help kids express themselves via their natural language of play.
My clients often feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. They seek a path to clarity and balance. They need a compassionate space to explore their emotions and uncover the root causes of their distress. Their goal is to gain self-awareness, develop healthier coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. They want to transform their lives and find lasting fulfillment. Together, we can work towards understanding their inner world and making meaningful, positive changes.
When working with children, I utilize play therapy to help kids express themselves via their natural language of play.
My clients often feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. They seek a path to clarity and balance. They need a compassionate space to explore their emotions and uncover the root causes of their distress. Their goal is to gain self-awareness, develop healthier coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. They want to transform their lives and find lasting fulfillment. Together, we can work towards understanding their inner world and making meaningful, positive changes.
(971) 297-3025 View (971) 297-3025
Photo of Kelle DeBruin - Kelle DeBruin Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelle DeBruin Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
Life transitions bring new opportunities for personal growth, communication development, and emotional connectedness. With couples & families, our approach is to deepen the bond by focusing more effective communication while understanding the needs of the relationship, Individual therapy centers from life experiences of resilience & strength, redefinition of self, challenges around family history, or a recognition of new life boundaries. As we work with younger clients, we utilize interventions in our play therapy room to provide an environment open and welcoming to the needs of everyone.
Life transitions bring new opportunities for personal growth, communication development, and emotional connectedness. With couples & families, our approach is to deepen the bond by focusing more effective communication while understanding the needs of the relationship, Individual therapy centers from life experiences of resilience & strength, redefinition of self, challenges around family history, or a recognition of new life boundaries. As we work with younger clients, we utilize interventions in our play therapy room to provide an environment open and welcoming to the needs of everyone.
(971) 803-5900 View (971) 803-5900
Photo of Marley Dagner, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marley Dagner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97296  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life is not simple. It can be really challenging to navigate, especially on our own. I work with clients all across Oregon to help them heal from abusive relationships, toxic family dynamics, narcissistic parents, partners, bosses, and/or religious groups. I offer therapy focused on self-rebuilding, relationship struggles, developing healthy boundaries, and discovering your healthier way to move forward as your most authentic self. I am committed to creating the opportunity for you to have a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, inclusive & affirming space to empower your life.
Life is not simple. It can be really challenging to navigate, especially on our own. I work with clients all across Oregon to help them heal from abusive relationships, toxic family dynamics, narcissistic parents, partners, bosses, and/or religious groups. I offer therapy focused on self-rebuilding, relationship struggles, developing healthy boundaries, and discovering your healthier way to move forward as your most authentic self. I am committed to creating the opportunity for you to have a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, inclusive & affirming space to empower your life.
(458) 214-8719 x100 View (458) 214-8719 x100
Photo of Robin Lieberman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Lieberman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97205
I have been practicing psychotherapy in Portland, Oregon for over thirty years. Initially trained as a child and family therapist in the psychodynamic tradition at the University of Michigan, I have since continued to broaden and deepen my experience and skills through further training in and study of Gestalt therapy theory, contemporary psychoanalysis, Collaborative Couple Therapy, anthroposophy, and hatha yoga. Please feel free to check my website for more information on everything I offer.
I have been practicing psychotherapy in Portland, Oregon for over thirty years. Initially trained as a child and family therapist in the psychodynamic tradition at the University of Michigan, I have since continued to broaden and deepen my experience and skills through further training in and study of Gestalt therapy theory, contemporary psychoanalysis, Collaborative Couple Therapy, anthroposophy, and hatha yoga. Please feel free to check my website for more information on everything I offer.
(503) 683-7067 View (503) 683-7067
Photo of Joann Lundberg, MA , LPC , ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joann Lundberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC , ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
(971) 308-5321 View (971) 308-5321
Photo of Behjat Sedighi, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Behjat Sedighi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
“The wound is the place where the light enters you” – Rumi. Life stressors can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness. If you are feeling any of these, know that you are not alone. I trust in the power of therapy to re-examine stressful situations in a therapeutic environment. I am passionate about working with adults, children, and families to help identify barriers and dysfunctions; and to help facilitate positive changes to reinstate normal functions.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you” – Rumi. Life stressors can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness. If you are feeling any of these, know that you are not alone. I trust in the power of therapy to re-examine stressful situations in a therapeutic environment. I am passionate about working with adults, children, and families to help identify barriers and dysfunctions; and to help facilitate positive changes to reinstate normal functions.
(971) 248-7998 View (971) 248-7998
Photo of Slavica Kojadinovic - Connections First psychotherapy group practice, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, CSWA, PC-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connections First psychotherapy group practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, CSWA, PC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
At Connections First we have faith in the power of connection: with your inner life and to the outer world through meaningful relationships. We believe that mental health is an effect of feeling more deeply connected to ourselves and to others through the safety of transparent, emotionally honest relationships. How we communicate with ourselves and those we care about determines whether we possess integrity and feel empowered to express ourselves as human beings. Much of our symptoms are the effects of emotional, psychological, and physical isolation and self-alienation which can even happen when we are surrounded by other people.
At Connections First we have faith in the power of connection: with your inner life and to the outer world through meaningful relationships. We believe that mental health is an effect of feeling more deeply connected to ourselves and to others through the safety of transparent, emotionally honest relationships. How we communicate with ourselves and those we care about determines whether we possess integrity and feel empowered to express ourselves as human beings. Much of our symptoms are the effects of emotional, psychological, and physical isolation and self-alienation which can even happen when we are surrounded by other people.
(503) 427-1952 View (503) 427-1952
Photo of Gary Neil Reiss, PhD,   , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gary Neil Reiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, , LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
I work with a wide range of people. My clients like deep work, As a Process Oriented therapist and teacher I use dreamwork, symptoms work, bodywork, movement, relationship work, conflict work, inner work and meditation, art and creativity, and many other methods based on the individuals client's process. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have helped develop Process Oriented family therapy; Process Oriented sex and intimacy work; Process Oriented personal and historical trauma work; Process oriented coma and brain injury work, I have written 11 books on these topics. My work integrates mind body and spirit.
I work with a wide range of people. My clients like deep work, As a Process Oriented therapist and teacher I use dreamwork, symptoms work, bodywork, movement, relationship work, conflict work, inner work and meditation, art and creativity, and many other methods based on the individuals client's process. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have helped develop Process Oriented family therapy; Process Oriented sex and intimacy work; Process Oriented personal and historical trauma work; Process oriented coma and brain injury work, I have written 11 books on these topics. My work integrates mind body and spirit.
(458) 218-8186 View (458) 218-8186
Photo of Rinat Ahdoot, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rinat Ahdoot
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
I am a somatic, relational therapist. I believe that people have a desire to feel seen and heard, and in that capacity, have the ability to heal and grow. My clients report that I shift their perspective with gentle candor, humor, and humanness. I encourage them to see their inner power, enabling them to overcome blockages, be kind and gentle with themselves, and have the relationships and life they desire. I work with all types of people and relationships struggling with the wide array of challenges human emotion has given us.
I am a somatic, relational therapist. I believe that people have a desire to feel seen and heard, and in that capacity, have the ability to heal and grow. My clients report that I shift their perspective with gentle candor, humor, and humanness. I encourage them to see their inner power, enabling them to overcome blockages, be kind and gentle with themselves, and have the relationships and life they desire. I work with all types of people and relationships struggling with the wide array of challenges human emotion has given us.
(971) 224-7365 View (971) 224-7365
Photo of Susan Diane Gendein-Marshall, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Diane Gendein-Marshall
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
Whether the focus is self esteem, depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, addiction, or other sorts of pain, you will feel understood within a safe, caring and growth enhancing private therapy. A deeper understanding and comfort with yourself will empower you to live a richer, more productive and satisfying life. Discover important mind-body connections, better identify your desires and goals, be more organized, hopeful and able to enjoy relationships. Design and direct your life in creative, powerful and satisfying ways. Embrace this opportunity for insight, greater happiness and positive change. I can help you to become your most hoped for self.
Whether the focus is self esteem, depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, addiction, or other sorts of pain, you will feel understood within a safe, caring and growth enhancing private therapy. A deeper understanding and comfort with yourself will empower you to live a richer, more productive and satisfying life. Discover important mind-body connections, better identify your desires and goals, be more organized, hopeful and able to enjoy relationships. Design and direct your life in creative, powerful and satisfying ways. Embrace this opportunity for insight, greater happiness and positive change. I can help you to become your most hoped for self.
(248) 461-3493 View (248) 461-3493
Photo of Tiffany McCleary, PsyD, Psychologist
Tiffany McCleary
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97205
I integrate current research and traditional approaches to help clients reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and find fulfillment. Many clients I work with benefit from learning specific skills for stress management and interpersonal effectiveness. Others explore broader issues related to clarifying values and personal growth.
I integrate current research and traditional approaches to help clients reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and find fulfillment. Many clients I work with benefit from learning specific skills for stress management and interpersonal effectiveness. Others explore broader issues related to clarifying values and personal growth.
(503) 894-5807 View (503) 894-5807
Photo of Jaxon Shaffer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaxon Shaffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Northwest, Portland, OR 97205
Are you caught in a cycle of self-doubt and negative self-talk? Do you feel disconnected from others, especially yourself? Are you seeking a safe space to process past traumas and heal emotional wounds? Not even sure where to start? I would be glad to meet with you and understand more about what you are seeking and needing in therapy. I support clients existing within the margins of society, facing unique challenges and societal pressures that exacerbate mental health struggles; I work with gender-diverse youth and adults, queer couples, and those with insecure attachments, social anxiety, and neurodivergence.
Are you caught in a cycle of self-doubt and negative self-talk? Do you feel disconnected from others, especially yourself? Are you seeking a safe space to process past traumas and heal emotional wounds? Not even sure where to start? I would be glad to meet with you and understand more about what you are seeking and needing in therapy. I support clients existing within the margins of society, facing unique challenges and societal pressures that exacerbate mental health struggles; I work with gender-diverse youth and adults, queer couples, and those with insecure attachments, social anxiety, and neurodivergence.
(503) 660-3639 View (503) 660-3639
Photo of Serenity Serseción, PhD, Psychologist
Serenity Serseción
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
(650) 946-1649 View (650) 946-1649
Photo of Tessa Zasta - Fernweh Forest, MS,  EdS, LPCA, NCC, Counselor
Fernweh Forest
Counselor, MS, EdS, LPCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97210
Fernweh Forest provides therapeutic services to youth and families. Together we can tap into your natural capacity for growth, healing, and transformation. We believe in the depth and power of shared experience, holistic healing, and nature connection. With Fernweh Forest, you and your family can take the therapeutic experience outside, utilizing nature, adventure, and body-based interventions to increase connection with the whole self (mind/body/spirit), each other, and the earth, while inspiring problem solving though challenge and exploring emotions. Life is messy. Let us support you and your family in navigating the hard stuff.
Fernweh Forest provides therapeutic services to youth and families. Together we can tap into your natural capacity for growth, healing, and transformation. We believe in the depth and power of shared experience, holistic healing, and nature connection. With Fernweh Forest, you and your family can take the therapeutic experience outside, utilizing nature, adventure, and body-based interventions to increase connection with the whole self (mind/body/spirit), each other, and the earth, while inspiring problem solving though challenge and exploring emotions. Life is messy. Let us support you and your family in navigating the hard stuff.
(971) 299-7508 View (971) 299-7508
Photo of Dani Terry - Dani Terry | True Colors Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dani Terry | True Colors Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209  (Online Only)
Are you a queer person who's ready to heal from trauma? Look, I know it's tempting to think you don’t have the time to heal when you have a job to do, a home to keep cozy, friends to see, bills to pay, & an election cycle to navigate; there's truly so much going on. Let's face it though, trauma's trapped you in a lackluster life for long enough; you just can’t wait any longer. You deserve a life that lets your true colors shine! I have good news: you don’t have to choose between living a full life today and doing trauma healing. For over 10 years, I’ve been helping queer people heal, live their lives, and find queer joy all at once!
Are you a queer person who's ready to heal from trauma? Look, I know it's tempting to think you don’t have the time to heal when you have a job to do, a home to keep cozy, friends to see, bills to pay, & an election cycle to navigate; there's truly so much going on. Let's face it though, trauma's trapped you in a lackluster life for long enough; you just can’t wait any longer. You deserve a life that lets your true colors shine! I have good news: you don’t have to choose between living a full life today and doing trauma healing. For over 10 years, I’ve been helping queer people heal, live their lives, and find queer joy all at once!
(530) 208-3185 View (530) 208-3185
Photo of Madeline Ammar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Madeline Ammar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97209
Thanks for taking a moment to consider my practice. If you're seeking therapy, I applaud you! Seeking support to navigate chaotic moments in life is not easy and is also a wonderful gift to give your self. Therapy has been an instrumental support throughout my life since I was a teenager. Through my journey I've found healing and medicine in talk therapy, yoga, herbalism, intuitive readings, nature immersion and countless writings by Black feminist authors (Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Audre Lorde, Prentice Hemphill). I'd like to offer you a space to bring both your wins and your struggles, knowing you'll receive compassionate care.
Thanks for taking a moment to consider my practice. If you're seeking therapy, I applaud you! Seeking support to navigate chaotic moments in life is not easy and is also a wonderful gift to give your self. Therapy has been an instrumental support throughout my life since I was a teenager. Through my journey I've found healing and medicine in talk therapy, yoga, herbalism, intuitive readings, nature immersion and countless writings by Black feminist authors (Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Audre Lorde, Prentice Hemphill). I'd like to offer you a space to bring both your wins and your struggles, knowing you'll receive compassionate care.
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Photo of Catherine Vu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Catherine Vu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Northwest, Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I am an Asian-American therapist seeking to create a healing and culturally affirming environment for Children, Teens, and Young Adults. Life as a POC can be confusing to navigate as we can have traditions, values, and obligations that oppose our American cultural upbringing. This therapeutic space will be a safe container for those looking to explore their identity, purpose, and authenticity.
I am an Asian-American therapist seeking to create a healing and culturally affirming environment for Children, Teens, and Young Adults. Life as a POC can be confusing to navigate as we can have traditions, values, and obligations that oppose our American cultural upbringing. This therapeutic space will be a safe container for those looking to explore their identity, purpose, and authenticity.
(310) 750-4902 View (310) 750-4902
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See more therapy options for Northwest, Portland

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.