Play Therapy in Lagunitas, CA

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Photo of Jessica Chesbro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Jessica Chesbro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
(510) 405-3206 View (510) 405-3206
Photo of Dr. Jessica (Jesse) Aldrich Strassman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Dr. Jessica (Jesse) Aldrich Strassman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I draw from several therapies including play therapy, mindfulness therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy/ERP, for children preschool through high school.
Are you concerned or confused by your child, teen or young adult's behavior? Are you worried that your child is under stress? Do you feel like you are not a good parent for your child? It is very difficult to parent a child who is struggling with challenging feelings and behaviors. I provide therapeutic support to kids who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adoption issues, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, academic or social issues, or major life changes. I offer support for parents.
I draw from several therapies including play therapy, mindfulness therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy/ERP, for children preschool through high school.
Are you concerned or confused by your child, teen or young adult's behavior? Are you worried that your child is under stress? Do you feel like you are not a good parent for your child? It is very difficult to parent a child who is struggling with challenging feelings and behaviors. I provide therapeutic support to kids who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adoption issues, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, academic or social issues, or major life changes. I offer support for parents.
(415) 360-1273 View (415) 360-1273
Photo of Kate Herrington, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Kate Herrington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903  (Online Only)
In my practice I bring compassion, humor, insight, and a sincere dedication to my clients. My practice is grounded in attachment theory, play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (E/RP), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). With my warm and welcoming nature, I strive to create a safe space for children, teens and adults to explore their concerns. In collaboration with you, I will support you in taking steps toward an improved sense of well-being and a life path that aligns with your deepest values. I work with individuals of all ages, families, and provide parent coaching.
In my practice I bring compassion, humor, insight, and a sincere dedication to my clients. My practice is grounded in attachment theory, play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (E/RP), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). With my warm and welcoming nature, I strive to create a safe space for children, teens and adults to explore their concerns. In collaboration with you, I will support you in taking steps toward an improved sense of well-being and a life path that aligns with your deepest values. I work with individuals of all ages, families, and provide parent coaching.
(415) 578-6083 x1 View (415) 578-6083 x1
Photo of Gretchen Kishbaugh, Psychologist in Lagunitas, CA
Gretchen Kishbaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
(707) 518-6142 View (707) 518-6142
Photo of Alyssa Paris, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lagunitas, CA
Alyssa Paris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MIM, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
No matter our history or wounds, I believe in our capacity to return to wholeness through the body's innate wisdom and self-healing abilities. My clinical practice is trauma-informed, attachment-oriented and rooted in mind-body-spirit unity. I offer the safe ground of radical inclusivity, unconditional positive regard, curiosity and compassion - a place in which to explore, discover, play, grieve, welcome, empower and transform. Integrating Eastern, Western and Earth-based modalities, my work is designed to be holistic and inclusive, supporting clients to connect with their most authentic selves.
No matter our history or wounds, I believe in our capacity to return to wholeness through the body's innate wisdom and self-healing abilities. My clinical practice is trauma-informed, attachment-oriented and rooted in mind-body-spirit unity. I offer the safe ground of radical inclusivity, unconditional positive regard, curiosity and compassion - a place in which to explore, discover, play, grieve, welcome, empower and transform. Integrating Eastern, Western and Earth-based modalities, my work is designed to be holistic and inclusive, supporting clients to connect with their most authentic selves.
(415) 799-5582 View (415) 799-5582
Photo of Wellspring Psychotherapy Center, Psychologist in Lagunitas, CA
Wellspring Psychotherapy Center
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
We specialize in the treatment of children, teens, adults and families. We use ACT, CBT, art and play therapy to work with children who are struggling with friendships, impulse control issues, the effects of divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Our evidence based practices are especially helpful for children with OCD, separation anxiety, fears and phobias, attachment and adoption issues, sleep issues, and post traumatic stress. As a parent you can also benefit by gaining new insights about your child and getting guidance and consultation.
We specialize in the treatment of children, teens, adults and families. We use ACT, CBT, art and play therapy to work with children who are struggling with friendships, impulse control issues, the effects of divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Our evidence based practices are especially helpful for children with OCD, separation anxiety, fears and phobias, attachment and adoption issues, sleep issues, and post traumatic stress. As a parent you can also benefit by gaining new insights about your child and getting guidance and consultation.
(415) 878-1892 View (415) 878-1892
Photo of Gellaine Rabino, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Lagunitas, CA
Gellaine Rabino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
Gellaine (Jeh-lane) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and board certified Art Therapist who centers her work through creativity and authentic connections with her clients. In addition to talking, therapy with Gellaine is a dynamic collaborative process. Using art therapy, play therapy, movement, and a strengths-based approach, she encourages clients to use their imaginations and curiosity to explore struggles and concerns.
Gellaine (Jeh-lane) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and board certified Art Therapist who centers her work through creativity and authentic connections with her clients. In addition to talking, therapy with Gellaine is a dynamic collaborative process. Using art therapy, play therapy, movement, and a strengths-based approach, she encourages clients to use their imaginations and curiosity to explore struggles and concerns.
(415) 358-7243 View (415) 358-7243
Photo of Family Matters Of Marin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Family Matters Of Marin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PPS
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
We engage with the younger child through a variety of Play Therapy, EMDR, CBT, IFS, and Mindfulness.
Family Matters Of Marin is a trauma informed group practice focused on supporting children and families. We help clients create more joy, love, and harmony in their lives. We are deeply interested in learning how our clients would like to change and grow, and supporting them in this process. We work collaboratively with clients to improve their relationships and resolve any trauma from their past that maybe holding them back from living the life they yearn for. We are experienced therapists who use a variety of therapeutic modalities to resolve issues that are hindering our client's ability to be their best selves.
We engage with the younger child through a variety of Play Therapy, EMDR, CBT, IFS, and Mindfulness.
Family Matters Of Marin is a trauma informed group practice focused on supporting children and families. We help clients create more joy, love, and harmony in their lives. We are deeply interested in learning how our clients would like to change and grow, and supporting them in this process. We work collaboratively with clients to improve their relationships and resolve any trauma from their past that maybe holding them back from living the life they yearn for. We are experienced therapists who use a variety of therapeutic modalities to resolve issues that are hindering our client's ability to be their best selves.
(415) 639-9164 View (415) 639-9164
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94960
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Meredith Simpson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Meredith Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
Meredith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing therapy for children, teens, and families. With a warm style and strength-based approach, Meredith utilizes evidence-based treatments such as Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and incorporates Play Therapy techniques when working with children, recognizing the importance of creative and fun expressive modalities to facilitate healing and growth.
Meredith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing therapy for children, teens, and families. With a warm style and strength-based approach, Meredith utilizes evidence-based treatments such as Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and incorporates Play Therapy techniques when working with children, recognizing the importance of creative and fun expressive modalities to facilitate healing and growth.
(415) 324-6955 x1 View (415) 324-6955 x1
Photo of Stirling Somers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Stirling Somers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
My approach is integrative; drawing from Psychodynamic, CBT, Play Therapy, Attachment Theory and Family Systems.
I start with where you are. My approach is pragmatic, dynamic, and solution oriented based on client-centered goals. I truly enjoy working with elementary age children, older teens/young adults and older adults.
My approach is integrative; drawing from Psychodynamic, CBT, Play Therapy, Attachment Theory and Family Systems.
I start with where you are. My approach is pragmatic, dynamic, and solution oriented based on client-centered goals. I truly enjoy working with elementary age children, older teens/young adults and older adults.
(415) 548-7313 View (415) 548-7313
Photo of Maureen Young Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Maureen Young Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I offer Play Therapy and Relational Therapy for Children, Adolescents and Adults.
Before opening a private practice in San Anselmo, I worked as a primary therapist with the Child Therapy Institute of Marin working with children and adults. I have also worked as a school counselor in Marin elementary, middle and high schools; and at a local university. I have clinical experience working in an eating recovery center helping clients and their families recover from eating disorders. I received a bachelor’s in arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California and a master’s in counseling psychology from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology.
I offer Play Therapy and Relational Therapy for Children, Adolescents and Adults.
Before opening a private practice in San Anselmo, I worked as a primary therapist with the Child Therapy Institute of Marin working with children and adults. I have also worked as a school counselor in Marin elementary, middle and high schools; and at a local university. I have clinical experience working in an eating recovery center helping clients and their families recover from eating disorders. I received a bachelor’s in arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California and a master’s in counseling psychology from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology.
(415) 903-7190 View (415) 903-7190
Photo of Sara Staley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Sara Staley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
I provide therapeutic support for adults, children, teens, and families that have experienced psychological trauma, are experiencing a challenging life transition, or want to build self-awareness and resiliency. My focus is working with children and their parents, especially between the ages of 3 to 7 years old, using Play Therapy. With all ages of individuals I have the ability to get to the root causes of psychological symptoms using Psychodynamic Therapy and Sandplay Therapy. I also use evidence based short term treatment modalities such as CBT, depending on my clients desires and needs.
I provide therapeutic support for adults, children, teens, and families that have experienced psychological trauma, are experiencing a challenging life transition, or want to build self-awareness and resiliency. My focus is working with children and their parents, especially between the ages of 3 to 7 years old, using Play Therapy. With all ages of individuals I have the ability to get to the root causes of psychological symptoms using Psychodynamic Therapy and Sandplay Therapy. I also use evidence based short term treatment modalities such as CBT, depending on my clients desires and needs.
(415) 226-4845 View (415) 226-4845
Photo of Gigi Pagani, Psychologist in Lagunitas, CA
Gigi Pagani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
My specialties are 1) bipolar disorder and creativity; If you are an artist of any persuasion with a bipolar diagnosis, I will help you to balance your creative and mental health needs 2) Play therapy for children ages 3-11, which permits the working through of challenges through imaginative play 3) Grief work for children coping with the loss of a caregiver.
Are you or your child unhappy, anxious, angry, or grieving? Perhaps you are adjusting to a bipolar diagnosis, recovering from trauma, struggling in relationships, seeking personal growth, or discovering your identity. Adults, couples, and children are all welcome in my practice! Together, we will consider the complexity of who and how you are—your unique combination of life experiences, temperament, culture, relationships, and more. In exploring formative experiences and present-day struggles and strengths, we will discover and address what is interfering with you having the life you desire.
My specialties are 1) bipolar disorder and creativity; If you are an artist of any persuasion with a bipolar diagnosis, I will help you to balance your creative and mental health needs 2) Play therapy for children ages 3-11, which permits the working through of challenges through imaginative play 3) Grief work for children coping with the loss of a caregiver.
Are you or your child unhappy, anxious, angry, or grieving? Perhaps you are adjusting to a bipolar diagnosis, recovering from trauma, struggling in relationships, seeking personal growth, or discovering your identity. Adults, couples, and children are all welcome in my practice! Together, we will consider the complexity of who and how you are—your unique combination of life experiences, temperament, culture, relationships, and more. In exploring formative experiences and present-day struggles and strengths, we will discover and address what is interfering with you having the life you desire.
(415) 300-2099 View (415) 300-2099
Photo of Christina Reed, Psychologist in Lagunitas, CA
Christina Reed
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
I am a strong believer that parents play a vital role in supporting the healing process.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and I enjoy working with children, families, couples and individuals. I have been working with children and families for over 8 years. Specifically much of my work has focused on children 0-5 and their caregivers. We all need a little support during life's transitions and it takes a lot of strength to ask for help. I use a collateral approach when working with families and individuals, my belief is that you are the expert and I will support you through your journey whatever it may be.
I am a strong believer that parents play a vital role in supporting the healing process.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and I enjoy working with children, families, couples and individuals. I have been working with children and families for over 8 years. Specifically much of my work has focused on children 0-5 and their caregivers. We all need a little support during life's transitions and it takes a lot of strength to ask for help. I use a collateral approach when working with families and individuals, my belief is that you are the expert and I will support you through your journey whatever it may be.
(707) 549-6530 View (707) 549-6530
Photo of Paula F Mierzejewski, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Paula F Mierzejewski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
With children I use play and art therapy, role playing, and CBT.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults in life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. I also work with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
With children I use play and art therapy, role playing, and CBT.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults in life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. I also work with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
(628) 333-3593 View (628) 333-3593
Photo of Casey Hineline, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Casey Hineline
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Specializing in child/teen therapy. Specializing in attachment concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, relational issues and more... I treat the whole child/teen by providing our youth in the greater community with a space to explore, process and express their own emotional experiences through play, art and talk therapies. Therapy has proven to help kids improve self-esteem, identify their strengths, lean into their growing edges, learn perspective, process trauma, develop healthy coping strategies and find and maintain healthy relationships.
Specializing in child/teen therapy. Specializing in attachment concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, relational issues and more... I treat the whole child/teen by providing our youth in the greater community with a space to explore, process and express their own emotional experiences through play, art and talk therapies. Therapy has proven to help kids improve self-esteem, identify their strengths, lean into their growing edges, learn perspective, process trauma, develop healthy coping strategies and find and maintain healthy relationships.
(415) 200-2913 View (415) 200-2913
Photo of Liana Unger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Liana Unger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960  (Online Only)
I am a therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 76693) in California with a Masters in Social Work from The University of Southern California. I’ve helped people of all ages, genders, and orientations and strive to form relationships with my clients built on trust, collaboration, and respect.
I am a therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 76693) in California with a Masters in Social Work from The University of Southern California. I’ve helped people of all ages, genders, and orientations and strive to form relationships with my clients built on trust, collaboration, and respect.
(310) 340-1287 View (310) 340-1287
Photo of Boe Elizabeth Roberts, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Boe Elizabeth Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Clinical psychotherapy is a process of deepening self awareness and strengthening authenticity. The subtle art of therapy occurs by taking an honest look at emotional patterns and behaviors, and understanding and liberating any shame that exists at the core which frequently fuels mental health disorders. I specialize in working with teens and their families, and am trained in EMDR and Attachment Based Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years in this community. The gift of psychotherapy is the ability to be in charge of ourselves with confidence, emotional intelligence, and deep inner peace.
Clinical psychotherapy is a process of deepening self awareness and strengthening authenticity. The subtle art of therapy occurs by taking an honest look at emotional patterns and behaviors, and understanding and liberating any shame that exists at the core which frequently fuels mental health disorders. I specialize in working with teens and their families, and am trained in EMDR and Attachment Based Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years in this community. The gift of psychotherapy is the ability to be in charge of ourselves with confidence, emotional intelligence, and deep inner peace.
(415) 630-4538 View (415) 630-4538
Photo of Dr. Lawrence. M. Tunis, Ed.D, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lagunitas, CA
Dr. Lawrence. M. Tunis, Ed.D, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I'M A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST in private practice in Fairfield and San Anselmo, CA where I work with adults, couples and children for self-esteem problems, anger, depression, grief, anxiety, impulsivity and PTSD symptoms. I also have a specialty in gender identity issues and the dysphoric feelings, grief and loss, relationship difficulties and other issues that often accompany these conditions. My style blends real life experience, knowledge, humor and compassion. My approach includes relational, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral styles, offering a flexible, responsive, non-authoritarian and empathetic quality.
I'M A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST in private practice in Fairfield and San Anselmo, CA where I work with adults, couples and children for self-esteem problems, anger, depression, grief, anxiety, impulsivity and PTSD symptoms. I also have a specialty in gender identity issues and the dysphoric feelings, grief and loss, relationship difficulties and other issues that often accompany these conditions. My style blends real life experience, knowledge, humor and compassion. My approach includes relational, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral styles, offering a flexible, responsive, non-authoritarian and empathetic quality.
(415) 799-9707 View (415) 799-9707

See more therapy options for Lagunitas

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.