Photo of Alecia Singer, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alecia Singer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
This will allow you to access more fulfilling relationships, work, play and relaxation.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
This will allow you to access more fulfilling relationships, work, play and relaxation.
Do you believe that happiness is not possible unless you obtain a certain body size, relationship or job and are on a constant quest for perfectionism? You may find yourself turning to addiction, chaotic relationships, disordered eating, your inner critic and negative body image to find relief from anxiety, stress or trauma. This is understandable, but there is another way... Imagine creating a compassionate relationship with yourself based on accepting your body as a source of wisdom, connecting you to your feelings, authenticity, creativity and life force.
(415) 660-9464 View (415) 660-9464
Photo of Sky Meets Sea Child and Family Therapy , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sky Meets Sea Child and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Through a combination of play therapy, art therapy and good old fashioned talk therapy, I meet children and their families where they are in their challenges with the goal of working together.
Hello, I'm Julia Hammett! With a background in Fine Arts, teaching, and professional childcare, I studied Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Notre Dame de Namur University and have been working with children and their caregivers since 2014.
Through a combination of play therapy, art therapy and good old fashioned talk therapy, I meet children and their families where they are in their challenges with the goal of working together.
Hello, I'm Julia Hammett! With a background in Fine Arts, teaching, and professional childcare, I studied Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Notre Dame de Namur University and have been working with children and their caregivers since 2014.
(415) 429-5925 View (415) 429-5925
Photo of Phyllis S Shulman, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Phyllis S Shulman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94127
*With children: play therapy and developing coping skills in dealing with difficult changes, trauma or loss; school problems and troubles with peers.
My approach to psychotherapy stems from a passionate commitment to the process of self-discovery. It entails working to create a space with each person in which feelings and worries can be named and articulated; deeply held troubles--traumatic histories and conflicts--can come to light, be examined and explored; and hope along with ideas for change can be generated. Through attuned listening, fragmented bits can be woven into lines of thought which over time become the shape of a personal and useful story. Treatment combines developing insights into unconsciously held beliefs and finding strategies for coping with life stresses.
*With children: play therapy and developing coping skills in dealing with difficult changes, trauma or loss; school problems and troubles with peers.
My approach to psychotherapy stems from a passionate commitment to the process of self-discovery. It entails working to create a space with each person in which feelings and worries can be named and articulated; deeply held troubles--traumatic histories and conflicts--can come to light, be examined and explored; and hope along with ideas for change can be generated. Through attuned listening, fragmented bits can be woven into lines of thought which over time become the shape of a personal and useful story. Treatment combines developing insights into unconsciously held beliefs and finding strategies for coping with life stresses.
(415) 823-5048 View (415) 823-5048
Photo of Kristin Fiorella, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kristin Fiorella
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I also see children ages 4 and older in play therapy.
I am a psychoanalyst in private practice in San Francisco. In addition to my clinical work with patients, I also offer consultation for other clinicians and teach and supervise with various psychoanalytic sites in the Bay Area. My writing about the intersection between Buddhism and psychoanalysis has received awards from NCSPP, a local psychoanalytic organization, and APsaA, a national one. I can help guide you in the process of more clearly seeing and navigating your emotional landscape - why you might be prone to anger or worry, why accomplishments feel fleeting, or why things aren't working as you'd like interpersonally.
I also see children ages 4 and older in play therapy.
I am a psychoanalyst in private practice in San Francisco. In addition to my clinical work with patients, I also offer consultation for other clinicians and teach and supervise with various psychoanalytic sites in the Bay Area. My writing about the intersection between Buddhism and psychoanalysis has received awards from NCSPP, a local psychoanalytic organization, and APsaA, a national one. I can help guide you in the process of more clearly seeing and navigating your emotional landscape - why you might be prone to anger or worry, why accomplishments feel fleeting, or why things aren't working as you'd like interpersonally.
(415) 212-5942 View (415) 212-5942
Photo of Kari Floberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kari Floberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have 10 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy and 14 years background in the arts, which emphasizes creativity and play as a vehicle for change.
Therapy can help you locate your internal compass in order to navigate the challenges that life brings. If you are seeking therapy, perhaps some area of your life is out of balance. You may feel conflicted, that you are not finding the connection you want in relationships or not living up to your fullest potential. I can help you make sense of these feelings, cultivate your innate gifts and respectfully let go of old habits so you can live more freely.
I have 10 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy and 14 years background in the arts, which emphasizes creativity and play as a vehicle for change.
Therapy can help you locate your internal compass in order to navigate the challenges that life brings. If you are seeking therapy, perhaps some area of your life is out of balance. You may feel conflicted, that you are not finding the connection you want in relationships or not living up to your fullest potential. I can help you make sense of these feelings, cultivate your innate gifts and respectfully let go of old habits so you can live more freely.
(415) 634-4098 View (415) 634-4098
Photo of Tarrah D Wauson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Tarrah D Wauson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Play therapy and Expressive Arts therapies are used with younger ones.
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.
Play therapy and Expressive Arts therapies are used with younger ones.
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.
(628) 259-8239 View (628) 259-8239
Photo of Honeycomb Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Honeycomb Wellness Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Our therapists have a variety of helpful certifications including and not limited to play therapy, parent child interactive therapy, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, psychodynamic.
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
Our therapists have a variety of helpful certifications including and not limited to play therapy, parent child interactive therapy, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, psychodynamic.
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
(415) 338-9366 View (415) 338-9366
Photo of Meryl Leavitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Meryl Leavitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
In our work together I will use the therapeutic relationship as a window for change as well as using cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, play, and expressive art therapy techniques.
My passion and specialization is working with children and their families, which I have experience with in both school and private practice settings. Do you have children who are bullied at school or are the bully? Do you have children who are failing their classes or seem uncharacteristically anxious or depressed? Are you going through a separation with your partner and wonder how it is affecting your children? If you are, I can help. Other prevelent issues in my work with both adults and children include: grief and loss, substance abuse, anger management, family reunification, divorce, and romantic relationships.
In our work together I will use the therapeutic relationship as a window for change as well as using cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, play, and expressive art therapy techniques.
My passion and specialization is working with children and their families, which I have experience with in both school and private practice settings. Do you have children who are bullied at school or are the bully? Do you have children who are failing their classes or seem uncharacteristically anxious or depressed? Are you going through a separation with your partner and wonder how it is affecting your children? If you are, I can help. Other prevelent issues in my work with both adults and children include: grief and loss, substance abuse, anger management, family reunification, divorce, and romantic relationships.
(415) 868-5901 View (415) 868-5901
Photo of Anne Diedrich, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Anne Diedrich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94107
MBCT is an innovative, clinically proven treatment that encourages patients to play an active role in preventing the return of depression by integrating elements of mindfulness-based meditative practice with cognitive therapy.
I trust that people come to therapy seeking a more authentic happiness; and I work as best as I can to help clients let go of concepts and mistaken views of themselves that have led to more pain and confusion. I work with individuals, couples, children and families, bringing warmth and understanding to the relationships and life problems that surround us. Sometimes the first call is the most difficult. I am often available to speak briefly or will return your call as soon as possible, making the next steps and new perspectives possible.
MBCT is an innovative, clinically proven treatment that encourages patients to play an active role in preventing the return of depression by integrating elements of mindfulness-based meditative practice with cognitive therapy.
I trust that people come to therapy seeking a more authentic happiness; and I work as best as I can to help clients let go of concepts and mistaken views of themselves that have led to more pain and confusion. I work with individuals, couples, children and families, bringing warmth and understanding to the relationships and life problems that surround us. Sometimes the first call is the most difficult. I am often available to speak briefly or will return your call as soon as possible, making the next steps and new perspectives possible.
(415) 944-3945 View (415) 944-3945
Photo of Carolyn Day, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Carolyn Day
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Using play and expressive arts can be a safe, and often fun, way for children to communicate and process uncomfortable and difficult feelings.
Sometimes it can be difficult to sort out all our feelings, especially when things are messy, confusing, and overwhelming. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from counseling to process the feelings that come with human experience. At the foundation of my practice is forming a strong therapeutic relationship with you. I believe the quality of our relationship is the basis of what can lead to healing. Gaining greater insight into yourself can help you carry out how you want to be in the world.
Using play and expressive arts can be a safe, and often fun, way for children to communicate and process uncomfortable and difficult feelings.
Sometimes it can be difficult to sort out all our feelings, especially when things are messy, confusing, and overwhelming. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from counseling to process the feelings that come with human experience. At the foundation of my practice is forming a strong therapeutic relationship with you. I believe the quality of our relationship is the basis of what can lead to healing. Gaining greater insight into yourself can help you carry out how you want to be in the world.
(415) 594-4696 View (415) 594-4696
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
My last name furthers holiday vibes, word play, and relationship to the here-and-now.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
My last name furthers holiday vibes, word play, and relationship to the here-and-now.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Photo of Charles Brinamen, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Charles Brinamen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist (0-5yrs) Mentor, I offer child-parent, play, and family therapies.
My work is relationally based. I believe that development throughout our lives is formed through our relationships. The therapeutic relationship we share will be an important factor in understanding, improving, establishing, and responding to those relationships. Even when things are particularly tough or uncomfortable, creating and tolerating change can be daunting. It’s easy for individuals and families to get stuck in old patterns that no longer meet their needs. We’ll look at those patterns: how they developed, how they affect you, and how to take steps toward freeing you and your family.
Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist (0-5yrs) Mentor, I offer child-parent, play, and family therapies.
My work is relationally based. I believe that development throughout our lives is formed through our relationships. The therapeutic relationship we share will be an important factor in understanding, improving, establishing, and responding to those relationships. Even when things are particularly tough or uncomfortable, creating and tolerating change can be daunting. It’s easy for individuals and families to get stuck in old patterns that no longer meet their needs. We’ll look at those patterns: how they developed, how they affect you, and how to take steps toward freeing you and your family.
(415) 237-4412 View (415) 237-4412
Photo of Colin Holtzinger, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Colin Holtzinger
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
(415) 319-8648 View (415) 319-8648
Photo of Lorraine J Moreci, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Lorraine J Moreci
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I currently work at San Francisco Bay Play Therapy.
I am interested in working with Individuals, couples, and children. My work focuses on clients dealing with PTSD, trauma (complex and single episodes), anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic health issues. Our work together might include mindfully exploring past and present issues and integrating your experience in an inclusive way. We will explore body, mind, and spirit together, all parts of self are welcome.
I currently work at San Francisco Bay Play Therapy.
I am interested in working with Individuals, couples, and children. My work focuses on clients dealing with PTSD, trauma (complex and single episodes), anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic health issues. Our work together might include mindfully exploring past and present issues and integrating your experience in an inclusive way. We will explore body, mind, and spirit together, all parts of self are welcome.
(415) 594-4730 View (415) 594-4730
Photo of Meredith Holmes, Psychological Associate in San Francisco, CA
Meredith Holmes
Psychological Associate, MSW, MSCP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
(415) 874-0759 View (415) 874-0759
Photo of Audrey Martin, Psychotherapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Audrey Martin, Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I am an experienced psychotherapist with offices in both San Francisco and Berkeley. I provide therapy for adults and adolescents as my primary focus. I meet with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome areas of emotional and relational difficulties. I have an active, open way of working and am curious, engaged, honest, and direct. I take people's need for change very seriously, and am an advocate for finding ways to help people live with greater depth, satisfaction, and choice. While this can involve diligence, resilience, and perseverance, play and creativity are also integral in the process.
I am an experienced psychotherapist with offices in both San Francisco and Berkeley. I provide therapy for adults and adolescents as my primary focus. I meet with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome areas of emotional and relational difficulties. I have an active, open way of working and am curious, engaged, honest, and direct. I take people's need for change very seriously, and am an advocate for finding ways to help people live with greater depth, satisfaction, and choice. While this can involve diligence, resilience, and perseverance, play and creativity are also integral in the process.
(415) 360-6323 View (415) 360-6323
Photo of Sandra Salatich, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Sandra Salatich
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
We will work together to address both your acute distress and the underpinnings that may be at play in your life.
I am an experienced psychologist serving people of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. As a psychologist, I am interested in and dedicated to the understanding of people. As a therapist, I help individuals, couples, adolescents and children with problems such as depression and sadness, anxiety and worry, grief and loss, challenges in relationships, work-related issues, and difficulty during transitional periods in life. As a person, I am an open-mined female who is comfortable working with people of different genders, orientation and identifications. I emphasize a balance between compassion and critical thinking to meet my clients with a kind and attentive approach.
We will work together to address both your acute distress and the underpinnings that may be at play in your life.
I am an experienced psychologist serving people of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. As a psychologist, I am interested in and dedicated to the understanding of people. As a therapist, I help individuals, couples, adolescents and children with problems such as depression and sadness, anxiety and worry, grief and loss, challenges in relationships, work-related issues, and difficulty during transitional periods in life. As a person, I am an open-mined female who is comfortable working with people of different genders, orientation and identifications. I emphasize a balance between compassion and critical thinking to meet my clients with a kind and attentive approach.
(415) 969-3792 View (415) 969-3792
Photo of Tim Kim, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Tim Kim
Psychologist, PsyD, MFA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I offer play and talk therapy with children from the ages of 8 to 18.
I offer short and long term treatment of distressing psychological symptoms. Common symptoms include attentional difficulties, debilitating anxiety, lack of energy/motivation, overwhelming sadness and anger, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and psychosomatic symptoms. These symptoms often emerge in response to life transitions, intergenerational family dynamics, identity crisis, difficult or traumatic past events, racial trauma, or the loss of a relationship. An additional focus of my practice centers around issues of racial and ethnic identity, navigating interracial relationships, and immigration related issues.
I offer play and talk therapy with children from the ages of 8 to 18.
I offer short and long term treatment of distressing psychological symptoms. Common symptoms include attentional difficulties, debilitating anxiety, lack of energy/motivation, overwhelming sadness and anger, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and psychosomatic symptoms. These symptoms often emerge in response to life transitions, intergenerational family dynamics, identity crisis, difficult or traumatic past events, racial trauma, or the loss of a relationship. An additional focus of my practice centers around issues of racial and ethnic identity, navigating interracial relationships, and immigration related issues.
(415) 853-9829 View (415) 853-9829
Photo of Kimberly Koljat, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kimberly Koljat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I'm a creative arts therapist, sand tray practitioner, Registered Drama Therapist & Registered Play Therapist.
Looking for the right fit in therapy is everything, & I gladly meet my clients where they are & help them move towards the change they want to see in their lives. I provide insight-oriented therapy to those who want to work on how they show up in relationship, looking at behavioral patterns and unpacking how we can change the scripts that influence how you interact with others. I help those navigating the world as a Highly Sensitive Person or with neurodivergence, and are interested in therapy for the betterment of their relationship to self and others. I specialize in working with grieving clients navigating life altering change.
I'm a creative arts therapist, sand tray practitioner, Registered Drama Therapist & Registered Play Therapist.
Looking for the right fit in therapy is everything, & I gladly meet my clients where they are & help them move towards the change they want to see in their lives. I provide insight-oriented therapy to those who want to work on how they show up in relationship, looking at behavioral patterns and unpacking how we can change the scripts that influence how you interact with others. I help those navigating the world as a Highly Sensitive Person or with neurodivergence, and are interested in therapy for the betterment of their relationship to self and others. I specialize in working with grieving clients navigating life altering change.
(216) 238-6815 View (216) 238-6815
Photo of Ali Gunsberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ali Gunsberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I specialize in providing play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavioral modification and/or cognitive behavioral therapy for children, teens and families.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
I specialize in providing play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavioral modification and/or cognitive behavioral therapy for children, teens and families.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
(415) 295-4664 View (415) 295-4664

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.