Photo of Your Counseling Services dba Therapy Corner, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Your Counseling Services dba Therapy Corner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
The counselors and myself, specialize in Trauma Focus, CBT, Client Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy, ABA, Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, etc.
Do you sometimes feel swallowed up by life's problems? Well, you're not alone. I will make it my priority to address your needs as a child, teen or adult. Through talk therapy, I will help you find or learn coping skills that will enable you to start on the path to healing and feeling good again. You will be empowered to utilize strategies that will assist you in making better choices. You will determine the best avenue for you personally while you deal with challenging situations.
The counselors and myself, specialize in Trauma Focus, CBT, Client Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy, ABA, Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, etc.
Do you sometimes feel swallowed up by life's problems? Well, you're not alone. I will make it my priority to address your needs as a child, teen or adult. Through talk therapy, I will help you find or learn coping skills that will enable you to start on the path to healing and feeling good again. You will be empowered to utilize strategies that will assist you in making better choices. You will determine the best avenue for you personally while you deal with challenging situations.
(310) 356-3749 View (310) 356-3749
Photo of Susannah Smith, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Susannah Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
She has specialties in family systems, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hypnosis, play therapy, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
Susannah Smith, Ph.D., is an Executive Coach, Systems Consultant, and Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, with active licenses in Colorado, California, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana. She is a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. Dr. Smith graduated with honors from Vassar College in Social Psychology; completed her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at San Jose State University in California; and received her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, with a double emphasis in clinical psychology and organizational development consulting. She is a Certified Trauma Specialist.
She has specialties in family systems, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hypnosis, play therapy, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
Susannah Smith, Ph.D., is an Executive Coach, Systems Consultant, and Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, with active licenses in Colorado, California, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana. She is a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. Dr. Smith graduated with honors from Vassar College in Social Psychology; completed her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at San Jose State University in California; and received her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, with a double emphasis in clinical psychology and organizational development consulting. She is a Certified Trauma Specialist.
(970) 425-0899 View (970) 425-0899
Photo of Jacqueline Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jacqueline Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Life is a journey that we all have to take. Sometimes you need a little assistance getting through tough times and life's transitions. Therapy can be the avenue in which you take control of your destiny and make strides towards creating a better life for yourself. I look forward to assisting you on that journey by meeting you where you are at and leading you to where you want to be
Life is a journey that we all have to take. Sometimes you need a little assistance getting through tough times and life's transitions. Therapy can be the avenue in which you take control of your destiny and make strides towards creating a better life for yourself. I look forward to assisting you on that journey by meeting you where you are at and leading you to where you want to be
(510) 816-1265 View (510) 816-1265
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(341) 888-7667 View (341) 888-7667
Photo of Wilshire Valley Therapy Centers, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Wilshire Valley Therapy Centers
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
(747) 207-4245 View (747) 207-4245
Photo of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
Joelle Rabow Maletis, MAEd, MA, LMFT, is a well known psychotherapist and trauma expert. She specializes in PTSD, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. JRM&A works with clients struggling with hardships such as miscarriages, infertility, eating disorders, self-harm, and various forms of trauma. We offer relationship services for dating, parenting, marriage, and couples. We also help military personnel and first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life. Our individual services include trauma, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, and more.
Joelle Rabow Maletis, MAEd, MA, LMFT, is a well known psychotherapist and trauma expert. She specializes in PTSD, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. JRM&A works with clients struggling with hardships such as miscarriages, infertility, eating disorders, self-harm, and various forms of trauma. We offer relationship services for dating, parenting, marriage, and couples. We also help military personnel and first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life. Our individual services include trauma, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, and more.
(650) 772-4900 View (650) 772-4900

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Open Mind Health , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
(619) 279-5464 View (619) 279-5464
Photo of Latisha Hill: Blueprint Counseling Solutions, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Latisha Hill: Blueprint Counseling Solutions
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
After many years working in the public sector, Latisha identified the need to promote and encourage strength-based dialogue surrounding mental health care at the state, county, community and individual levels. Latisha believes that with guidance and a strong support system, individuals can accomplish their goals. She created Blueprint Counseling Solutions with the belief that people aren’t aware of their true potential until they learn to navigate through resources and use their inner strength to tap into hidden talents.
After many years working in the public sector, Latisha identified the need to promote and encourage strength-based dialogue surrounding mental health care at the state, county, community and individual levels. Latisha believes that with guidance and a strong support system, individuals can accomplish their goals. She created Blueprint Counseling Solutions with the belief that people aren’t aware of their true potential until they learn to navigate through resources and use their inner strength to tap into hidden talents.
(619) 844-1345 View (619) 844-1345

Online Therapists

Photo of Jeanette Arroyo, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Jeanette Arroyo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping clients discover their strengths by meeting them where they are, exploring and working together to bring them through any darkness to the light. We all have generational patterns that pop up at times and create havoc internally for us. This can be through ourselves or loved one's around us. Discovering more about ourselves helps us grow and be inspired. Learning and practicing coping skills, self care and other tools helps us create a more peaceful lexistence. Each of us are unique, thus my role is to walk alongside my client's to help them explore what works for them individually.
I enjoy helping clients discover their strengths by meeting them where they are, exploring and working together to bring them through any darkness to the light. We all have generational patterns that pop up at times and create havoc internally for us. This can be through ourselves or loved one's around us. Discovering more about ourselves helps us grow and be inspired. Learning and practicing coping skills, self care and other tools helps us create a more peaceful lexistence. Each of us are unique, thus my role is to walk alongside my client's to help them explore what works for them individually.
(760) 313-9966 View (760) 313-9966
Photo of Dr. Linsey Kapoor, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Linsey Kapoor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Patterson, CA 95363
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
(209) 791-7261 View (209) 791-7261
Photo of Dr Richard C Hanzy - MyFaith CCS, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dr Richard C Hanzy - MyFaith CCS
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Antioch, CA 94531
Welcome! And thank you! I love to work with Couples, Families, and individuals who are seeking to overcome barriers in their lives. Some are struggling with: * anger management, * addiction, * Jobs stress, * familial & social relationships issues, * loneliness, * anxiety, * current or past abuse * depression, * poor communication, * relationship issues, * parenting, * Trauma/Traumatic events * poor focus and attention, * low motivation, * veterans support, * VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME (VOC),* and the search for purpose. Often many people are stuck in addictive self-destructive patterns in their lives, which result from an effort to manage their emotional pain.
Welcome! And thank you! I love to work with Couples, Families, and individuals who are seeking to overcome barriers in their lives. Some are struggling with: * anger management, * addiction, * Jobs stress, * familial & social relationships issues, * loneliness, * anxiety, * current or past abuse * depression, * poor communication, * relationship issues, * parenting, * Trauma/Traumatic events * poor focus and attention, * low motivation, * veterans support, * VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME (VOC),* and the search for purpose. Often many people are stuck in addictive self-destructive patterns in their lives, which result from an effort to manage their emotional pain.
(925) 892-3790 View (925) 892-3790
Photo of Michael J Rubino III, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michael J Rubino III
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
(925) 267-6505 View (925) 267-6505
Photo of Sarah Alexander, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kentfield, CA 94904
I hold a deeply calm, present, and nurturing space for your brightest dreams and your darkest wounds. Whatever your concerns, you will feel sincerely heard, held, and guided in a safe and constructive way. You will be supported in discovering and reclaiming hidden or submerged parts of your fullest self, as well as the positive and promising reasons behind the challenges that you face. Together, we will creatively explore new and vital directions for you, internally and dynamically, into the world. My commitment is for your purpose to become more grounded, more meaningful, more genuinely alive.
I hold a deeply calm, present, and nurturing space for your brightest dreams and your darkest wounds. Whatever your concerns, you will feel sincerely heard, held, and guided in a safe and constructive way. You will be supported in discovering and reclaiming hidden or submerged parts of your fullest self, as well as the positive and promising reasons behind the challenges that you face. Together, we will creatively explore new and vital directions for you, internally and dynamically, into the world. My commitment is for your purpose to become more grounded, more meaningful, more genuinely alive.
(415) 801-0119 View (415) 801-0119
Photo of Edward L Prothero, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Edward L Prothero
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95678
As a Cognitive Behavioral / Object relations therapist, my therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. With a broad spectrum of clients, common areas of focus are Trauma based anxiety and depression, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Marriage challenges, Blended families.
As a Cognitive Behavioral / Object relations therapist, my therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. With a broad spectrum of clients, common areas of focus are Trauma based anxiety and depression, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Marriage challenges, Blended families.
(916) 668-4149 View (916) 668-4149
Photo of Family Friendly Psychological Group, P.C., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Family Friendly Psychological Group, P.C.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95355
Family Friendly Psychological Group, P.C (FFPG), care team focuses on the total person. We work with our potential patients in all aspects of their lives beginning from their presenting problems. Our interest is centered on the patient's ability to collaborate with the clinicians utilizing holistic healing strategies with the goal of enhancing personal growth and family unification.
Family Friendly Psychological Group, P.C (FFPG), care team focuses on the total person. We work with our potential patients in all aspects of their lives beginning from their presenting problems. Our interest is centered on the patient's ability to collaborate with the clinicians utilizing holistic healing strategies with the goal of enhancing personal growth and family unification.
(209) 257-8954 View (209) 257-8954
Photo of Peninsula Counseling and Consulting, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Peninsula Counseling and Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Let’s be honest: you’ve always been responsible, and now you’ve got a lot to manage! Between a demanding career, school, and family needs, you’re feeling stressed, and life feels out of balance. It’s impossible to do it all, and nothing ever seems good enough. You feel alone and worried, and your social network isn’t able to provide you with the support that you need. Perhaps your sleep is problematic, or your energy is low. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, depressed, irritable, or having difficulty concentrating. You might be troubled by feeling that you're an ineffective partner or parent. Things will get better soon, right?
Let’s be honest: you’ve always been responsible, and now you’ve got a lot to manage! Between a demanding career, school, and family needs, you’re feeling stressed, and life feels out of balance. It’s impossible to do it all, and nothing ever seems good enough. You feel alone and worried, and your social network isn’t able to provide you with the support that you need. Perhaps your sleep is problematic, or your energy is low. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, depressed, irritable, or having difficulty concentrating. You might be troubled by feeling that you're an ineffective partner or parent. Things will get better soon, right?
(855) 964-3150 View (855) 964-3150
Photo of Nancy Carnathan-Cribbs, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nancy Carnathan-Cribbs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CSAD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Spiritual Director, I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, marriage conflicts, parent-child concerns, survivors of sexual and emotional abuse, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues and spirituality. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore those areas of your life that are causing you discomfort, pain, sadness, stress and anxiety, preventing you from embracing who you really want to be.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Spiritual Director, I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, marriage conflicts, parent-child concerns, survivors of sexual and emotional abuse, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues and spirituality. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore those areas of your life that are causing you discomfort, pain, sadness, stress and anxiety, preventing you from embracing who you really want to be.
(831) 216-6676 View (831) 216-6676
Photo of Dale Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dale Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94590
Attention** Please email for fastest response. You may be trying to make changes in your life. Perhaps your past is preventing you from achieving your goals or you are frustrated with failed attempts at happiness. And although you might be genuinely motivated to change, you simply do not know how. Congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. I'm here to help you. **Email is my preferred method of communication**.
Attention** Please email for fastest response. You may be trying to make changes in your life. Perhaps your past is preventing you from achieving your goals or you are frustrated with failed attempts at happiness. And although you might be genuinely motivated to change, you simply do not know how. Congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. I'm here to help you. **Email is my preferred method of communication**.
(707) 329-4239 View (707) 329-4239
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(831) 276-0279 View (831) 276-0279
Photo of Dr. Ayesha Christina Paige Hunter, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Ayesha Christina Paige Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stockton, CA 95207
Waitlist for new clients
Currently Accepting New Patients. Trained in EMDR and BSP. I specialize in working with people of color and all others who need support. I also come from a Christian perspective, although I am open to working with people from all backgrounds. I have been formerly trained in trauma-informed practices and I am a Certified WRAP Facilitator. I sincerely care about helping people overcome their tragedies and I whole-heartedly support recovery from trauma, addictions, and life experiences that could potentially provide setbacks. I believe the saying, "A setback is a setup for a comeback!"
Currently Accepting New Patients. Trained in EMDR and BSP. I specialize in working with people of color and all others who need support. I also come from a Christian perspective, although I am open to working with people from all backgrounds. I have been formerly trained in trauma-informed practices and I am a Certified WRAP Facilitator. I sincerely care about helping people overcome their tragedies and I whole-heartedly support recovery from trauma, addictions, and life experiences that could potentially provide setbacks. I believe the saying, "A setback is a setup for a comeback!"
(209) 584-6166 View (209) 584-6166

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.