Photo of Karine Echighian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Karine Echighian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MBA, LMFT, CCATP
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (Online Only)
Working with couples to improve their relationship or preparing for marriage; families strengthening their dynamic; adults working on a variety of life's challenges; children learning to express themselves through play; and teens and pre-teens; a number of which participate in weekly Teen Group (14-17 year olds) or Youth Group (5th-8th graders).
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
Working with couples to improve their relationship or preparing for marriage; families strengthening their dynamic; adults working on a variety of life's challenges; children learning to express themselves through play; and teens and pre-teens; a number of which participate in weekly Teen Group (14-17 year olds) or Youth Group (5th-8th graders).
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
(818) 306-5483 View (818) 306-5483
Photo of Lifespan: Center for Family Psychological Services, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Lifespan: Center for Family Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Our treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Parent Training, Family Therapy, and Couples Therapy.
Lifespan is a center specializing in mental health diagnosis and treatment across all ages. We specialize in providing psychological testing, neuropsychological evaluations, and neurodevelopmental assessments and provide diagnostic clarity, referrals, resources, and treatment plans. We help in identifying learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, issues with attention, and memory and learning complaints, to name a few. Psychological testing can help to clarify between different diagnoses (e.g., ADHD vs Anxiety), provide answers about general difficulties you or your child may be having, and be used for schools to help accommodate you or your child’s needs. We help you better understand your strengths and identify areas of support. Furthermore, we specialize in pre-surgical evaluations (e.g., bariatric, reconstructive, etc.) and work directly with surgeons to optimize outcomes.
Our treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Parent Training, Family Therapy, and Couples Therapy.
Lifespan is a center specializing in mental health diagnosis and treatment across all ages. We specialize in providing psychological testing, neuropsychological evaluations, and neurodevelopmental assessments and provide diagnostic clarity, referrals, resources, and treatment plans. We help in identifying learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, issues with attention, and memory and learning complaints, to name a few. Psychological testing can help to clarify between different diagnoses (e.g., ADHD vs Anxiety), provide answers about general difficulties you or your child may be having, and be used for schools to help accommodate you or your child’s needs. We help you better understand your strengths and identify areas of support. Furthermore, we specialize in pre-surgical evaluations (e.g., bariatric, reconstructive, etc.) and work directly with surgeons to optimize outcomes.
(805) 852-5039 View (805) 852-5039
Photo of Jessica Samora, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Woodland Hills, CA
Jessica Samora
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (Online Only)
Do relationships and intimacy with your partner seem too difficult, you've began to wonder, if therapy can help? I am a Latina therapist who specializes on helping clients individually work through issues related to intimacy and sex. I create a therapy space for cultural background, individual uniqueness, and sexual trauma. I know after sexual trauma it can be difficult to navigate your relationship with yourself and with others, including your intimate partners. If you experienced a trauma, struggle with anxiety or question your self-worth. Know that you are not alone and there is hope to make positive changes in your life.
Do relationships and intimacy with your partner seem too difficult, you've began to wonder, if therapy can help? I am a Latina therapist who specializes on helping clients individually work through issues related to intimacy and sex. I create a therapy space for cultural background, individual uniqueness, and sexual trauma. I know after sexual trauma it can be difficult to navigate your relationship with yourself and with others, including your intimate partners. If you experienced a trauma, struggle with anxiety or question your self-worth. Know that you are not alone and there is hope to make positive changes in your life.
(818) 651-8682 View (818) 651-8682
Photo of Dr. Camille Ortanez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Dr. Camille Ortanez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
I am here to listen and offer guidance in helping heal the wounded heart, mind, and body. I strive to empower clients achieve balance and reach the personal growth that can bring satisfaction in life. Seeking support from a therapist happens for various reasons. Sometimes, a life-changing crisis, transition, or past trauma causes undue stress, anxiety, depression, pain, anger, or other strong states of feelings and the person decides to no longer confront their troubles alone. By working collaboratively on defined goals, my hope is that you will obtain the relief and life fulfillment you seek.
I am here to listen and offer guidance in helping heal the wounded heart, mind, and body. I strive to empower clients achieve balance and reach the personal growth that can bring satisfaction in life. Seeking support from a therapist happens for various reasons. Sometimes, a life-changing crisis, transition, or past trauma causes undue stress, anxiety, depression, pain, anger, or other strong states of feelings and the person decides to no longer confront their troubles alone. By working collaboratively on defined goals, my hope is that you will obtain the relief and life fulfillment you seek.
(818) 921-4104 View (818) 921-4104
Photo of Adria Scovel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Adria Scovel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
The current unprecedented state of our world has presented many challenges and taken a toll on mental health and wellness, triggering the body's stress response, de-activating the immune system, and putting our mind/body in survival mode. This has the propensity to escalate anxiety, depression, addiction, and disease and reactivates outdated coping skills and keeps our body in fight or flight. Let's work together to create a strong support system to manage and navigate the stress and uncertainty and minimize the toll on our mental health, physical health, and relationships, and empower ourselves for the future.
The current unprecedented state of our world has presented many challenges and taken a toll on mental health and wellness, triggering the body's stress response, de-activating the immune system, and putting our mind/body in survival mode. This has the propensity to escalate anxiety, depression, addiction, and disease and reactivates outdated coping skills and keeps our body in fight or flight. Let's work together to create a strong support system to manage and navigate the stress and uncertainty and minimize the toll on our mental health, physical health, and relationships, and empower ourselves for the future.
(747) 203-0951 View (747) 203-0951
Photo of Gina Balit, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Gina Balit
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
(747) 529-9015 View (747) 529-9015
Photo of Stacey Spencer, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Woodland Hills, CA
Stacey Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
We all need space to explore, reflect, learn, and grow into our best selves. As a fellow traveler on this path, I am dedicated to offering the support needed along the way. I strive to empower kids, teens, and young adults to develop an authentic sense of self, build strong relationships, and implement the skills needed to live with courage, confidence, and self-compassion. I honor your creativity and unique personality, while assisting you in utilizing more effective tools to cope with life's many challenges.
We all need space to explore, reflect, learn, and grow into our best selves. As a fellow traveler on this path, I am dedicated to offering the support needed along the way. I strive to empower kids, teens, and young adults to develop an authentic sense of self, build strong relationships, and implement the skills needed to live with courage, confidence, and self-compassion. I honor your creativity and unique personality, while assisting you in utilizing more effective tools to cope with life's many challenges.
(805) 262-9790 View (805) 262-9790
Photo of Southern California Neuropsychology Group, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Southern California Neuropsychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
(747) 236-6291 View (747) 236-6291
Photo of Instant Access 24-7 And Emotional Change, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Instant Access 24-7 And Emotional Change
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Emotional Change provides quality therapy to diverse populations with diverse needs by providing a variety of therapists quickly. On our website, choose the Instant Access option to see someone immediately or select the "New Client Form" button to set up an appointment with a licensed clinician in your insurance network. We accept most Insurances Plans and have low fee options. To access us, scroll down and click the button that says "my website".
Emotional Change provides quality therapy to diverse populations with diverse needs by providing a variety of therapists quickly. On our website, choose the Instant Access option to see someone immediately or select the "New Client Form" button to set up an appointment with a licensed clinician in your insurance network. We accept most Insurances Plans and have low fee options. To access us, scroll down and click the button that says "my website".
(323) 906-7846 View (323) 906-7846
Photo of Meghan Moody, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Meghan Moody
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Nowadays many people experience high levels of stress due to uncertainty and the demands of life. Whether you are an adult or young person, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, stuck, confused. Maybe you're dealing with a major life transition, past trauma, loss/grief, have conflict in your relationships, or are struggling at work or school. Perhaps you're at a crossroads and don't know which way to turn. If my profile connects with you, please reach out. Change is possible and help is here. You are taking an important step in making time for you or your loved one's well-being.
Nowadays many people experience high levels of stress due to uncertainty and the demands of life. Whether you are an adult or young person, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, stuck, confused. Maybe you're dealing with a major life transition, past trauma, loss/grief, have conflict in your relationships, or are struggling at work or school. Perhaps you're at a crossroads and don't know which way to turn. If my profile connects with you, please reach out. Change is possible and help is here. You are taking an important step in making time for you or your loved one's well-being.
(424) 570-3569 View (424) 570-3569
Photo of Gwen Staples, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Gwen Staples
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91365  (Online Only)
If you are feeling stuck due to a traumatic past that you are struggling to deal with and you need an empathetic, knowledgeable, experienced professional to help you navigate through the broken and dysregulated pieces then email me today. Trauma can show up in so many different ways from depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and so much more. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional it is my goal to not only assist you in the process of healing but to help you establish coping skills to manage distress and maintain appropriate self-care so that you can obtain peace and emotional well being.
If you are feeling stuck due to a traumatic past that you are struggling to deal with and you need an empathetic, knowledgeable, experienced professional to help you navigate through the broken and dysregulated pieces then email me today. Trauma can show up in so many different ways from depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and so much more. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional it is my goal to not only assist you in the process of healing but to help you establish coping skills to manage distress and maintain appropriate self-care so that you can obtain peace and emotional well being.
(424) 332-1658 View (424) 332-1658
Photo of West Valley Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
West Valley Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
(213) 260-0756 View (213) 260-0756
Photo of Cassidy Russell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Cassidy Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Are you interested in therapy but don’t want to have to tell another person that not all video games are grand theft auto, not all cartoons are for kids, and Dungeons and Dragons is a social hobby? It can be frustrating thinking you found the right therapist only to learn they hold some pretty big misconceptions of pop culture. Especially when pop culture is such a major part of many of our lives.
Are you interested in therapy but don’t want to have to tell another person that not all video games are grand theft auto, not all cartoons are for kids, and Dungeons and Dragons is a social hobby? It can be frustrating thinking you found the right therapist only to learn they hold some pretty big misconceptions of pop culture. Especially when pop culture is such a major part of many of our lives.
(747) 279-4845 View (747) 279-4845
Photo of Katerina Pogosov, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Katerina Pogosov
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Hi, I'm Katerina Pogosov and welcome to Fire Poppy Therapy! Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, the fire poppy blooms from it.  Fire poppies are a unique and rare native California plant that are found after there’s been a wildfire.  Their seeds begin to germinate after being exposed to fire and from there bloom into a brilliant fluorescent orange flower.  Our most challenging times don’t have to be the end of something, they can be a catalyst for an inner greatness that we have had dormant and forgotten about.  Let’s work together to use these personal wildfires as an opportunity to not just grow, but thrive and radiate.
Hi, I'm Katerina Pogosov and welcome to Fire Poppy Therapy! Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, the fire poppy blooms from it.  Fire poppies are a unique and rare native California plant that are found after there’s been a wildfire.  Their seeds begin to germinate after being exposed to fire and from there bloom into a brilliant fluorescent orange flower.  Our most challenging times don’t have to be the end of something, they can be a catalyst for an inner greatness that we have had dormant and forgotten about.  Let’s work together to use these personal wildfires as an opportunity to not just grow, but thrive and radiate.
(408) 457-1957 View (408) 457-1957
Photo of Candice Sosa (Christensen), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Woodland Hills, CA
Candice Sosa (Christensen)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together. Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy...Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”– Brené Brown. Whether you want to improve boundaries, increase self-esteem, address anxiety/depression, become a more effective parent or have more positive and meaningful relationships I am here to help you to achieve your goals.
“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together. Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy...Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”– Brené Brown. Whether you want to improve boundaries, increase self-esteem, address anxiety/depression, become a more effective parent or have more positive and meaningful relationships I am here to help you to achieve your goals.
(805) 243-2652 View (805) 243-2652
Photo of Gretchen Anne Cooper, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Gretchen Anne Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91302  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a published writer int he field of psychology and adjunct professor. Beyond that, I have a private practice where I am committed to helping you feel happy and content in your life. I believe that we construct our own realities. Sometimes, these self-made realities dictate the trajectory of our lives; however, I know that you can re-write your story of despair into one of hope. I believe in treating the whole person and providing you with unconditional acceptance, kindness, non-judgment, and understanding.
Hello! I am a published writer int he field of psychology and adjunct professor. Beyond that, I have a private practice where I am committed to helping you feel happy and content in your life. I believe that we construct our own realities. Sometimes, these self-made realities dictate the trajectory of our lives; however, I know that you can re-write your story of despair into one of hope. I believe in treating the whole person and providing you with unconditional acceptance, kindness, non-judgment, and understanding.
(818) 651-8649 View (818) 651-8649
Photo of Emily R. Adili, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Emily R. Adili
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am currently on leave and will not be returning inquiries until after 11/1/2023. I am a strengths based therapist that specializes in working with teens, young adults, and families. I am passionate about helping young people find their voice and learn the skills necessary to feel confident and capable as they enter their next stage of life. I also have extensive experience working with those struggling with substance use, recovery based principles, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
I am currently on leave and will not be returning inquiries until after 11/1/2023. I am a strengths based therapist that specializes in working with teens, young adults, and families. I am passionate about helping young people find their voice and learn the skills necessary to feel confident and capable as they enter their next stage of life. I also have extensive experience working with those struggling with substance use, recovery based principles, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
(818) 930-5932 View (818) 930-5932
Photo of Leah Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Leah Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91302
Not accepting new clients
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges? Do you isolate? Ready to tackle childhood traumas, anger and irritability? My ideal clients are individuals ready to do the deep dive, and gain personal insight to begin to make healthy life changes: to fully understand that the most important relationship they will ever have, is the one with themselves. I empower clients to make the changes they wish to see in their own lives to live a richer and fuller life experience. I believe that a therapist is a tool that the client can use to repair or rebuild as they see fit.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges? Do you isolate? Ready to tackle childhood traumas, anger and irritability? My ideal clients are individuals ready to do the deep dive, and gain personal insight to begin to make healthy life changes: to fully understand that the most important relationship they will ever have, is the one with themselves. I empower clients to make the changes they wish to see in their own lives to live a richer and fuller life experience. I believe that a therapist is a tool that the client can use to repair or rebuild as they see fit.
(559) 337-3128 View (559) 337-3128

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cynthia A. Levy, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Cynthia A. Levy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who places greatest value in establishing an empathic, warm, & respectful environment (while modeling firm, healthy boundaries) for clients & their families. Over the last 7 years I've treated adults, children, teens, couples, families, & groups in a private practice setting. My strength-based, collaborative approach drawing on numerous techniques (CBT, DBT, Fam Systems, etc.) helps clients get the most from therapy & allows tailoring our work to your needs. When beneficial and appropriate, I work to foster a "team approach," encouraging good communication w/other members of a client's daily life (i.e. other practitioners/physicians, family, teachers, etc.).
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who places greatest value in establishing an empathic, warm, & respectful environment (while modeling firm, healthy boundaries) for clients & their families. Over the last 7 years I've treated adults, children, teens, couples, families, & groups in a private practice setting. My strength-based, collaborative approach drawing on numerous techniques (CBT, DBT, Fam Systems, etc.) helps clients get the most from therapy & allows tailoring our work to your needs. When beneficial and appropriate, I work to foster a "team approach," encouraging good communication w/other members of a client's daily life (i.e. other practitioners/physicians, family, teachers, etc.).
(818) 962-6438 View (818) 962-6438
Photo of Tracy L Carlis, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Tracy L Carlis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Did you know that there are normal and predictable developmental milestones for all adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents? Knowing and understanding these can help you navigate life in a more empowered manner. As a member of the adoption constellation, I know from the inside out, the issues facing this population. I have dedicated my life and work as a psychologist, to help educate and heal the lives of all who are affected. While it is sometimes difficult to experience the loss and grief that is inherent in adoption. once It is embraced and validated, this difficult concept becomes manageable and life can be lived more fully
Did you know that there are normal and predictable developmental milestones for all adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents? Knowing and understanding these can help you navigate life in a more empowered manner. As a member of the adoption constellation, I know from the inside out, the issues facing this population. I have dedicated my life and work as a psychologist, to help educate and heal the lives of all who are affected. While it is sometimes difficult to experience the loss and grief that is inherent in adoption. once It is embraced and validated, this difficult concept becomes manageable and life can be lived more fully
(747) 529-7645 View (747) 529-7645

See more therapy options for Woodland Hills

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.