Photo of Elizabeth Bogen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Elizabeth Bogen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206
I offer both in-person and telehealth services including play therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, parenting support, and family therapy.
Have you or your child experienced grief, anxiety, or difficult changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a death, or traumatic experience? I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with these difficulties. I offer an individualized approach to therapy. I have extensive experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family clinical interventions. I offer both in-person and remote services that focus on promoting resiliency and preventing disruptive grief, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
I offer both in-person and telehealth services including play therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, parenting support, and family therapy.
Have you or your child experienced grief, anxiety, or difficult changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a death, or traumatic experience? I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with these difficulties. I offer an individualized approach to therapy. I have extensive experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family clinical interventions. I offer both in-person and remote services that focus on promoting resiliency and preventing disruptive grief, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
(303) 529-9716 View (303) 529-9716
Photo of Power Play Therapy and Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Power Play Therapy and Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
Welcome to our practice! Power Play Therapy and Counseling offers outpatient mental health services, providing play therapy to children and trauma therapy to adults. We believe everyone has the ability to heal and we're passionately dedicated to unlocking that power. Our mission is to support you whenever, wherever you are with teletherapy available in CO, NY, and VA. Our specialized therapists have experience with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, substance use, mood and dissociative disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and developmental disorders.
Welcome to our practice! Power Play Therapy and Counseling offers outpatient mental health services, providing play therapy to children and trauma therapy to adults. We believe everyone has the ability to heal and we're passionately dedicated to unlocking that power. Our mission is to support you whenever, wherever you are with teletherapy available in CO, NY, and VA. Our specialized therapists have experience with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, substance use, mood and dissociative disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and developmental disorders.
(720) 734-7641 View (720) 734-7641
Photo of Sarah Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Sarah Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT™
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
With children, I utilize Play Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR (for trauma), all with the focus of increasing emotional regulation to promote well-being and healthy coping skills.
Life's journey can be a winding road, filled with twists and turns that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I offer compassionate support for children and adults dealing with various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family difficulties. My goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions and begin healing.
With children, I utilize Play Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR (for trauma), all with the focus of increasing emotional regulation to promote well-being and healthy coping skills.
Life's journey can be a winding road, filled with twists and turns that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I offer compassionate support for children and adults dealing with various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family difficulties. My goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions and begin healing.
(720) 943-7985 View (720) 943-7985
Photo of Kelsey Cox, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Kelsey Cox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203
My experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family interventions has and continues to focus on promoting resiliency and preventing further disruption to individuals and family systems inclusive of addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with difficult life transitions, grief, challenging emotional experiences, and self exploration. I enjoy helping my clients navigate identity and grief as they continue to learn and grow, as well as support in encouraging a deeper level of understanding of who they are at their core. Having the opportunity to work together in exploration and acceptance of one's emotional experiences is a strong value of mine and I enjoy working side-by-side with clients in creating a therapeutic plan that best suits their needs.
My experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family interventions has and continues to focus on promoting resiliency and preventing further disruption to individuals and family systems inclusive of addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with difficult life transitions, grief, challenging emotional experiences, and self exploration. I enjoy helping my clients navigate identity and grief as they continue to learn and grow, as well as support in encouraging a deeper level of understanding of who they are at their core. Having the opportunity to work together in exploration and acceptance of one's emotional experiences is a strong value of mine and I enjoy working side-by-side with clients in creating a therapeutic plan that best suits their needs.
(720) 408-6290 View (720) 408-6290
Photo of Dr. Amber Chambless, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Dr. Amber Chambless
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246  (Online Only)
I am certified in Synergetic Play Therapy.
Therapy is all about you-you're the expert. I take a client-centered, solution-focused approach to therapy. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative one in which you are the expert on yourself, and I come into the session with the experience and skills to help. I have a laid back style and like using humor, when appropriate. I enjoy working with children, adolescent, and adult clients who are struggling with eating disorders, mood issues, life transitions, and chronic health issues.
I am certified in Synergetic Play Therapy.
Therapy is all about you-you're the expert. I take a client-centered, solution-focused approach to therapy. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative one in which you are the expert on yourself, and I come into the session with the experience and skills to help. I have a laid back style and like using humor, when appropriate. I enjoy working with children, adolescent, and adult clients who are struggling with eating disorders, mood issues, life transitions, and chronic health issues.
(720) 778-8034 View (720) 778-8034
Photo of Kim Colna, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Kim Colna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80206
Kim Colna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 12 years of experience providing evidence based mental health services to children, adults and families to include diagnostic assessment, individual, family, and group therapy. Kim uses a variety of individualized treatment modalities to include, but not limited to CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, Play Therapy, family systems, and strengths based treatment to treat a wide range of mental health symptoms and conditions to include but not limited to, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Behavioral Dysregulation, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conversion Disorders and Psychosis.
Kim Colna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 12 years of experience providing evidence based mental health services to children, adults and families to include diagnostic assessment, individual, family, and group therapy. Kim uses a variety of individualized treatment modalities to include, but not limited to CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, Play Therapy, family systems, and strengths based treatment to treat a wide range of mental health symptoms and conditions to include but not limited to, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Behavioral Dysregulation, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conversion Disorders and Psychosis.
(970) 825-1096 View (970) 825-1096
Photo of Hannah Pitts, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Hannah Pitts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
She is trained in various forms of play therapy as well as other research backed protocols such as EMDR.
Hannah has provided trauma-informed care to children, teens, and adults for nearly ten years. She is an EMDR and Brainspotting therapist who works through an attachment lens. She provides high quality care for clients of all ages in a compassionate environment conducive to healing and growth. Although Hannah is easy going and kind, she is unafraid to sit with you and/or your family through the challenging and emotionally charged work of therapy.
She is trained in various forms of play therapy as well as other research backed protocols such as EMDR.
Hannah has provided trauma-informed care to children, teens, and adults for nearly ten years. She is an EMDR and Brainspotting therapist who works through an attachment lens. She provides high quality care for clients of all ages in a compassionate environment conducive to healing and growth. Although Hannah is easy going and kind, she is unafraid to sit with you and/or your family through the challenging and emotionally charged work of therapy.
(720) 463-1559 View (720) 463-1559
Photo of Counseling Colorado, PLLC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Denver, CO
Counseling Colorado, PLLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Trained play therapist for younger children.
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
Trained play therapist for younger children.
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
(720) 548-1604 View (720) 548-1604
Photo of Carly Johnson, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Carly Johnson
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80206
Additionally, I have extensive experience in play therapy, trauma recovery, adolescent and parenting issues.
I believe that wellness begins with identifying and moving toward meaningful goals within the supportive context of a trusting therapeutic relationship. An area of passionate focus for me is my work with children and adults who have experienced a variety of traumas and losses. My clinical experience includes private practice, individual therapy with children and adolescents in public and private school settings, residential treatment with high-risk youth in the custody of the state, and community mental health center services with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I welcome clients' diverse perspectives and unique life contexts.
Additionally, I have extensive experience in play therapy, trauma recovery, adolescent and parenting issues.
I believe that wellness begins with identifying and moving toward meaningful goals within the supportive context of a trusting therapeutic relationship. An area of passionate focus for me is my work with children and adults who have experienced a variety of traumas and losses. My clinical experience includes private practice, individual therapy with children and adolescents in public and private school settings, residential treatment with high-risk youth in the custody of the state, and community mental health center services with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I welcome clients' diverse perspectives and unique life contexts.
(720) 924-4365 View (720) 924-4365
Photo of Maxwell Murray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Maxwell Murray
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Play, existential, interpersonal therapy - all grounded in a trauma-informed approach - can help to address painful interpersonal cycles and the impacts of traumatic experiences at their root.
Whether you find yourself in life transition, impacted by personal or communal violence or other traumatic events, or otherwise feel frozen or stuck, therapy may support you in building awareness and skills to move through what you're facing. You may experience doubt in aspects of yourself you're unfamiliar with, fear of known or unknown stress-inducing circumstances, or the physical and emotional impacts of violence or pain you've seen or experienced. In each case, finding space where you can name what is painful to name is often the first step in that movement through it.
Play, existential, interpersonal therapy - all grounded in a trauma-informed approach - can help to address painful interpersonal cycles and the impacts of traumatic experiences at their root.
Whether you find yourself in life transition, impacted by personal or communal violence or other traumatic events, or otherwise feel frozen or stuck, therapy may support you in building awareness and skills to move through what you're facing. You may experience doubt in aspects of yourself you're unfamiliar with, fear of known or unknown stress-inducing circumstances, or the physical and emotional impacts of violence or pain you've seen or experienced. In each case, finding space where you can name what is painful to name is often the first step in that movement through it.
(720) 961-8661 View (720) 961-8661
Photo of Bethany Marie Crile, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Bethany Marie Crile
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
I integrate play therapy and TF-CBT techniques into my work.
As a passionate and empathetic mental health professional, I seek to provide creative, exploratory therapeutic practices to help children and adolescents flourish. I hold space for children to think, feel, explore, and make sense of their innermost worlds. I seek to enhance their brain/body connections to aid in healthy, autonomous development while healing from past traumatic experiences. My approach is very playful, child-directed, and trauma-informed. I am simply an instrument to help children unlock their unique gifts and potentials. Together, we will work towards integration of mind, body, and spirit.
I integrate play therapy and TF-CBT techniques into my work.
As a passionate and empathetic mental health professional, I seek to provide creative, exploratory therapeutic practices to help children and adolescents flourish. I hold space for children to think, feel, explore, and make sense of their innermost worlds. I seek to enhance their brain/body connections to aid in healthy, autonomous development while healing from past traumatic experiences. My approach is very playful, child-directed, and trauma-informed. I am simply an instrument to help children unlock their unique gifts and potentials. Together, we will work towards integration of mind, body, and spirit.
(720) 679-1486 View (720) 679-1486
Photo of Leigh Bates, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Leigh Bates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206
I am a Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor who loves using Art Therapy and Play Therapy interventions as a safe and fun way to connect with children and adolescents. I work hard to create an approachable and non-threatening atmosphere with all my clients so they can accomplish their goals and adjust to life’s challenges. I started my career in inpatient hospital settings where I developed a strong passion for helping kids, teens, and families. Now, as a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, I enjoy working with parents to broaden their parenting toolkits.
I am a Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor who loves using Art Therapy and Play Therapy interventions as a safe and fun way to connect with children and adolescents. I work hard to create an approachable and non-threatening atmosphere with all my clients so they can accomplish their goals and adjust to life’s challenges. I started my career in inpatient hospital settings where I developed a strong passion for helping kids, teens, and families. Now, as a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, I enjoy working with parents to broaden their parenting toolkits.
(720) 730-3143 View (720) 730-3143
Photo of Travis Pilarcik, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Travis Pilarcik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238
Working with kids/teens has shown me how powerful, resilient, and amazing they can become with help and support from those who care. Through caring, compassion, and a little bit of play, we’ll work together to create a future where they can grow into the best versions of themselves. I believe in using a mix of play and developmentally appropriate experiential therapy, along with using ways of expressing themselves such as art or even drama therapy.
Working with kids/teens has shown me how powerful, resilient, and amazing they can become with help and support from those who care. Through caring, compassion, and a little bit of play, we’ll work together to create a future where they can grow into the best versions of themselves. I believe in using a mix of play and developmentally appropriate experiential therapy, along with using ways of expressing themselves such as art or even drama therapy.
(720) 802-6196 View (720) 802-6196
Photo of Alex Zobel, Counselor in Denver, CO
Alex Zobel
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
(720) 928-5923 View (720) 928-5923
Photo of Cassie Grossman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Cassie Grossman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209  (Online Only)
I'm Cassie (she/they), and I would describe myself as a nurturer who strives to create a therapeutic space in which children, adolescents, and adults can feel safe and seen. I am trained in Art Therapy, as well as Play Therapy (yes, online works too!). I believe the capacity to heal is within us already, and the therapeutic relationship can reminds us of our own strength.
I'm Cassie (she/they), and I would describe myself as a nurturer who strives to create a therapeutic space in which children, adolescents, and adults can feel safe and seen. I am trained in Art Therapy, as well as Play Therapy (yes, online works too!). I believe the capacity to heal is within us already, and the therapeutic relationship can reminds us of our own strength.
(720) 307-3638 View (720) 307-3638
Photo of Libby Korell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Libby Korell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
I also incorporate synergetic play therapy, child centered play therapy and attachment EMDR into sessions.
As a dedicated trauma therapist, I have special training and expertise in working with children (4-11) and families that have experienced trauma. I also have extensive experience in working with families whose children are facing end-of-life situations, life-limiting illnesses, and chronic health issues. I believe that children and parents are the experts in their lives and view my role as a catalyst for greater connection, attachment, healing, and meaningful change. As a clinical social worker, I recognize the impact systems and institutions can have on children and families and will be your advocate as you navigate these systems
I also incorporate synergetic play therapy, child centered play therapy and attachment EMDR into sessions.
As a dedicated trauma therapist, I have special training and expertise in working with children (4-11) and families that have experienced trauma. I also have extensive experience in working with families whose children are facing end-of-life situations, life-limiting illnesses, and chronic health issues. I believe that children and parents are the experts in their lives and view my role as a catalyst for greater connection, attachment, healing, and meaningful change. As a clinical social worker, I recognize the impact systems and institutions can have on children and families and will be your advocate as you navigate these systems
(720) 675-7123 View (720) 675-7123
Photo of Family First Counseling, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Denver, CO
Family First Counseling, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA-MFT, LMFT, PhD (C)
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
We have specific training, education, and experience in treating children and adolescents with play, art, experiential therapy that includes the parents and the client's ecology like their school and community in applying behavioral strategies to improve behavior and emotions; and increase problem solving, coping skills, and communication skills.
Our typical clients are children and adolescents who are struggling with a specific change, transition, trauma incident, loss, or other stressor that is causing behavioral and emotional concerns, like defiance, anxiety, depression, self-harm, which interferes with school, home-life, and other relationships. Clients have goals to decrease behavioral concerns at home and school, improve emotions, coping skills, communication skills, and school performance. A lot of parents want their children to listen, respect, and connect and communicate with them. We also work with individual adults, families and couples.
We have specific training, education, and experience in treating children and adolescents with play, art, experiential therapy that includes the parents and the client's ecology like their school and community in applying behavioral strategies to improve behavior and emotions; and increase problem solving, coping skills, and communication skills.
Our typical clients are children and adolescents who are struggling with a specific change, transition, trauma incident, loss, or other stressor that is causing behavioral and emotional concerns, like defiance, anxiety, depression, self-harm, which interferes with school, home-life, and other relationships. Clients have goals to decrease behavioral concerns at home and school, improve emotions, coping skills, communication skills, and school performance. A lot of parents want their children to listen, respect, and connect and communicate with them. We also work with individual adults, families and couples.
(720) 571-8162 View (720) 571-8162
Photo of Megan Guidry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Denver, CO
Megan Guidry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
In this moment, you are taking the courageous step to reclaim a sense of well-being. Taking time to focus on ourselves and our relationships is an easily forgotten task and this can lead to patterns in our lives we are not completely satisfied with. Let's work together to change that story, to help you become the person, partner, friend, child, or parent you really want to be. I utilize a mindfulness centered narrative approach and believe in the empowering effect of education, body-brain cohesion, goal oriented interventions, and play based therapy. I also specialize in working with the neuro-spicy and LGTBQ+ populations.
In this moment, you are taking the courageous step to reclaim a sense of well-being. Taking time to focus on ourselves and our relationships is an easily forgotten task and this can lead to patterns in our lives we are not completely satisfied with. Let's work together to change that story, to help you become the person, partner, friend, child, or parent you really want to be. I utilize a mindfulness centered narrative approach and believe in the empowering effect of education, body-brain cohesion, goal oriented interventions, and play based therapy. I also specialize in working with the neuro-spicy and LGTBQ+ populations.
(720) 794-5682 View (720) 794-5682
Photo of Elizabeth Hoff, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Elizabeth Hoff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246  (Online Only)
I am a creative person myself, so I enjoy implementing creative methods with my clients when appropriate; this includes art, movement, nature, meditation, play (even with adults!), etc.
Hello, I'm Lizzie Hoff. I'm excited to meet you and learn more about you while we start your therapy work together! I really enjoy working with folks of all ages who are interested in understanding not just their symptoms and how to manage them, but also in getting to the root cause(s) and working to address that, as well. I connect especially well with highly sensitive people (HSPs); folks who struggle with anxiety and/or depression, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and boundary-setting; and individuals who simply want or need someone to accompany them down the road to healing and wellness.
I am a creative person myself, so I enjoy implementing creative methods with my clients when appropriate; this includes art, movement, nature, meditation, play (even with adults!), etc.
Hello, I'm Lizzie Hoff. I'm excited to meet you and learn more about you while we start your therapy work together! I really enjoy working with folks of all ages who are interested in understanding not just their symptoms and how to manage them, but also in getting to the root cause(s) and working to address that, as well. I connect especially well with highly sensitive people (HSPs); folks who struggle with anxiety and/or depression, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and boundary-setting; and individuals who simply want or need someone to accompany them down the road to healing and wellness.
(720) 734-9669 View (720) 734-9669
Photo of Alison Sheesley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Alison Sheesley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80206
Play therapy is like that for children.
I specialize in working with children ages 3 to 6 who are struggling with big feelings, anxieties, and challenging behaviors. While adults find relief in talking over their difficulties with an understanding therapist, children often cannot express their thoughts and feelings in words. Because children often do not have the words to express feelings, they may represent how they feel through acting out. When children have the opportunity to show how they feel through toys, they often feel better because their feelings have been released. You have probably felt something similar when you have been upset and confided in someone caring.
Play therapy is like that for children.
I specialize in working with children ages 3 to 6 who are struggling with big feelings, anxieties, and challenging behaviors. While adults find relief in talking over their difficulties with an understanding therapist, children often cannot express their thoughts and feelings in words. Because children often do not have the words to express feelings, they may represent how they feel through acting out. When children have the opportunity to show how they feel through toys, they often feel better because their feelings have been released. You have probably felt something similar when you have been upset and confided in someone caring.
(720) 702-1682 View (720) 702-1682
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.