Therapists in Florissant, CO
Chelsea Wages
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC, ITSCO, LLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Florissant, CO 80816
I take an eclectic & individualized approach for each client that utilizes concepts from CBT, family systems, & solution focused therapy. I incorporate concepts from art & play therapy, as well as somatic experiencing in efforts to improve self-awareness, promote connection, & increase mindfulness. As a parent & professional who has worked in our community with families & educators for over a decade, I understand that each individual, family, & child is faced with unique complexities & stressors that must be addressed on multiple levels with sensitivity & understanding.
I take an eclectic & individualized approach for each client that utilizes concepts from CBT, family systems, & solution focused therapy. I incorporate concepts from art & play therapy, as well as somatic experiencing in efforts to improve self-awareness, promote connection, & increase mindfulness. As a parent & professional who has worked in our community with families & educators for over a decade, I understand that each individual, family, & child is faced with unique complexities & stressors that must be addressed on multiple levels with sensitivity & understanding.
Shari Lightfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Florissant, CO 80816 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life is a roller coaster; full of highs and lows, sometimes we need some help navigating life’s twists and turns. Creating a relationship with a therapist can be daunting and scary; the first step is often one of the hardest. As with life, therapy has ups and downs. My role as a therapist is to provide tools and offer insight. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to provide the opportunity to see if we are a good fit. As I counselor I want each session to feel unique to you. I am trained and certified in may therapeutic modalities in order to provide the most tailored experience.
Life is a roller coaster; full of highs and lows, sometimes we need some help navigating life’s twists and turns. Creating a relationship with a therapist can be daunting and scary; the first step is often one of the hardest. As with life, therapy has ups and downs. My role as a therapist is to provide tools and offer insight. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to provide the opportunity to see if we are a good fit. As I counselor I want each session to feel unique to you. I am trained and certified in may therapeutic modalities in order to provide the most tailored experience.
More Therapists Nearby
KidStuff Child and Family Counseling, PC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Waitlist for new clients
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
Currently a waitlist in CO Springs. Hiring Soon! KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
Currently a waitlist in CO Springs. Hiring Soon! KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Jamie Lynn Peschke
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, LLC
Verified Verified
Cripple Creek, CO 80813 (Online Only)
Have you experienced trauma, stress or loss in your life? The answer is yes, we all have a different tolerance for the things life throws at us. Everyday we experience adversities that can add up over our lifetime. Unfortunately, we live in a society that too often has a "forget about it and move on" attitude. I want to help you slow down and really look at how your life journey has impacted your overall mental health. My goal is to create a safe place for you or your child to begin understanding how these stressors are impacting your life. I want to normalize the importance of self awareness, communication and self love.
Have you experienced trauma, stress or loss in your life? The answer is yes, we all have a different tolerance for the things life throws at us. Everyday we experience adversities that can add up over our lifetime. Unfortunately, we live in a society that too often has a "forget about it and move on" attitude. I want to help you slow down and really look at how your life journey has impacted your overall mental health. My goal is to create a safe place for you or your child to begin understanding how these stressors are impacting your life. I want to normalize the importance of self awareness, communication and self love.
Crystal Creek Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT-S, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Divide, CO 80814
Not accepting new clients
In addition to play therapy, I offer AutPlay® Therapy and Animal Assisted Play Therapy.
Children experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression and other challenges communicate with us through their behaviors. I specialize in helping parents and children understand the meaning and purpose behind those behaviors. I help children build the resiliency they need to overcome past challenges and thrive at home, in school and in their communities. I also help parents/caregivers build the skills and strategies necessary to guide children through difficult circumstances and achieve a more positive future.
In addition to play therapy, I offer AutPlay® Therapy and Animal Assisted Play Therapy.
Children experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression and other challenges communicate with us through their behaviors. I specialize in helping parents and children understand the meaning and purpose behind those behaviors. I help children build the resiliency they need to overcome past challenges and thrive at home, in school and in their communities. I also help parents/caregivers build the skills and strategies necessary to guide children through difficult circumstances and achieve a more positive future.
Online Therapists
Emily Mackay King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80207
In my work, I incorporate DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CBT/TF-CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Trauma-Focused CBT), Synergetic Play Therapy and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) based off of goals we set forth in our initial meetings.
No one person's story is the same, and individual experiences are often impacted by life stressors, challenging circumstances and uncertainty regarding the path towards healing. My work is primarily focused on healing from trauma and shame, addressing anxious and depressive symptoms that arise from adverse life experiences. The people I work with often experience low self-worth, struggle with relationships or have difficulties accessing coping mechanisms to manage symptoms. I work with individuals across the lifespan, incorporating appropriate modalities to fit the unique needs that arise during different seasons of our life.
In my work, I incorporate DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CBT/TF-CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Trauma-Focused CBT), Synergetic Play Therapy and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) based off of goals we set forth in our initial meetings.
No one person's story is the same, and individual experiences are often impacted by life stressors, challenging circumstances and uncertainty regarding the path towards healing. My work is primarily focused on healing from trauma and shame, addressing anxious and depressive symptoms that arise from adverse life experiences. The people I work with often experience low self-worth, struggle with relationships or have difficulties accessing coping mechanisms to manage symptoms. I work with individuals across the lifespan, incorporating appropriate modalities to fit the unique needs that arise during different seasons of our life.
Joy C Ewing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80014
Im trained in The Gottman Method when working with couples, I also use Play Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Neurofeedback, Brianspotting and Solution Focused Therapy with clients.
Clients to have a safe place to unpack whatever is on their heart and foster healing, growth, and change. I’m dedicated to developing a collaborative and authentic therapeutic relationship with my clients. I use an integrative approach to therapy to help client’s journey through depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, life transitions, marriage, and family issues. As a marriage and family therapist I love helping couples and families of all backgrounds discover their unique goals and help families to thrive as a team. I’m passionate about working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, veterans and military families.
Im trained in The Gottman Method when working with couples, I also use Play Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Neurofeedback, Brianspotting and Solution Focused Therapy with clients.
Clients to have a safe place to unpack whatever is on their heart and foster healing, growth, and change. I’m dedicated to developing a collaborative and authentic therapeutic relationship with my clients. I use an integrative approach to therapy to help client’s journey through depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, life transitions, marriage, and family issues. As a marriage and family therapist I love helping couples and families of all backgrounds discover their unique goals and help families to thrive as a team. I’m passionate about working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, veterans and military families.
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.
Ellie Mental Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCSW, MS, MSW
Verified Verified
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Online Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy.
Ellie Mental Health in Highlands Ranch, Colorado isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Online Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy.
Ellie Mental Health in Highlands Ranch, Colorado isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
Empowered Play
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
EP practices an emotionally focused approach to Child Centered Play Therapy, with elements of neurobiology, self-regulation, & attachment.
If you have found your way here, it is likely that your child is struggling. From behaviors that make you want to scream to major life events or losses, we have seen it all. The good news is that you are not alone! Most children struggle with intense emotions and challenging behaviors at some point in their development because emotional processing skills are not innate, but instead have to be learned. We are here to facilitate the learning of those skills in a way that is completely individual to your child's needs, challenges, and strengths.
EP practices an emotionally focused approach to Child Centered Play Therapy, with elements of neurobiology, self-regulation, & attachment.
If you have found your way here, it is likely that your child is struggling. From behaviors that make you want to scream to major life events or losses, we have seen it all. The good news is that you are not alone! Most children struggle with intense emotions and challenging behaviors at some point in their development because emotional processing skills are not innate, but instead have to be learned. We are here to facilitate the learning of those skills in a way that is completely individual to your child's needs, challenges, and strengths.
Stephany Gonzalez
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MA, LMFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80030
During my time as a pre-licensed therapist, my goal has been to strengthen my work with children and adolescents and to help them communicate through their primary language, which is play.
The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist was during my first psychology course in high school. This course sparked my interest in counseling, specifically with couples and families. A core value of mine is how important relationships are with the world, our families, and ourselves. Learning about the developmental stages inspired me to focus on the importance of relationships. Relationships are fundamental to a child's upbringing, not just to children but at all stages of life, starting with childhood, leading to adolescence, and though adulthood.
During my time as a pre-licensed therapist, my goal has been to strengthen my work with children and adolescents and to help them communicate through their primary language, which is play.
The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist was during my first psychology course in high school. This course sparked my interest in counseling, specifically with couples and families. A core value of mine is how important relationships are with the world, our families, and ourselves. Learning about the developmental stages inspired me to focus on the importance of relationships. Relationships are fundamental to a child's upbringing, not just to children but at all stages of life, starting with childhood, leading to adolescence, and though adulthood.
Lisa Hassin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
I have 30 years of experience treating adults and families. I use an authentic and compassionate approach, celebrating diversity and differences. My modalities include EMDR, CBT, DBT, nonviolent communication, nature, spirituality, art, play and mindfulness. I specialize in trauma, family change, depression, personal growth, addiction recovery and anxiety.
I have 30 years of experience treating adults and families. I use an authentic and compassionate approach, celebrating diversity and differences. My modalities include EMDR, CBT, DBT, nonviolent communication, nature, spirituality, art, play and mindfulness. I specialize in trauma, family change, depression, personal growth, addiction recovery and anxiety.
Bria Vogt
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
Verified Verified
Littleton, CO 80123
I can do play therapy, and am LGBTQI+ friendly.
I am an LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor Credentialing) in the State of Colorado. My goal for providing counseling is to help my clients through some of life's most difficult times. Working together and exploring these hardships allows for the client to be able to cultivate and find some of life's most meaningful connections. Having trained in both somatic therapy and EMDR, I help move my clients through some of the most difficult traumas or bereavement as they journey to a greater understanding of self by fostering a more profound connection with the body, mind and spirit. I enjoy working with a wide range of ages.
I can do play therapy, and am LGBTQI+ friendly.
I am an LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor Credentialing) in the State of Colorado. My goal for providing counseling is to help my clients through some of life's most difficult times. Working together and exploring these hardships allows for the client to be able to cultivate and find some of life's most meaningful connections. Having trained in both somatic therapy and EMDR, I help move my clients through some of the most difficult traumas or bereavement as they journey to a greater understanding of self by fostering a more profound connection with the body, mind and spirit. I enjoy working with a wide range of ages.
Amy Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, SWC, CPS II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Handling life experiences can be hard! I will meet you where you are and offer a safe space for sorting out your personal challenges stemming from issues like trauma, conflict, grief, and/or worrisome behaviors or diagnoses. Grounded in trauma-informed practices, I use an eclectic blend of modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to create a collaborative approach based on your strengths. I specialize in applying evidence-based skills to help foster the development of healthy coping techniques and positive life management skills.
Handling life experiences can be hard! I will meet you where you are and offer a safe space for sorting out your personal challenges stemming from issues like trauma, conflict, grief, and/or worrisome behaviors or diagnoses. Grounded in trauma-informed practices, I use an eclectic blend of modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to create a collaborative approach based on your strengths. I specialize in applying evidence-based skills to help foster the development of healthy coping techniques and positive life management skills.
Renee Madison
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
I use a variety of techniques and theories including: DBT, Emotion Focused Couple Therapy, EMDR, Bibliotherapy, art therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, sex therapy for couples, Attachment therapy.
Hi- I offer a variety of life recovery therapies for: depression, anxiety, marital issues, relationship problems, addiction recovery, codependency, co-addiction, addictions, trauma recovery, sex addiction, love addiction, internet addition and relationship addiction, adoption recovery, PTSD, financial recovery, grief and loss, domestic violence, childhood abuse. I offer recovery for individuals, and couples, children and teens. I offer compassionate, supportive, interactive help. I assist you to live free from the unhealthy behaviors and gain hope in experiencing the joy of relationships and to have a life worth living.
I use a variety of techniques and theories including: DBT, Emotion Focused Couple Therapy, EMDR, Bibliotherapy, art therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, sex therapy for couples, Attachment therapy.
Hi- I offer a variety of life recovery therapies for: depression, anxiety, marital issues, relationship problems, addiction recovery, codependency, co-addiction, addictions, trauma recovery, sex addiction, love addiction, internet addition and relationship addiction, adoption recovery, PTSD, financial recovery, grief and loss, domestic violence, childhood abuse. I offer recovery for individuals, and couples, children and teens. I offer compassionate, supportive, interactive help. I assist you to live free from the unhealthy behaviors and gain hope in experiencing the joy of relationships and to have a life worth living.
Ruth Setlak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
I work with kids through play, EMDR, and other nervous system-based modalities.
You’ve been trying your hardest in relationships but still feel the pain of aloneness or not finding lasting connection/s. Or, you find yourself stuck, not able to approach life with forward-moving energy or clear direction. I get it. Trauma, a difficult childhood, and/or life's inevitable disappointments, often create barriers to feeling solid within yourself & to attaining what you hope for in life. I use mind-body approaches that go beyond talk therapy to create lasting change. Together, we can identify & mend what is getting in the way of you having safe, authentic relationships or crafting a life that is more of what you want.
I work with kids through play, EMDR, and other nervous system-based modalities.
You’ve been trying your hardest in relationships but still feel the pain of aloneness or not finding lasting connection/s. Or, you find yourself stuck, not able to approach life with forward-moving energy or clear direction. I get it. Trauma, a difficult childhood, and/or life's inevitable disappointments, often create barriers to feeling solid within yourself & to attaining what you hope for in life. I use mind-body approaches that go beyond talk therapy to create lasting change. Together, we can identify & mend what is getting in the way of you having safe, authentic relationships or crafting a life that is more of what you want.
Meridith Shuman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Littleton, CO 80127
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, adults, and some families. My primary specialty is trauma, attachment, and grief issues and I am trained in EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I also have extensive experience and enjoy working with clients encountering depression, anxiety, and mood issues, including doing play therapy with children. I approach treatment from a client- and solution- focused framework, and primarily utilize the cognitive behavioral therapies.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, adults, and some families. My primary specialty is trauma, attachment, and grief issues and I am trained in EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I also have extensive experience and enjoy working with clients encountering depression, anxiety, and mood issues, including doing play therapy with children. I approach treatment from a client- and solution- focused framework, and primarily utilize the cognitive behavioral therapies.
Adam Chappell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
With that in mind, I utilize a variety of techniques and approaches tailored to your individual issues and needs, including positive psychology, play therapy, and CBT to name a few.
I help adults and children facing anxiety, depression, grief, and the effects of abuse and trauma to find hope, manage emotions, and quiet thoughts. I'm trained in handling difficult issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, and adverse childhood experiences and can teach the skills to find meaning, a sense of belonging, and happiness. If are looking to change old habits and behavior, or to build new healthy ones, I can help by finding solutions that fit your lifestyle and personality.
With that in mind, I utilize a variety of techniques and approaches tailored to your individual issues and needs, including positive psychology, play therapy, and CBT to name a few.
I help adults and children facing anxiety, depression, grief, and the effects of abuse and trauma to find hope, manage emotions, and quiet thoughts. I'm trained in handling difficult issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, and adverse childhood experiences and can teach the skills to find meaning, a sense of belonging, and happiness. If are looking to change old habits and behavior, or to build new healthy ones, I can help by finding solutions that fit your lifestyle and personality.
Jeanne Weintraub
Licensed Professional Counselor, Jeanne Weintraub, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
I offer highly effective and researched child directed play therapy.
My view is that there is nothing wrong with your child; they are responding to their circumstances and environments with the best tools they have. Their behaviors or situation may feel extra challenging right now. I am there to notice and navigate their experience of the world and to support and guide them and you towards newer healthier and positive expressions so that their behaviors don't interfere with yours or their connections in life. My goal for all clients is to help them build their tolerance to difficult experiences and emotions. These are tools that will benefit them for their lifetime.
I offer highly effective and researched child directed play therapy.
My view is that there is nothing wrong with your child; they are responding to their circumstances and environments with the best tools they have. Their behaviors or situation may feel extra challenging right now. I am there to notice and navigate their experience of the world and to support and guide them and you towards newer healthier and positive expressions so that their behaviors don't interfere with yours or their connections in life. My goal for all clients is to help them build their tolerance to difficult experiences and emotions. These are tools that will benefit them for their lifetime.
Lindsey Dawson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80031
I am trained in evidence-based trauma therapy, Brainspotting, Sandtray and Play Therapies, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and I include mindfulness-based approaches and somatic techniques in addition to standard talk therapy.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate? Have you lost that spark in your relationship? Are you a parent who has lost connection with your teenager or child? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed? I decided to be a couple and family therapist because I know how hard relationships can be and that sometimes we need a little help. There is no shame in asking for help. We are all imperfect and are not born with a roadmap on how to navigate troubled relationships and family. I believe all people are capable of meaningful and transformational change. Let me help.
I am trained in evidence-based trauma therapy, Brainspotting, Sandtray and Play Therapies, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and I include mindfulness-based approaches and somatic techniques in addition to standard talk therapy.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate? Have you lost that spark in your relationship? Are you a parent who has lost connection with your teenager or child? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed? I decided to be a couple and family therapist because I know how hard relationships can be and that sometimes we need a little help. There is no shame in asking for help. We are all imperfect and are not born with a roadmap on how to navigate troubled relationships and family. I believe all people are capable of meaningful and transformational change. Let me help.
See more therapy options for Florissant
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.