Therapists in Washington, DC
Makira Holder
Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
As a person-centered therapist with 7 years of experience, I have been utilizing techniques from play therapy, CBT, DBT, and solution-focus therapy to assist my patients with developing coping skills to deal with life’s variety of experiences and challenges.
Hello! My Name is Makira. I am a therapist with Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services. We are a multicultural and multi-lingual practice offering therapeutic services to children, teenager, and adults. Our clinicians are trained to utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to support and empower a diverse population. At Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services, our mission is to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages who are facing mental health challenges or experiencing stress. We approach our work with understanding, respect, and genuine care, aiming to provide the best possible support.
As a person-centered therapist with 7 years of experience, I have been utilizing techniques from play therapy, CBT, DBT, and solution-focus therapy to assist my patients with developing coping skills to deal with life’s variety of experiences and challenges.
Hello! My Name is Makira. I am a therapist with Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services. We are a multicultural and multi-lingual practice offering therapeutic services to children, teenager, and adults. Our clinicians are trained to utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to support and empower a diverse population. At Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services, our mission is to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages who are facing mental health challenges or experiencing stress. We approach our work with understanding, respect, and genuine care, aiming to provide the best possible support.
Elaina Vasserman-Stokes
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I offer individual, couples, and play therapy to adults, children, and parents.
My clinical expertise is in issues related to emotional regulation, trauma, loss, and early life attachment experiences. I have a particular interest in supporting parents of young children (particularly at this time and in relationship to COVID-related school and care transitions). My approach can broadly be described as insight oriented and rooted in attachment, relational, and interpersonal theories as well as self-psychology. My expertise rests on meaningful personal experiences and on continuing rigorous training and teaching.
I offer individual, couples, and play therapy to adults, children, and parents.
My clinical expertise is in issues related to emotional regulation, trauma, loss, and early life attachment experiences. I have a particular interest in supporting parents of young children (particularly at this time and in relationship to COVID-related school and care transitions). My approach can broadly be described as insight oriented and rooted in attachment, relational, and interpersonal theories as well as self-psychology. My expertise rests on meaningful personal experiences and on continuing rigorous training and teaching.
Dr. Brooke Stroud
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, MSc
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
I offer an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy and mindfulness to achieve the change you seek. I am also trained in Play Therapy, SPACE for parents of anxious children, adolescents and young adults, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I offer an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy and mindfulness to achieve the change you seek. I am also trained in Play Therapy, SPACE for parents of anxious children, adolescents and young adults, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Brit Egan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
My therapeutic approach uses curiosity through conversation, art, play, or yoga to develop insight.
[Offering Secure Video Options to individuals in VA & DC] Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” These words, written by Pema Chödrön, capture the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Our work will look like joining together as we honor your story and compassionately notice the places in your heart that feel broken and are hurting.
My therapeutic approach uses curiosity through conversation, art, play, or yoga to develop insight.
[Offering Secure Video Options to individuals in VA & DC] Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” These words, written by Pema Chödrön, capture the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Our work will look like joining together as we honor your story and compassionately notice the places in your heart that feel broken and are hurting.
Jillian Meinhardt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
Being experts in telehealth, we utilize virtual art, movement, meditation, narrative, play, CBT, DBT and psychodynamic techniques to meet you where you are at and connect.
Are you a parent of a child, teen or young adult struggling with big emotions that take over your child's body? Does your child have trouble leaving the house, nervous about new situations, have excess energy, feel low or experience mood swings? Are you a young adult entering a new phase or overwhelmed with today's pressures of work, family, friends and relationships? Are you looking for a clinician that can connect with you and understands the pressures of today? With a background in therapeutic and specials education school settings, we use creative tools to connect with you and your child to support you.
Being experts in telehealth, we utilize virtual art, movement, meditation, narrative, play, CBT, DBT and psychodynamic techniques to meet you where you are at and connect.
Are you a parent of a child, teen or young adult struggling with big emotions that take over your child's body? Does your child have trouble leaving the house, nervous about new situations, have excess energy, feel low or experience mood swings? Are you a young adult entering a new phase or overwhelmed with today's pressures of work, family, friends and relationships? Are you looking for a clinician that can connect with you and understands the pressures of today? With a background in therapeutic and specials education school settings, we use creative tools to connect with you and your child to support you.
Amelia Bigesby—Kids & Adults. Build coping skills.
Counselor, MS, LGPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
We will tailor therapy to your needs, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and other approaches.
Do you or your child struggle with anxiety, depression, or ADHD? Do you have difficulty building healthy relationships or experience intrusive thoughts? In therapy, you can build coping skills and get practical help for anxiety, self-esteem, depression, relationships, and more. Difficult experiences in your past or mental health struggles in the present don't have to dictate your future. We will work to equip you with the internal resources that you need to thrive. Reach out to me today to learn more about therapy. You can develop new thinking patterns and behaviors that promote positive coping. I am looking forward to helping!
We will tailor therapy to your needs, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and other approaches.
Do you or your child struggle with anxiety, depression, or ADHD? Do you have difficulty building healthy relationships or experience intrusive thoughts? In therapy, you can build coping skills and get practical help for anxiety, self-esteem, depression, relationships, and more. Difficult experiences in your past or mental health struggles in the present don't have to dictate your future. We will work to equip you with the internal resources that you need to thrive. Reach out to me today to learn more about therapy. You can develop new thinking patterns and behaviors that promote positive coping. I am looking forward to helping!
Lindsay Tiell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I utilize a client-centered approach, drawing from multiple evidence-based models such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), play therapy, and attachment theory.
I believe connection has a transformative power, allowing us to feel heard and understood as we navigate life. Using the power of relationships, it is my privilege to join clients on their personal journeys of looking within, which can lead to growth and healing. I create a safe space for my clients in which they are able to develop the insights and skills needed to enhance feelings of joy, self-compassion, and confidence. As a licensed therapist in the DC metro area, I work with teens, adults, parents, and women in the perinatal and postpartum period - offering a highly individualized approach during every stage.
I utilize a client-centered approach, drawing from multiple evidence-based models such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), play therapy, and attachment theory.
I believe connection has a transformative power, allowing us to feel heard and understood as we navigate life. Using the power of relationships, it is my privilege to join clients on their personal journeys of looking within, which can lead to growth and healing. I create a safe space for my clients in which they are able to develop the insights and skills needed to enhance feelings of joy, self-compassion, and confidence. As a licensed therapist in the DC metro area, I work with teens, adults, parents, and women in the perinatal and postpartum period - offering a highly individualized approach during every stage.
Dr. LaNail R. Plummer
Counselor, EdD, LPC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20045
I specialize in following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, play, solutions-focused & strengths based.
Accepting new clients- Life is hard. Most of us want to think that it gets easier but that only occurs when our skills (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) improve. Therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice new skills while getting the encouragement to make it through life's toughest moments. And I am ready for you. I work with all clients and specialize in the Black/Brown communities, LGBTQ population, couples, and adolescents. I value intersectionality, solutions-focused work, and holistic practices.
I specialize in following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, play, solutions-focused & strengths based.
Accepting new clients- Life is hard. Most of us want to think that it gets easier but that only occurs when our skills (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) improve. Therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice new skills while getting the encouragement to make it through life's toughest moments. And I am ready for you. I work with all clients and specialize in the Black/Brown communities, LGBTQ population, couples, and adolescents. I value intersectionality, solutions-focused work, and holistic practices.
Aisha Marie Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
Through my work with elementary school students, I am able to reach younger children through play therapy and sand tray therapy.
I believe everyone has the ability to learn new ways to cope and view their personal situation differently. Therapy is a place where you can access your most authentic self and allow the therapeutic process to guide healing. Through creating a safe, comfortable and trusting environment clients will be able to share honestly and receive genuine feedback. My approach is supportive and client centered. You are the expert of your past and together we will explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors to establish improved ways of being and building relationships with others to help shape your future.
Through my work with elementary school students, I am able to reach younger children through play therapy and sand tray therapy.
I believe everyone has the ability to learn new ways to cope and view their personal situation differently. Therapy is a place where you can access your most authentic self and allow the therapeutic process to guide healing. Through creating a safe, comfortable and trusting environment clients will be able to share honestly and receive genuine feedback. My approach is supportive and client centered. You are the expert of your past and together we will explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors to establish improved ways of being and building relationships with others to help shape your future.
Tatyana Suares
Counselor, MA, LGPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
art, sand, and play).
I have experience and specialized training in the assessment and treatment of individuals struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, grief and loss. Additionally, I have worked with neurodivergent children, including those diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in addressing socio-emotional challenges. I have worked in a variety of settings including juvenile detention centers, rehabilitation centers, community agencies and outpatient mental health clinics, providing me with exposure to a broad range of cultural/socio-economic backgrounds and mental health issues.
art, sand, and play).
I have experience and specialized training in the assessment and treatment of individuals struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, grief and loss. Additionally, I have worked with neurodivergent children, including those diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in addressing socio-emotional challenges. I have worked in a variety of settings including juvenile detention centers, rehabilitation centers, community agencies and outpatient mental health clinics, providing me with exposure to a broad range of cultural/socio-economic backgrounds and mental health issues.
Elissa Gross
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
I am trained in expressive arts therapy, sandtray, and play therapy modalities that I can utilize in our sessions.
Life can be overwhelming and you are not alone in your struggles. Though reaching out for help can feel scary, making this choice is often transformative. You deserve support and to have hope in your life. Therapy with me is a process where this happens and I find it an honor to walk beside and gently guide you through whatever you may be experiencing. I believe in basing our therapeutic relationship on acceptance, genuineness, and empathy. I work with all types of people--children, adolescents, and adults--who are struggling with the external, internal, or both in a non-judgmental, strengths-based, trauma-informed manner.
I am trained in expressive arts therapy, sandtray, and play therapy modalities that I can utilize in our sessions.
Life can be overwhelming and you are not alone in your struggles. Though reaching out for help can feel scary, making this choice is often transformative. You deserve support and to have hope in your life. Therapy with me is a process where this happens and I find it an honor to walk beside and gently guide you through whatever you may be experiencing. I believe in basing our therapeutic relationship on acceptance, genuineness, and empathy. I work with all types of people--children, adolescents, and adults--who are struggling with the external, internal, or both in a non-judgmental, strengths-based, trauma-informed manner.
15 Second Videos
Melissa Melendez
Gotel & Thrive, PLLC
Jessica Cetoute
Jenn Hudak
Nicole Moore
Modyfi
Turner Lyfe Around Counseling, LLC
Milo Harris
Nancy Sharpe
Elizabeth Adams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Washington, DC area who specializes in working with children and families. Common themes addressed in therapy include anxiety, behavior challenges, parenting and co-parenting concerns, ADHD, learning disorders and peer relationships. I work collaboratively with the family and allied services to best understand the unique needs of the child. Cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and family systems approaches are most commonly utilized. Therapy is delivered through play therapy for young children, individual therapy for older children, parent coaching (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy).
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Washington, DC area who specializes in working with children and families. Common themes addressed in therapy include anxiety, behavior challenges, parenting and co-parenting concerns, ADHD, learning disorders and peer relationships. I work collaboratively with the family and allied services to best understand the unique needs of the child. Cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and family systems approaches are most commonly utilized. Therapy is delivered through play therapy for young children, individual therapy for older children, parent coaching (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy).
Hannah Guidry
LICSW, CNA, HFRM
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
My training includes Play therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Behavior Therapy, motivational interviewing, Trauma Focused Therapy and mindfulness practices.
Life can be really hard at times; however, therapy can help. I listen non-judgmentally and empathetically. Together, we can think through possibilities and options for change in your life. I use cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness approaches to help you strengthen and develop your own life skills.
My training includes Play therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Behavior Therapy, motivational interviewing, Trauma Focused Therapy and mindfulness practices.
Life can be really hard at times; however, therapy can help. I listen non-judgmentally and empathetically. Together, we can think through possibilities and options for change in your life. I use cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness approaches to help you strengthen and develop your own life skills.
Tiffani Boykin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCMHC, LCPC, RYT200, IARP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
If you are slow to warm up to, I offer a number of options including expressive art and play therapy approaches.
I believe in the infinite potential within each individual. My approach is grounded in humanism, evidenced based interventions, and the wholistic wellness model.. As a therapist I consider physical, environmental, social, and spiritual factors in addition to emotional and mental issues contributing to presenting concerns.
If you are slow to warm up to, I offer a number of options including expressive art and play therapy approaches.
I believe in the infinite potential within each individual. My approach is grounded in humanism, evidenced based interventions, and the wholistic wellness model.. As a therapist I consider physical, environmental, social, and spiritual factors in addition to emotional and mental issues contributing to presenting concerns.
Laura Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
I am an experienced therapist who works with children, adults and couples. I provide treatment for a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, conflict with family of origin and trauma. Through the use of evidence-based interventions including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and play therapy techniques I help clients identify their triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage their emotions and deal with life stressors.
I am an experienced therapist who works with children, adults and couples. I provide treatment for a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, conflict with family of origin and trauma. Through the use of evidence-based interventions including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and play therapy techniques I help clients identify their triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage their emotions and deal with life stressors.
Laelia Gilborn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003
I combine play therapy, which utilizes children's natural means of self-expression, with cognitive behavioral techniques, to give children tools for adjusting to change, expressing feelings, and gaining confidence.
Adult clients come to me when feeling stuck, anxious or depressed. Others are coping with trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting struggles, or a major life change. Using a variety of approaches, I help clients gain insight and self-acceptance, to navigate life transitions from a position of strength, to grow in relationships, and to make meaning from loss. Therapy is a wonderful form of self-care. Whether you are in crisis or just feeling stuck, I strive to be an honest, accepting, and active partner in your journey to greater fulfillment.
I combine play therapy, which utilizes children's natural means of self-expression, with cognitive behavioral techniques, to give children tools for adjusting to change, expressing feelings, and gaining confidence.
Adult clients come to me when feeling stuck, anxious or depressed. Others are coping with trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting struggles, or a major life change. Using a variety of approaches, I help clients gain insight and self-acceptance, to navigate life transitions from a position of strength, to grow in relationships, and to make meaning from loss. Therapy is a wonderful form of self-care. Whether you are in crisis or just feeling stuck, I strive to be an honest, accepting, and active partner in your journey to greater fulfillment.
Keri Sartin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008 (Online Only)
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
I am an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist as well as a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist and Sand Tray Therapist.
My name is Keri Sartin and I am the owner of Limitless Psychotherapy Services. I am really passionate about serving and helping people. I started my private practice in 2022 after practicing as a school social worker for 9 years and providing services to adults for over 15 years. I believe adults and children, do best when they feel heard and have supportive people in their lives. I enjoy working to address concerns of anxiety, depression, and general life changes. I also have a passion for helping parents better understand and connect with their children to transform and enhance the parent-child relationship.
Kate Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
Katrina Wallace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I utilize a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Based Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Strengths Based Approach, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, and Person Centered.
Are you experiencing marriage problems, communication problems, anxiety, unexplainable sadness, depression, or stress? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, low self-worth, ADHD related issues or are you finding it difficult to navigate life transitions. Finding a therapist could feel like a daunting task but seeking help is the first step to overcoming life’s challenges. I have over 19 years of combined experience providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed counseling to individuals, couples, and families. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a collaborative way to meet the needs of the client.
I utilize a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Based Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Strengths Based Approach, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, and Person Centered.
Are you experiencing marriage problems, communication problems, anxiety, unexplainable sadness, depression, or stress? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, low self-worth, ADHD related issues or are you finding it difficult to navigate life transitions. Finding a therapist could feel like a daunting task but seeking help is the first step to overcoming life’s challenges. I have over 19 years of combined experience providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed counseling to individuals, couples, and families. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a collaborative way to meet the needs of the client.
Xanthia Bianca Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
My clinical areas of specialization and interest include but are not limited to: Women & Women of Color Issues, Urban Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, Sandtray Therapy, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ+ Folk, TF-CBT, Broad Spectrum Couples & Family Work.
Everyone deserves a chance to become their best selves. During defining transitions, I provide a safe place for you to be who you are. Whether you are 2 years old or 85 years young, you will enjoy a transformative experience. I know DC Metro folk and am experienced in the nuanced issues they face. If you are in a proactive self-seeking stanz, I can help you discover the panacea for which your heart has always desired. Thank you for considering me to be apart of your journey. I look forward to meeting you.
My clinical areas of specialization and interest include but are not limited to: Women & Women of Color Issues, Urban Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, Sandtray Therapy, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ+ Folk, TF-CBT, Broad Spectrum Couples & Family Work.
Everyone deserves a chance to become their best selves. During defining transitions, I provide a safe place for you to be who you are. Whether you are 2 years old or 85 years young, you will enjoy a transformative experience. I know DC Metro folk and am experienced in the nuanced issues they face. If you are in a proactive self-seeking stanz, I can help you discover the panacea for which your heart has always desired. Thank you for considering me to be apart of your journey. I look forward to meeting you.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.