Play Therapy in Shiloh, NC

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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in North Carolina below.

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer Noble Lamberth - CareNet/Fayetteville Family Life Center, MA, LMFT-S, LCMHCS, Marriage & Family Therapist
CareNet/Fayetteville Family Life Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Camden, NC 27921  (Online Only)
My priority, as a therapist is to assist you through the challenges one faces in life. I am a Person-Centered therapist acknowledging the individuality of each client. I am trained in the integration of psychology and faith. Therapeutic interventions are eclectic incorporating a holistic approach of mind, body and spirit. I have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Mood/Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorder, Life Transition Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, Anger Management, and Women Issues. I, also have experience working with Couple/Marital Counseling and Family-related concerns. As a military spouse, I enjoy assisting military families.
My priority, as a therapist is to assist you through the challenges one faces in life. I am a Person-Centered therapist acknowledging the individuality of each client. I am trained in the integration of psychology and faith. Therapeutic interventions are eclectic incorporating a holistic approach of mind, body and spirit. I have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Mood/Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorder, Life Transition Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, Anger Management, and Women Issues. I, also have experience working with Couple/Marital Counseling and Family-related concerns. As a military spouse, I enjoy assisting military families.
(910) 377-0101 View (910) 377-0101

Online Therapists

Photo of Lyndsay Cayton, MS, LCMHC, Counselor
Lyndsay Cayton
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Culturally sensitive, superior communication skills, solution-focused counseling, experience in CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and play therapy, individual, couples, and group counseling, performing psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, suicide risk/safety planning, communication/conflict management, anxiety and stress management, and depression.
Compassionate Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, dedicated in helping others overcome personal obstacles by using various treatment modalities to meet the unique needs of every client. As a former military spouse, I have added experience serving a diverse population, including active-duty soldiers and their extended families. I provide individual counseling for children, adolescents, teens, and adults, as well as providing couples counseling.
Culturally sensitive, superior communication skills, solution-focused counseling, experience in CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and play therapy, individual, couples, and group counseling, performing psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, suicide risk/safety planning, communication/conflict management, anxiety and stress management, and depression.
Compassionate Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, dedicated in helping others overcome personal obstacles by using various treatment modalities to meet the unique needs of every client. As a former military spouse, I have added experience serving a diverse population, including active-duty soldiers and their extended families. I provide individual counseling for children, adolescents, teens, and adults, as well as providing couples counseling.
(252) 888-1856 View (252) 888-1856
Photo of Bekki Hochbrueckner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bekki Hochbrueckner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Powells Point, NC 27966
I offer play therapy for children and work as a team with parents to help them better understand their child's behaviors and needs.
As a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I have a great respect for each individual's unique circumstances. My background and training is in psychology as well as the systems and factors that influence each of our lives. My approach to therapy is client centered, relational, and flexible. Each individual is unique and deserves the time it takes for their circumstances to be heard and understood, only then can a plan be formulated that best supports each client in reaching their personal goals.
I offer play therapy for children and work as a team with parents to help them better understand their child's behaviors and needs.
As a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I have a great respect for each individual's unique circumstances. My background and training is in psychology as well as the systems and factors that influence each of our lives. My approach to therapy is client centered, relational, and flexible. Each individual is unique and deserves the time it takes for their circumstances to be heard and understood, only then can a plan be formulated that best supports each client in reaching their personal goals.
(252) 475-7717 View (252) 475-7717
Photo of Sarah Stein-Wolf, MA, LCMHC-S, RPT, Counselor
Sarah Stein-Wolf
Counselor, MA, LCMHC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
With kids, I teach them how to identify and manage their emotions through play, and work with families to best support their child.
You’re exhausted from trying desperately to balance your needs with the demands of kids, school, or work. As a parent you’re struggling to understand where your child is coming from. Does the “parent guilt” creep in while you’re trying to keep all the plates spinning? Maybe you have a child who is anxious, worried, has difficulty sleeping or going to school, or expects perfection. Perhaps you are learning how to parent differently than how you were parented. Balancing caring for you vs. others is hard. Thoughts of anxiety, self-doubt, and concern that you aren't good enough can become a negative self-talk loop in your head.
With kids, I teach them how to identify and manage their emotions through play, and work with families to best support their child.
You’re exhausted from trying desperately to balance your needs with the demands of kids, school, or work. As a parent you’re struggling to understand where your child is coming from. Does the “parent guilt” creep in while you’re trying to keep all the plates spinning? Maybe you have a child who is anxious, worried, has difficulty sleeping or going to school, or expects perfection. Perhaps you are learning how to parent differently than how you were parented. Balancing caring for you vs. others is hard. Thoughts of anxiety, self-doubt, and concern that you aren't good enough can become a negative self-talk loop in your head.
(252) 544-5309 View (252) 544-5309
Photo of Nonde Carter, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nonde Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27834
Together we can reduce or manage your symptoms using Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT,) Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Play Therapy and Trauma Focused.
Therapy is typically viewed as something that is challenging and scary. However, I want to help clients see that therapy doesn't have to be challenging and scary yet, it's something that everyone can benefit from. In life we all can face obstacles, some small while others can be life changing. Life changing enough that it can effect how we perceive, people, places, things, and even how we perceive the world. When we get to this point many of us don't know how to cope with the struggles life brings. It is important for us to find peace within ourselves by learning who we are, how things affect us and understanding what we need.
Together we can reduce or manage your symptoms using Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT,) Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Play Therapy and Trauma Focused.
Therapy is typically viewed as something that is challenging and scary. However, I want to help clients see that therapy doesn't have to be challenging and scary yet, it's something that everyone can benefit from. In life we all can face obstacles, some small while others can be life changing. Life changing enough that it can effect how we perceive, people, places, things, and even how we perceive the world. When we get to this point many of us don't know how to cope with the struggles life brings. It is important for us to find peace within ourselves by learning who we are, how things affect us and understanding what we need.
(252) 475-7830 View (252) 475-7830
Photo of Nicole Leigh Bettis, EdS, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Leigh Bettis
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdS, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562
I am a marriage & family therapist and a registered play therapist. I have a wide range of experience in working with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and families. My areas of specialization working with issues related to divorce, child custody, parenting, co-parenting, infidelity, family loss/grief, military family issues, school or work related problems, adoption, infertility, emotion regulation, trust and abandonment issues. My goal is to provide a private, safe place for you to better understand your situation and to help you make the changes necessary to live the life you desire.
I am a marriage & family therapist and a registered play therapist. I have a wide range of experience in working with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and families. My areas of specialization working with issues related to divorce, child custody, parenting, co-parenting, infidelity, family loss/grief, military family issues, school or work related problems, adoption, infertility, emotion regulation, trust and abandonment issues. My goal is to provide a private, safe place for you to better understand your situation and to help you make the changes necessary to live the life you desire.
(252) 675-5550 View (252) 675-5550
Photo of Nicole M Hoffman Miller, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicole M Hoffman Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Farmville, NC 27828
Waitlist for new clients
I use play therapy, sand tray strategies, mindfulness, child center therapy, and parenting and family strategies.
Parenting can be difficult. Children have their own personalities, ways of thinking, big feelings and struggle with healthy coping strategies. Children and adolescents often do not know how to communicate their thoughts and feelings and often act out in frustration. Youth are experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, low self confidence, social anxiety, stress, depression, and struggle with focusing. These can become negative self talk and can impact their families. Areas of special interest for me include working with youth and their families to help them flourish. I provide therapy and psychological evaluations.
I use play therapy, sand tray strategies, mindfulness, child center therapy, and parenting and family strategies.
Parenting can be difficult. Children have their own personalities, ways of thinking, big feelings and struggle with healthy coping strategies. Children and adolescents often do not know how to communicate their thoughts and feelings and often act out in frustration. Youth are experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, low self confidence, social anxiety, stress, depression, and struggle with focusing. These can become negative self talk and can impact their families. Areas of special interest for me include working with youth and their families to help them flourish. I provide therapy and psychological evaluations.
(252) 899-3109 View (252) 899-3109
Photo of Nicole Wagoner, MA, LCMHC, ASDCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Wagoner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Bern, NC 28560
The types of counseling theories that I use include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Play-Therapy.
Hi! My name is Nicole. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working at Ocean's Crest Counseling Center, PLLC in Burgaw, NC. I am accepting new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tricare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Healthy Blue, Amerihealth, and Wellcare. I am certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I have experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I have experience working with children, young adults, and military with a variety of mental health diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses have included PTSD, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD, and Conduct Disorder.
The types of counseling theories that I use include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Play-Therapy.
Hi! My name is Nicole. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working at Ocean's Crest Counseling Center, PLLC in Burgaw, NC. I am accepting new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tricare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Healthy Blue, Amerihealth, and Wellcare. I am certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I have experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I have experience working with children, young adults, and military with a variety of mental health diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses have included PTSD, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD, and Conduct Disorder.
(252) 765-4397 View (252) 765-4397
Photo of Julie A Smith - Making Headway Counseling Services PLLC, LCMHC
Making Headway Counseling Services PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winterville, NC 28590  (Online Only)
I utilize play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and talk therapies.
Life can be challenging at times, do you feel your alone in this? Struggling with parenting your child? Does your child need help? Struggling in your marriage? Struggling with difficult feelings? I'm here to help. I find that making people comfortable helps them through the process of discovering how to be the best them they can be. In this journey we call life there are times we need someone to listen and help us through the storms. Sometimes we need to explore our past to understand our present. Let me help you along the way. Please reach out to talk and ask questions .
I utilize play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and talk therapies.
Life can be challenging at times, do you feel your alone in this? Struggling with parenting your child? Does your child need help? Struggling in your marriage? Struggling with difficult feelings? I'm here to help. I find that making people comfortable helps them through the process of discovering how to be the best them they can be. In this journey we call life there are times we need someone to listen and help us through the storms. Sometimes we need to explore our past to understand our present. Let me help you along the way. Please reach out to talk and ask questions .
(252) 254-2919 View (252) 254-2919
Photo of Anne Watts, MSW, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Watts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Play Therapy helps children to find healthy solutions to the challenges they face.
Is your child struggling with complicated challenges? OR Is your child getting by, but you want to see them thriving at a higher level? Give me a call. Play Therapy is a powerful way to help young people to grow & heal. Families can overcome incredible challenges & live healthy, well balanced lives. I help children with challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, ADHD, highly gifted & talented, special needs, those with difficult experiences such as adoption, divorce, loss of a loved one, or trauma.
Play Therapy helps children to find healthy solutions to the challenges they face.
Is your child struggling with complicated challenges? OR Is your child getting by, but you want to see them thriving at a higher level? Give me a call. Play Therapy is a powerful way to help young people to grow & heal. Families can overcome incredible challenges & live healthy, well balanced lives. I help children with challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, ADHD, highly gifted & talented, special needs, those with difficult experiences such as adoption, divorce, loss of a loved one, or trauma.
(252) 650-6119 View (252) 650-6119
Photo of Kelly Nail, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelly Nail
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Are you someone that seems to have it all together on the outside but in reality mask your struggles? Maybe you are often seen as resilient, successful, creative, and helpful yet you are challenged daily with perfectionism, isolation, and self-neglect. These are the reasons many seek therapy to find relief. I am a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist and my specialty involves working with children and adults that have experienced a life stressor, trauma, or abuse that continues to impact them physically and emotionally.
Are you someone that seems to have it all together on the outside but in reality mask your struggles? Maybe you are often seen as resilient, successful, creative, and helpful yet you are challenged daily with perfectionism, isolation, and self-neglect. These are the reasons many seek therapy to find relief. I am a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist and my specialty involves working with children and adults that have experienced a life stressor, trauma, or abuse that continues to impact them physically and emotionally.
(252) 552-5622 View (252) 552-5622
Photo of Cerissa Rhodes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cerissa Rhodes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Are you overwhelmed with worry, racing thoughts, or stress? Are you feeling frustrated with your child's big emotions, meltdowns, worry or concerned about the scary situation they experienced? Does it impact your sleep? Are you freezing or panicking in everyday situations? Is your child is panicking? Together, we'll work on rewiring the brain for peace. I specialize in teaching ways to manage the stress, reduce the worry and the skills to manage symptoms leading to a sense of safety. You will gain the skills to control your thoughts, manage your emotions and get back to living the life you want.
Are you overwhelmed with worry, racing thoughts, or stress? Are you feeling frustrated with your child's big emotions, meltdowns, worry or concerned about the scary situation they experienced? Does it impact your sleep? Are you freezing or panicking in everyday situations? Is your child is panicking? Together, we'll work on rewiring the brain for peace. I specialize in teaching ways to manage the stress, reduce the worry and the skills to manage symptoms leading to a sense of safety. You will gain the skills to control your thoughts, manage your emotions and get back to living the life you want.
(252) 376-6518 View (252) 376-6518
Photo of Kim Harris, MS, LCMHC, CRC, Counselor
Kim Harris
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances? Having difficulty adjusting to change? Life often presents challenges that can seem impossible and I would love to help you navigate through the storm. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor who enjoys working with teens, college students, and adults. I work those experiencing issues related to depression and anxiety, mood disorders, as well as problems related to adjusting to life changes. I can also help with issues related to substance abuse and dependence. I am available for both virtual and in person sessions and would love the opportunity to help!
Feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances? Having difficulty adjusting to change? Life often presents challenges that can seem impossible and I would love to help you navigate through the storm. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor who enjoys working with teens, college students, and adults. I work those experiencing issues related to depression and anxiety, mood disorders, as well as problems related to adjusting to life changes. I can also help with issues related to substance abuse and dependence. I am available for both virtual and in person sessions and would love the opportunity to help!
(252) 656-2008 View (252) 656-2008
Photo of Alex Bonicelli Taylor, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alex Bonicelli Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562
Finding a therapist you can trust is key when pursuing mental health services. I believe that all aspects of a client's life are relevant and contribute to their overall mental health. I work with individuals/ families experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, irregular mood, stress, trauma, and behavioral issues. I also work with clients who are having a hard time adjusting to life changes, grief, and loss. I utilize a variety of interventions in order to provide the best quality of treatment for each client.
Finding a therapist you can trust is key when pursuing mental health services. I believe that all aspects of a client's life are relevant and contribute to their overall mental health. I work with individuals/ families experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, irregular mood, stress, trauma, and behavioral issues. I also work with clients who are having a hard time adjusting to life changes, grief, and loss. I utilize a variety of interventions in order to provide the best quality of treatment for each client.
(252) 254-2444 View (252) 254-2444
Photo of Annalisa Amato Ferguson, MSW, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Annalisa Amato Ferguson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you can't keep up with life? Is it normal for your day to feel overwhelming and full of anxiety and dread? Let's talk about it. No matter where you are in life, therapy is a great way to help you break the cycle and start new! I have a passion for walking alongside teens and adults as they experience the ups and downs of life. I understand how life changes can be a lot to manage and I believe that you don't have to do it alone. As an affirming therapist, I believe that a genuine connection and feeling of safety is the key to growing and becoming the best version of you.
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you can't keep up with life? Is it normal for your day to feel overwhelming and full of anxiety and dread? Let's talk about it. No matter where you are in life, therapy is a great way to help you break the cycle and start new! I have a passion for walking alongside teens and adults as they experience the ups and downs of life. I understand how life changes can be a lot to manage and I believe that you don't have to do it alone. As an affirming therapist, I believe that a genuine connection and feeling of safety is the key to growing and becoming the best version of you.
(252) 888-1830 View (252) 888-1830
Photo of Jeannette Farmer - Here to Heal Counseling, PLLC, MAEd, LCMHCA, LCAS-A
Here to Heal Counseling, PLLC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MAEd, LCMHCA, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
Do you need help navigating the issues of life? You don't have to tackle these issues alone. Allow me to help. I will walk alongside you and together we can figure it out. We all need help from time to time. This doesn’t make us weak, it makes us human. Sometimes a little help is needed to bring answers we already possess to the surface.
Do you need help navigating the issues of life? You don't have to tackle these issues alone. Allow me to help. I will walk alongside you and together we can figure it out. We all need help from time to time. This doesn’t make us weak, it makes us human. Sometimes a little help is needed to bring answers we already possess to the surface.
(252) 618-7280 View (252) 618-7280
Photo of Vanessa L Britton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vanessa L Britton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948  (Online Only)
Hello! Thank you for taking this step and looking for a therapist. You're on the right track! I have known since middle school that helping others was the job for me. In one context or another I have been in the counseling field for 15 years, from settings such as prisons, to drug and alcohol centers, in home therapy, counseling in public schools and the community office setting. My number one priority is the client. If you are questioning taking the step to call or email, I encourage you to do so!
Hello! Thank you for taking this step and looking for a therapist. You're on the right track! I have known since middle school that helping others was the job for me. In one context or another I have been in the counseling field for 15 years, from settings such as prisons, to drug and alcohol centers, in home therapy, counseling in public schools and the community office setting. My number one priority is the client. If you are questioning taking the step to call or email, I encourage you to do so!
(724) 402-5710 View (724) 402-5710
Photo of Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling, MS, LCMHCA
Courtney Howard Ind. Contractor @ Deep Connections Counseling
MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, NC 27889  (Online Only)
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
Life can be…a bit of a rollercoaster at times and can often feel unmanageable. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by life’s twists and turns, I’m here to help! My name is Courtney Howard and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. My mission is to provide a safe space for you to explore, repair, and grow. Taking the steps to begin a counseling journey isn’t easy and I’m proud of you for searching for a therapist to fit your needs. Are you stressed, depressed, anxious, suffering with illness, grieving, or struggling with mood? Then I may be the perfect fit for you!
(252) 486-5072 View (252) 486-5072
Photo of Stevi Reed - Anchored Hope Counseling, MEd, LCMHC, QS, NCC
Anchored Hope Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, QS, NCC
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562
Are you are living in a constant state of worry? Are you a couple who is sinking into a cycle of conflict that you can’t escape, or a Christian who feels lost and seeking spiritual guidance? Then Anchored Hope Counseling is the place for you. My counseling philosophy can be summarized in the name "Anchored Hope," which was inspired by Hebrews 6:19; a verse that teaches that hope for healing can be steadfast and anchors us. With secure hope, we may not always see how the healing will come but we know that it will come through faith. For us, counseling is a way to direct people to hope so that they can experience joy and wholeness.
Are you are living in a constant state of worry? Are you a couple who is sinking into a cycle of conflict that you can’t escape, or a Christian who feels lost and seeking spiritual guidance? Then Anchored Hope Counseling is the place for you. My counseling philosophy can be summarized in the name "Anchored Hope," which was inspired by Hebrews 6:19; a verse that teaches that hope for healing can be steadfast and anchors us. With secure hope, we may not always see how the healing will come but we know that it will come through faith. For us, counseling is a way to direct people to hope so that they can experience joy and wholeness.
(980) 270-1487 View (980) 270-1487
Photo of Kelsey Grummert, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelsey Grummert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562
I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker who wants to help you through life’s challenges. Life can be really difficult and sharing your experiences with a mental health professional can be extremely rewarding and also takes a lot of courage and strength. I will make sure you feel comfortable and safe enough to express your feelings and I focus strongly on the power of the therapeutic relationship.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker who wants to help you through life’s challenges. Life can be really difficult and sharing your experiences with a mental health professional can be extremely rewarding and also takes a lot of courage and strength. I will make sure you feel comfortable and safe enough to express your feelings and I focus strongly on the power of the therapeutic relationship.
(252) 591-6822 View (252) 591-6822

See more therapy options for Shiloh

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.