Play Therapy in New York, NY

Photo of Ali Ellis, Art Therapist in New York, NY
Ali Ellis
Art Therapist, LCAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001
Working primarily with preschool age children, Ali provided Reggio Emilia inspired leadership in the classroom, promoting children’s social emotional development through artmaking, play, and experiential learning.
Ali (they/them) is an artist and Creative Arts Therapist. Ali has worked in a variety of therapeutic, community, and educational settings, providing therapy for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. They approach their practice with openness and empathy, taking a person-centered approach while integrating meditation, Gestalt methods, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into their work. Ali’s clinical experience includes working with individuals living with disabilities, those managing mood disorders, and clients entering therapy to help process and manage major life transitions.
Working primarily with preschool age children, Ali provided Reggio Emilia inspired leadership in the classroom, promoting children’s social emotional development through artmaking, play, and experiential learning.
Ali (they/them) is an artist and Creative Arts Therapist. Ali has worked in a variety of therapeutic, community, and educational settings, providing therapy for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. They approach their practice with openness and empathy, taking a person-centered approach while integrating meditation, Gestalt methods, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into their work. Ali’s clinical experience includes working with individuals living with disabilities, those managing mood disorders, and clients entering therapy to help process and manage major life transitions.
(929) 242-5892 View (929) 242-5892
Photo of Rosaleen Rusty Horn, Licensed Psychoanalyst in New York, NY
Rosaleen Rusty Horn
Licensed Psychoanalyst, LP, NCPsyA, MSEd
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
I believe children and parents can have a happy time together. All children as they grow and all parents as they go through parenting encounter kinks in their development. I like to help children and adolescents learn to listen to and express their feelings directly and to help parents learn how to listen and communicate better with their children. With over 25 years of experience working individually with children and parents, in play group therapy and in parenting groups, I know how to use the strengths of each, child and parent, to promote better understanding of themselves and each other.
I believe children and parents can have a happy time together. All children as they grow and all parents as they go through parenting encounter kinks in their development. I like to help children and adolescents learn to listen to and express their feelings directly and to help parents learn how to listen and communicate better with their children. With over 25 years of experience working individually with children and parents, in play group therapy and in parenting groups, I know how to use the strengths of each, child and parent, to promote better understanding of themselves and each other.
(646) 600-8134 View (646) 600-8134
Photo of Irina R Harris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Irina R Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022
Together, supported by my access to expressive and non-verbal modes such as movement, art, and play in addition to the traditional "talking cure," we address your concerns in order to shake up the old narrative and create new choices and new possibilities for change.
I don't believe in diagnostic labeling; yet we don't waste time reinventing the wheel. The personal issues you want to confront and resolve in therapy and the unique ways in which you are stuck call upon my creativity, long, varied professional experience of theories and methods--from Freud to object relations to body work--and life experience of other cultures and modalities to find new ways for you to healthily move forward.
Together, supported by my access to expressive and non-verbal modes such as movement, art, and play in addition to the traditional "talking cure," we address your concerns in order to shake up the old narrative and create new choices and new possibilities for change.
I don't believe in diagnostic labeling; yet we don't waste time reinventing the wheel. The personal issues you want to confront and resolve in therapy and the unique ways in which you are stuck call upon my creativity, long, varied professional experience of theories and methods--from Freud to object relations to body work--and life experience of other cultures and modalities to find new ways for you to healthily move forward.
(718) 569-8268 View (718) 569-8268
Photo of Ellen Jacobs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Ellen Jacobs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10028
I am a Manhattan-based psychotherapist with more than two decades of experience working with adults, adolescents, children and their families. I have a strong passion and commitment to helping my patients improve the quality of their lives. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy with training in play therapy, hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral strategies. I provide compassionate care creating a hopeful and productive therapeutic environment and believe a good match between the therapist and patient is vital. My style is interactive and pragmatic. I help patients deepen their self-awareness, identify their concerns and establish realistic goals for therapy.
I am a Manhattan-based psychotherapist with more than two decades of experience working with adults, adolescents, children and their families. I have a strong passion and commitment to helping my patients improve the quality of their lives. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy with training in play therapy, hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral strategies. I provide compassionate care creating a hopeful and productive therapeutic environment and believe a good match between the therapist and patient is vital. My style is interactive and pragmatic. I help patients deepen their self-awareness, identify their concerns and establish realistic goals for therapy.
(646) 681-3913 View (646) 681-3913
Photo of Gabriell Gereau, Counselor in New York, NY
Gabriell Gereau
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
Hello! My name is Gabriell (Gabbi) Gereau, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of NY, though I now live in Massachusetts. I love helping others improve their mental health and overall well-being, whether it be through play therapy, mindfulness exercises, talking through past trauma, or focusing on day-to-day stressors. Navigating life as a child, teenager, or young adult can be difficult. You are constantly learning new things, facing new challenges, and trying to adapt to our ever-changing world.
Hello! My name is Gabriell (Gabbi) Gereau, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of NY, though I now live in Massachusetts. I love helping others improve their mental health and overall well-being, whether it be through play therapy, mindfulness exercises, talking through past trauma, or focusing on day-to-day stressors. Navigating life as a child, teenager, or young adult can be difficult. You are constantly learning new things, facing new challenges, and trying to adapt to our ever-changing world.
(914) 491-3831 View (914) 491-3831
Photo of Heidi Haddad, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Heidi Haddad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001
I specialize in play therapy with children and teens, providing safe opportunities for self-expression.
On any given day, we can be impacted by people or events, creating ripples in our lives. But, the more deeply we connect with our own internal values and rhythms, the more solid our footing. With perception, humor and compassion, I value giving you the opportunity to safely explore your inner stories, fears and dreams. My hope is that you will find the validation, support and perspective necessary to create the change you so desire. I have extensive experience working with children, individuals and families with histories of trauma, facing difficult life transitions, such as creating and blending families, adoption, separation, divorce, death and loss.
I specialize in play therapy with children and teens, providing safe opportunities for self-expression.
On any given day, we can be impacted by people or events, creating ripples in our lives. But, the more deeply we connect with our own internal values and rhythms, the more solid our footing. With perception, humor and compassion, I value giving you the opportunity to safely explore your inner stories, fears and dreams. My hope is that you will find the validation, support and perspective necessary to create the change you so desire. I have extensive experience working with children, individuals and families with histories of trauma, facing difficult life transitions, such as creating and blending families, adoption, separation, divorce, death and loss.
(646) 798-2595 View (646) 798-2595
Photo of Eileen Fitzgerald, Psychologist in New York, NY
Eileen Fitzgerald
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
Play is the medium of communication for children in therapy, equivalent to adults' verbal interactions.
As a therapist, I love working with children: learning about their families, their strengths, challenges, the problems which are worrying them and affecting their behavior. In our sessions we play and create things together, as play is the medium of communication for children in therapy, equivalent to adults' verbal engagement. Through talk and play, we develop an authentic emotional connection, in order to build a strong therapeutic relationship. Trust and collaboration are essential to the work of therapy for children as well as adults.
Play is the medium of communication for children in therapy, equivalent to adults' verbal interactions.
As a therapist, I love working with children: learning about their families, their strengths, challenges, the problems which are worrying them and affecting their behavior. In our sessions we play and create things together, as play is the medium of communication for children in therapy, equivalent to adults' verbal engagement. Through talk and play, we develop an authentic emotional connection, in order to build a strong therapeutic relationship. Trust and collaboration are essential to the work of therapy for children as well as adults.
(347) 658-5080 View (347) 658-5080
Photo of Shlomit Rubin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Shlomit Rubin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, SEP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Sometimes we arrive at a place in our lives where we feel that we are continually pulling on the ends of a knot. Instead of untangling, the knot becomes tighter. In a safe space designed to encourage reflection, we will unpack current difficulties and long-standing issues in the context of past experiences. All of us are impacted by our upbringing, and if we can begin to understand these experiences and how they affect the roles we play in the world, then we are at an undeniable advantage for improving our well-being.
Sometimes we arrive at a place in our lives where we feel that we are continually pulling on the ends of a knot. Instead of untangling, the knot becomes tighter. In a safe space designed to encourage reflection, we will unpack current difficulties and long-standing issues in the context of past experiences. All of us are impacted by our upbringing, and if we can begin to understand these experiences and how they affect the roles we play in the world, then we are at an undeniable advantage for improving our well-being.
(646) 846-4519 View (646) 846-4519
Photo of Marie Malle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Marie Malle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
I am a bilingual clinician, with training both in France and the US. I first practiced in Paris as a clinical psychologist, and I now work as a clinical social worker in New York. I work with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from day to day struggles or severe difficulties. I provide a safe space where patients can explore and work through their emotional and social problems, or in the case of children where they can play them out. Although therapy may be difficult at first, I know from experience that it is well worth the effort.
I am a bilingual clinician, with training both in France and the US. I first practiced in Paris as a clinical psychologist, and I now work as a clinical social worker in New York. I work with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from day to day struggles or severe difficulties. I provide a safe space where patients can explore and work through their emotional and social problems, or in the case of children where they can play them out. Although therapy may be difficult at first, I know from experience that it is well worth the effort.
(646) 832-4344 View (646) 832-4344
Photo of Cristina Spataro in New York, NY
Cristina Spataro
MSEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10005
If you have a child with special needs or health issues, Cristina is experienced in helping them “learn how to learn” through play therapy and simple interaction.
Cristina Spataro has worked with children and families in crisis for the past 17 years. If there is one thing she has learned, it is that everyone has the capacity for change if they truly want it. Life is hard, and the “right” choices are not always so apparent. Our decisions and their consequences leave us questioning ourselves.
If you have a child with special needs or health issues, Cristina is experienced in helping them “learn how to learn” through play therapy and simple interaction.
Cristina Spataro has worked with children and families in crisis for the past 17 years. If there is one thing she has learned, it is that everyone has the capacity for change if they truly want it. Life is hard, and the “right” choices are not always so apparent. Our decisions and their consequences leave us questioning ourselves.
(917) 473-9583 View (917) 473-9583
Photo of Tiffany Kiss, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Tiffany Kiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR , ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10019
I use multiple evidenced based therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and neurofeedback.
As a trauma informed holistic psychotherapist, I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional dysregulation, behavioral issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex trauma. I have devoted my career to learning evidenced based treatments and have had the privilege to help people heal and live the life they desire. I was the Director of Social Work at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital and currently the Director of Social Work at Mount Sinai West. As a result of my extensive experience I have worked with complex situations encompassing psychiatric and medical needs.
I use multiple evidenced based therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and neurofeedback.
As a trauma informed holistic psychotherapist, I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional dysregulation, behavioral issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex trauma. I have devoted my career to learning evidenced based treatments and have had the privilege to help people heal and live the life they desire. I was the Director of Social Work at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital and currently the Director of Social Work at Mount Sinai West. As a result of my extensive experience I have worked with complex situations encompassing psychiatric and medical needs.
(646) 896-1693 View (646) 896-1693
Photo of Liz Morrison Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Liz Morrison Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
We use the training we have received in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused CBT, play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, parent-child relational issues, and expressive arts therapy to help you achieve your goals.
Therapists at Liz Morrison Therapy will help you to achieve your goals by providing you, your child, or your family with the highest quality mental health service. As specialists in children and families, our approach to helping you find results through psychotherapy is based on our experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in mental health facilities, schools, and private practice settings. Our challenging and direct, yet compassionate and considerate approach will allow you to reach your highest potential.
We use the training we have received in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused CBT, play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, parent-child relational issues, and expressive arts therapy to help you achieve your goals.
Therapists at Liz Morrison Therapy will help you to achieve your goals by providing you, your child, or your family with the highest quality mental health service. As specialists in children and families, our approach to helping you find results through psychotherapy is based on our experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in mental health facilities, schools, and private practice settings. Our challenging and direct, yet compassionate and considerate approach will allow you to reach your highest potential.
(347) 836-4014 View (347) 836-4014
Photo of Christine Girard, Psychologist in New York, NY
Christine Girard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
I work with children in play therapy but work also very much with the parents and the child-parent(s) dyad.
I am committed to creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and honesty. I listen attentively and believe that the relationship that we create together is the most important tool for our work together. My orientation is also psychodynamic, which means that I believe in the central role of the unconscious, past history and emotional forces. I apply this approach to many kinds of issues (depression, anxiety, addiction, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, general sense of dissatisfaction with life). My goal is to help you develop the awareness, insight, and psychological skills that you will be able to use later on your own.
I work with children in play therapy but work also very much with the parents and the child-parent(s) dyad.
I am committed to creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and honesty. I listen attentively and believe that the relationship that we create together is the most important tool for our work together. My orientation is also psychodynamic, which means that I believe in the central role of the unconscious, past history and emotional forces. I apply this approach to many kinds of issues (depression, anxiety, addiction, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, general sense of dissatisfaction with life). My goal is to help you develop the awareness, insight, and psychological skills that you will be able to use later on your own.
(646) 600-5037 View (646) 600-5037
Photo of Janet Susan (Brown) Lobel, Psychologist in New York, NY
Janet Susan (Brown) Lobel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in both clinic and private practice settings. I have a wide range of clinical interests and expertise including trauma/bereavement, autistic spectrum disorders, parenting issues, and individual adult relational psychoanalysis. I am trained in parent-infant psychotherapy as intervention at the earliest ages can prevent/lessen the impact of potential risk factors that can derail a child's development. I integrate Stanley Greenspan's DIR/Floortime model with attachment-based play therapy. This integrative approach addresses both the child's social-emotional and sensory cognitive functioning,
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in both clinic and private practice settings. I have a wide range of clinical interests and expertise including trauma/bereavement, autistic spectrum disorders, parenting issues, and individual adult relational psychoanalysis. I am trained in parent-infant psychotherapy as intervention at the earliest ages can prevent/lessen the impact of potential risk factors that can derail a child's development. I integrate Stanley Greenspan's DIR/Floortime model with attachment-based play therapy. This integrative approach addresses both the child's social-emotional and sensory cognitive functioning,
(914) 368-6133 View (914) 368-6133
Photo of Karl R Custer, Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, NY
Karl R Custer
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
I come from a life in the performing arts, and I come ready to play.
You deserve to start from a place of acceptance and nonjudgement. No matter what. You have a big change coming soon, don't you? You don't feel ready for it, do you? New semester, new job, new responsibilities, new relationship? Maybe you need an accountability partner or cheerleader for that first push. Maybe you need palpable, written goals in the short-term and long-term in reaching some significant change that's just for you. As long as you're willing to challenge the phrase, "I can't imagine," we're going to get along just fine.
I come from a life in the performing arts, and I come ready to play.
You deserve to start from a place of acceptance and nonjudgement. No matter what. You have a big change coming soon, don't you? You don't feel ready for it, do you? New semester, new job, new responsibilities, new relationship? Maybe you need an accountability partner or cheerleader for that first push. Maybe you need palpable, written goals in the short-term and long-term in reaching some significant change that's just for you. As long as you're willing to challenge the phrase, "I can't imagine," we're going to get along just fine.
(347) 508-7925 x1411 View (347) 508-7925 x1411
Photo of Alison L Pepper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Alison L Pepper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Hi, if you are looking for a open minded, warm, & hard working therapist then I might be just the fit for you. I'm an English & Spanish speaking clinical social worker who works with adults, young adults and some teens. My practice focuses primarily on healing anxiety, depression, & trauma throughout life. I'm interested in taking an integrative approach to therapy by combining clients needs with traditional Western psychology such as: talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, internal family systems (IFS), & nature therapy with ancient Eastern traditions such as meditation & Tibetan Buddhism.
Hi, if you are looking for a open minded, warm, & hard working therapist then I might be just the fit for you. I'm an English & Spanish speaking clinical social worker who works with adults, young adults and some teens. My practice focuses primarily on healing anxiety, depression, & trauma throughout life. I'm interested in taking an integrative approach to therapy by combining clients needs with traditional Western psychology such as: talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, internal family systems (IFS), & nature therapy with ancient Eastern traditions such as meditation & Tibetan Buddhism.
(929) 223-4232 View (929) 223-4232
Photo of Psychotherapy Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Psychotherapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10031
Based in NYC, Psychotherapy Services works with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing challenges in their lives. We draw from various methods of therapy: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family and Couples Therapy, Play Therapy and mindfulness practices to help clients make positive changes in their lives. We believe that all individuals have a remarkable capacity for self-healing and growth. We welcome individuals of all races, ethnicities and gender preferences.
Based in NYC, Psychotherapy Services works with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing challenges in their lives. We draw from various methods of therapy: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family and Couples Therapy, Play Therapy and mindfulness practices to help clients make positive changes in their lives. We believe that all individuals have a remarkable capacity for self-healing and growth. We welcome individuals of all races, ethnicities and gender preferences.
(646) 350-2361 View (646) 350-2361
Photo of Ying Duan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Ying Duan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10010
Waitlist for new clients
I am a child and family therapist. My specialties include work with children (0-10yrs), pregnant women and adults, providing care for clients experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties. I have over 10 years of experience with trauma informed psychodynamic therapy treating adults and play therapy treating children. I am intensively trained and certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) which has shown to be effective in supporting and strengthening the relationship between a child and the parents as a pathway for enhancing the child’s ability to cope stress, manage strong emotions, and learn with confidence.
I am a child and family therapist. My specialties include work with children (0-10yrs), pregnant women and adults, providing care for clients experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties. I have over 10 years of experience with trauma informed psychodynamic therapy treating adults and play therapy treating children. I am intensively trained and certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) which has shown to be effective in supporting and strengthening the relationship between a child and the parents as a pathway for enhancing the child’s ability to cope stress, manage strong emotions, and learn with confidence.
(914) 359-4186 View (914) 359-4186
Photo of Joseph Sacks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY
Joseph Sacks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10013
Does your child have frequent tantrums? Is he willful and defiant, refusing to listen? Maybe she has problems in school and you suspect ADHD. The great news is, I have seen tremendous improvement in these issues with just 3-5 months of Child-Centered Play Therapy together with Parenting Counseling! Play Therapy puts your child in the driver's seat, giving him such an exhilarating sense of control over his own life, that he doesn't mind being told what to do so much outside of the session. In addition it allows him to process all of his overwhelming feelings.
Does your child have frequent tantrums? Is he willful and defiant, refusing to listen? Maybe she has problems in school and you suspect ADHD. The great news is, I have seen tremendous improvement in these issues with just 3-5 months of Child-Centered Play Therapy together with Parenting Counseling! Play Therapy puts your child in the driver's seat, giving him such an exhilarating sense of control over his own life, that he doesn't mind being told what to do so much outside of the session. In addition it allows him to process all of his overwhelming feelings.
(646) 681-1707 View (646) 681-1707
Photo of Camryn Hafner, Pre-Licensed Professional in New York, NY
Camryn Hafner
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10018  (Online Only)
As a creative arts therapist, I believe in the combined power of play, creativity, and evidence-based practice to support healing and growth.
I have an experience working with clients at many different life stages, including childhood, adolescence, mid-life, and older adulthood, and has helped these individuals navigate experiences of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relational conflict, and major life transitions. I integrate aspects of theater, music, dance, visual arts, mindfulness, and humanistic talk therapy, and I am dedicated to collaborating with clients to find a modality of expression that best supports their individual therapeutic process.
As a creative arts therapist, I believe in the combined power of play, creativity, and evidence-based practice to support healing and growth.
I have an experience working with clients at many different life stages, including childhood, adolescence, mid-life, and older adulthood, and has helped these individuals navigate experiences of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relational conflict, and major life transitions. I integrate aspects of theater, music, dance, visual arts, mindfulness, and humanistic talk therapy, and I am dedicated to collaborating with clients to find a modality of expression that best supports their individual therapeutic process.
(646) 916-5387 x1 View (646) 916-5387 x1

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.