Therapists in Cleveland Heights, OH

Photo of Drew Friedman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Drew Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
I primarily use evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities in my practice, as well as non-traditional therapies involving art and play.
Healing children and adolescents is the focus of my practice. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that helps kids grow and adapt to change. My practice focuses on aiding children in developing skills to adapt to change, process stressful life events, and increase functioning in daily life.
I primarily use evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities in my practice, as well as non-traditional therapies involving art and play.
Healing children and adolescents is the focus of my practice. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that helps kids grow and adapt to change. My practice focuses on aiding children in developing skills to adapt to change, process stressful life events, and increase functioning in daily life.
(216) 616-4660 View (216) 616-4660
Photo of Ashley Dudinsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Ashley Dudinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, ADN, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118  (Online Only)
My foundation in therapy has always been working with children, teens, families and women's mental health. Each person is unique, and each situation is different. My purpose is to help you design a plan to address whatever it may be that you are wanting to work on. I love to incorporate different methods and approaches such as bringing in art interventions, games, music, reading to accompany traditional treatment perspectives. One quote I love is- It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become- Dr. Seuss. I love to explore the past, present and then develop a beautiful future vision.
My foundation in therapy has always been working with children, teens, families and women's mental health. Each person is unique, and each situation is different. My purpose is to help you design a plan to address whatever it may be that you are wanting to work on. I love to incorporate different methods and approaches such as bringing in art interventions, games, music, reading to accompany traditional treatment perspectives. One quote I love is- It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become- Dr. Seuss. I love to explore the past, present and then develop a beautiful future vision.
(216) 340-9915 View (216) 340-9915
Photo of Norman James Cerny, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Norman James Cerny
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106  (Online Only)
Hi there and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! My name is Norman Cerny. I am a counselor who works with clients of all ages and a variety of issues. My experience and focus have been in trauma-focused care, LGBTQ issues, self-harm, addiction, and family and relationship conflicts. I have a focus on transitional youth meaning teens and young adults but have and will work with people of all ages. I believe we are our best when we can live as our true authentic self in our everyday life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck, or just unsure what to do next I would love the opportunity to help you through life's transit
Hi there and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! My name is Norman Cerny. I am a counselor who works with clients of all ages and a variety of issues. My experience and focus have been in trauma-focused care, LGBTQ issues, self-harm, addiction, and family and relationship conflicts. I have a focus on transitional youth meaning teens and young adults but have and will work with people of all ages. I believe we are our best when we can live as our true authentic self in our everyday life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck, or just unsure what to do next I would love the opportunity to help you through life's transit
(216) 999-5547 View (216) 999-5547
Photo of Cindy Kaufman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Cindy Kaufman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
I believe that each person has the ability to make positive changes by learning and practicing new skills and strategies to apply in whatever areas of their life they want to improve. I enjoy partnering with individuals, couples, and families to find their inner strength and move forward in the process of achieving their goals. I often blend elements from different evidence based approaches and tailor treatment according to your unique needs. I have expertise in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Humanistic Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Couples and Family Therapy
I believe that each person has the ability to make positive changes by learning and practicing new skills and strategies to apply in whatever areas of their life they want to improve. I enjoy partnering with individuals, couples, and families to find their inner strength and move forward in the process of achieving their goals. I often blend elements from different evidence based approaches and tailor treatment according to your unique needs. I have expertise in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Humanistic Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Couples and Family Therapy
(440) 530-9191 View (440) 530-9191
Photo of Jeffery D Rosenbaum, Psychologist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Jeffery D Rosenbaum
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Children, adolescents, and families are the focus of my practice. Developing and strengthening the parent-child relationship is especially important with young children. Helping children learn to feel more capable and independent is important for school age children. Developing autonomy and learning to make good choices is critical for adolescents. By creating achievable goals together and working in a safe and supportive environment, we are able to create positive experiences for both children and parents.
Children, adolescents, and families are the focus of my practice. Developing and strengthening the parent-child relationship is especially important with young children. Helping children learn to feel more capable and independent is important for school age children. Developing autonomy and learning to make good choices is critical for adolescents. By creating achievable goals together and working in a safe and supportive environment, we are able to create positive experiences for both children and parents.
(704) 286-9594 View (704) 286-9594
Photo of Takiyah G. Small, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Takiyah G. Small
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Life tends to bring about a set of challenges that can be difficult to manage without the right tools. Identifying the right people just to share your story with and get wise counsel can be even more challenging. Are you depressed, anxious, confused about your purpose and goals for your life or just flat out need someone to talk to...I’m here. I believe that everyone is born with the innate ability to thrive and persevere regardless of what the circumstances say. Have faith in yourself, acknowledge that inner strength, take one small step at a time and see results manifest in due time. Seeking help means you are almost there!
Life tends to bring about a set of challenges that can be difficult to manage without the right tools. Identifying the right people just to share your story with and get wise counsel can be even more challenging. Are you depressed, anxious, confused about your purpose and goals for your life or just flat out need someone to talk to...I’m here. I believe that everyone is born with the innate ability to thrive and persevere regardless of what the circumstances say. Have faith in yourself, acknowledge that inner strength, take one small step at a time and see results manifest in due time. Seeking help means you are almost there!
(330) 460-0113 View (330) 460-0113
Photo of Christian James Mixon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Christian James Mixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, CIMHP, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland Heights, OH 44121
God has given us a purpose, a vision, and a mission! As someone who has experienced adversities, I have used my own experiences to empower, and strengthen others. I will admit I do not know everything. I say this because you know your story better than I. If you allow me access to know your story, we can grow together. I acknowledge that trust is an important part in any relationship to develop so do not trust me until I have earned it. My hope is that through partnership, engagement, patience, love, understanding, respect, kindness, and teamwork we can work towards healing and self-empowerment. "Please Email if you see Waitlist" !
God has given us a purpose, a vision, and a mission! As someone who has experienced adversities, I have used my own experiences to empower, and strengthen others. I will admit I do not know everything. I say this because you know your story better than I. If you allow me access to know your story, we can grow together. I acknowledge that trust is an important part in any relationship to develop so do not trust me until I have earned it. My hope is that through partnership, engagement, patience, love, understanding, respect, kindness, and teamwork we can work towards healing and self-empowerment. "Please Email if you see Waitlist" !
(216) 616-2215 View (216) 616-2215

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nia Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Nia Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, CT
Verified Verified
Beachwood, OH 44122
Client-centered therapy, Reality therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-informed and responsive, Group, and Multicultural therapy are the primary treatment approaches.
Nia offers a warm, welcoming, and supportive therapeutic space for clients who are struggling with maintaining and establishing good overall mental health and wellness. Nia's focus areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress management, personal growth and development, child and adolescent counseling, relationship and couples counseling,
Client-centered therapy, Reality therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-informed and responsive, Group, and Multicultural therapy are the primary treatment approaches.
Nia offers a warm, welcoming, and supportive therapeutic space for clients who are struggling with maintaining and establishing good overall mental health and wellness. Nia's focus areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress management, personal growth and development, child and adolescent counseling, relationship and couples counseling,
(216) 616-7232 View (216) 616-7232
Photo of Susanne Sacco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Susanne Sacco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MEd
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44113
Waitlist for new clients
I have the unique experience of working with children as young as 2 years old and believe play therapy and parent education can be very valuable for parents and their children in this young age group.
I believe in an individualized approach for every client and working with you to determine the best methodology to get you where you want to be. I will help you tell your life story, and will work with you to find insight and meaning for the future. While on your journey, you will find that I can offer and link you with additional resources to empower you beyond the therapy room. Finally, if a relationship with me as a therapist is not working, I encourage my clients to be open and honest so that we can get them on the correct path to healing.
I have the unique experience of working with children as young as 2 years old and believe play therapy and parent education can be very valuable for parents and their children in this young age group.
I believe in an individualized approach for every client and working with you to determine the best methodology to get you where you want to be. I will help you tell your life story, and will work with you to find insight and meaning for the future. While on your journey, you will find that I can offer and link you with additional resources to empower you beyond the therapy room. Finally, if a relationship with me as a therapist is not working, I encourage my clients to be open and honest so that we can get them on the correct path to healing.
(440) 484-3229 View (440) 484-3229
Photo of Kateri Kenney, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Kateri Kenney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44101
My modalities include but are not limited to child-centered play techniques, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic and psychanalytic, and Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT).
Do you have a child, pre-teen or adolescent or do you yourself deal with with issues of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or trauma? You’ve come to the right place! I work with ages 3-30! I help my clients by first creating a safe and trusting environment because therapy can be scary sometimes! Things we may work on initially are becoming aware of symptoms related to the experienced problem, understanding the implications of the stressor(s), developing and utilizing coping skills, and understanding connections between thoughts and behaviors using CBT modality.
My modalities include but are not limited to child-centered play techniques, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic and psychanalytic, and Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT).
Do you have a child, pre-teen or adolescent or do you yourself deal with with issues of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or trauma? You’ve come to the right place! I work with ages 3-30! I help my clients by first creating a safe and trusting environment because therapy can be scary sometimes! Things we may work on initially are becoming aware of symptoms related to the experienced problem, understanding the implications of the stressor(s), developing and utilizing coping skills, and understanding connections between thoughts and behaviors using CBT modality.
(440) 271-3985 View (440) 271-3985
Photo of Dr. Rachel Bell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Dr. Rachel Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, IMFT-S, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44101
in Couple and Family Therapy and only use evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, EMDR, and play therapy.
Welcome! I'm so glad you found our practice! Searchlight Family Therapy offers child, adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy statewide.  We provide both in-person and virtual sessions. As owner of Searchlight Family Therapy, I seek to offer our clients a full range of family therapy services in a place that feels welcoming and safe.  Whether you're new to therapy or are searching for the right fit, I hope we can provide you a supportive environment that challenges you and helps you grow. ​
in Couple and Family Therapy and only use evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, EMDR, and play therapy.
Welcome! I'm so glad you found our practice! Searchlight Family Therapy offers child, adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy statewide.  We provide both in-person and virtual sessions. As owner of Searchlight Family Therapy, I seek to offer our clients a full range of family therapy services in a place that feels welcoming and safe.  Whether you're new to therapy or are searching for the right fit, I hope we can provide you a supportive environment that challenges you and helps you grow. ​
(440) 644-4576 View (440) 644-4576
Photo of Janet (Jeni) Fetzer, Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Janet (Jeni) Fetzer
Counselor, MA, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44106
I have had the opportunity to work with adolescents, adults, and families in both individual and group settings. In my work with adolescents, I have provided care for children and teens who report issues regarding suicide, depression, anxiety, family concerns, and behavioral issues. I have training in art and play therapy and specialize in the unique needs that children and adolescents face. I utilize a strength-based approach with each individual to help them achieve their goals toward wellness. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor-supervisor in the state of Ohio and received her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary.
I have had the opportunity to work with adolescents, adults, and families in both individual and group settings. In my work with adolescents, I have provided care for children and teens who report issues regarding suicide, depression, anxiety, family concerns, and behavioral issues. I have training in art and play therapy and specialize in the unique needs that children and adolescents face. I utilize a strength-based approach with each individual to help them achieve their goals toward wellness. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor-supervisor in the state of Ohio and received her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary.
(440) 709-8293 View (440) 709-8293
Photo of Heather Baker, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Heather Baker
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Beachwood, OH 44122
I encourage the use of play and art to use creativity to increase self awareness and decrease stress and anxiety.
We all go through difficult life experiences that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed with behavioral responses that are no longer serving us well. Finding meaning in difficult emotions and life events can be very helpful in moving forward. I feel passionate about providing a nonjudgemental space for clients to engage in self exploration while focusing on healing. I work with individuals, children, and families, bringing warmth and understanding to the relationships and life problems that surround us.
I encourage the use of play and art to use creativity to increase self awareness and decrease stress and anxiety.
We all go through difficult life experiences that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed with behavioral responses that are no longer serving us well. Finding meaning in difficult emotions and life events can be very helpful in moving forward. I feel passionate about providing a nonjudgemental space for clients to engage in self exploration while focusing on healing. I work with individuals, children, and families, bringing warmth and understanding to the relationships and life problems that surround us.
(216) 616-1522 View (216) 616-1522
Photo of Laura Lebovitz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Laura Lebovitz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beachwood, OH 44122  (Online Only)
I also do play therapy and art therapy with younger clients.
We all go through struggles. Sometimes it can feel difficult to go on the journey to peace, resiliency, and health on our own. Torridon Counseling can help you tap into your inner strength and harness it to create the strongest and healthiest you. Let’s go on that journey together.
I also do play therapy and art therapy with younger clients.
We all go through struggles. Sometimes it can feel difficult to go on the journey to peace, resiliency, and health on our own. Torridon Counseling can help you tap into your inner strength and harness it to create the strongest and healthiest you. Let’s go on that journey together.
(404) 620-6866 View (404) 620-6866
Photo of Iris Lynn Bailey, Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Iris Lynn Bailey
Counselor, M-Div, MA, PCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
I use play therapy to address trauma, abuse, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Many of us struggle with family conflict, marriage and relationship issues. Perhaps you are single parenting, and your job, responsibilities at home, and conflict with your children seem overwhelming; maybe pain from your past prevents you from moving into your future. I assist families in working-through the circumstances in which we often find ourselves. My specialty is family relationship-building. I work with adults, families and children. An often asked question: "How can I help my family when it's such a struggle to address my own concerns?" I'd like to assist with the important emotional decisions and changes in your life.
I use play therapy to address trauma, abuse, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Many of us struggle with family conflict, marriage and relationship issues. Perhaps you are single parenting, and your job, responsibilities at home, and conflict with your children seem overwhelming; maybe pain from your past prevents you from moving into your future. I assist families in working-through the circumstances in which we often find ourselves. My specialty is family relationship-building. I work with adults, families and children. An often asked question: "How can I help my family when it's such a struggle to address my own concerns?" I'd like to assist with the important emotional decisions and changes in your life.
(216) 502-4674 View (216) 502-4674
Photo of Cleveland Health and Wellness Center, Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Cleveland Health and Wellness Center
Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Beachwood, OH 44122
Children and adolescents are given the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings verbally and non-verbally through play, drawing, writing, painting, and sculpture.
Meet with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist in-person or from the comfort of your home. Our team of over 20 clinical therapists provides compassionate and holistic mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children. Our approach recognizes the whole person, mind and body. We specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, stress, addiction, and relationship issues. We provide individual psychotherapy, psychiatry, couples and family therapy.
Children and adolescents are given the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings verbally and non-verbally through play, drawing, writing, painting, and sculpture.
Meet with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist in-person or from the comfort of your home. Our team of over 20 clinical therapists provides compassionate and holistic mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children. Our approach recognizes the whole person, mind and body. We specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, stress, addiction, and relationship issues. We provide individual psychotherapy, psychiatry, couples and family therapy.
(440) 434-3692 View (440) 434-3692
Photo of Stephen Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Stephen Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44102
My name is Stephen Brown, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Northeast Ohio and seeing clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients find positive solutions to start feeling better. I have found that my approach is effective for teens and adults struggling with the challenges and stressors of life, which take the forms of depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma.
My name is Stephen Brown, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Northeast Ohio and seeing clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients find positive solutions to start feeling better. I have found that my approach is effective for teens and adults struggling with the challenges and stressors of life, which take the forms of depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma.
(216) 350-7358 View (216) 350-7358
Photo of Lauren Ehrenreich, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Lauren Ehrenreich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Beachwood, OH 44122
I have a very holistic approach to psychotherapy and feel that each therapeutic relationship is unique and needs to be both broad and individualized. I help teens, and adults make sense of the complexity of a struggle or experience so that they can harness their strengths and feel empowered and supported to create a meaningful change in themselves and their relationships. I provide parent guidance for children of all ages to help parents make sense of complex childhood struggles and how best to understand and support their child's unique development.
I have a very holistic approach to psychotherapy and feel that each therapeutic relationship is unique and needs to be both broad and individualized. I help teens, and adults make sense of the complexity of a struggle or experience so that they can harness their strengths and feel empowered and supported to create a meaningful change in themselves and their relationships. I provide parent guidance for children of all ages to help parents make sense of complex childhood struggles and how best to understand and support their child's unique development.
(216) 238-0514 View (216) 238-0514
Photo of Anna Dykeman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland Heights, OH
Anna Dykeman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44115  (Online Only)
You know this sudden rush of emotions, when your heart is racing with memories of a time long gone but not forgotten. Maybe your palms are getting damp, and you feel your throat tightening - almost choking - as you remember painful memories of either childhood abuse, a painful breakup, or other shadows of the past – it's like being caught in a storm of past pain with a ton of emotions. Life is rough and now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they should manage their relationships, careers, and lives — however, you don’t have to walk through this on your own.
You know this sudden rush of emotions, when your heart is racing with memories of a time long gone but not forgotten. Maybe your palms are getting damp, and you feel your throat tightening - almost choking - as you remember painful memories of either childhood abuse, a painful breakup, or other shadows of the past – it's like being caught in a storm of past pain with a ton of emotions. Life is rough and now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they should manage their relationships, careers, and lives — however, you don’t have to walk through this on your own.
(380) 207-1133 View (380) 207-1133
Photo of Albert J McIntosh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland Heights, OH
Albert J McIntosh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Beachwood, OH 44122
Do you feel emotionally defeated? Are you a family member, or is your marriage in crisis? I offer older teens, adults, and couples effective strategies that give hope. I believe a Therapist must provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where a client feels free to engage in the treatment process that leads to emotional healing, restoration, and life transformation. I am committed to providing that environment so that you can enter into that process, and together we can discuss those challenges as we work on mutually agreed-upon solutions.
Do you feel emotionally defeated? Are you a family member, or is your marriage in crisis? I offer older teens, adults, and couples effective strategies that give hope. I believe a Therapist must provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where a client feels free to engage in the treatment process that leads to emotional healing, restoration, and life transformation. I am committed to providing that environment so that you can enter into that process, and together we can discuss those challenges as we work on mutually agreed-upon solutions.
(800) 642-4560 x800 View (800) 642-4560 x800

See more therapy options for Cleveland Heights

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.