Play Therapy in Granbury, TX

Photo of Rhonda Welch, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Rhonda Welch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, S
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76048
I work with children and adults wih a variety of issues that affect their lives and impact the family. I help adults with depression, anxiety and stress related issues. I am very person centered and work with each person on individual goals. I have also worked with children with developmental issues as young as 2 years of age as well as children in CPS and foster care. I am certified as a child centered play therapist and am trained in Trauma Focused CBT in order to help children dealing with different types of trauma. I am also experienced in working with teens that have self harm issues, are exhibiting depression or anxiety.
I work with children and adults wih a variety of issues that affect their lives and impact the family. I help adults with depression, anxiety and stress related issues. I am very person centered and work with each person on individual goals. I have also worked with children with developmental issues as young as 2 years of age as well as children in CPS and foster care. I am certified as a child centered play therapist and am trained in Trauma Focused CBT in order to help children dealing with different types of trauma. I am also experienced in working with teens that have self harm issues, are exhibiting depression or anxiety.
(682) 310-6526 View (682) 310-6526
Photo of Shannon Engbrecht, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Shannon Engbrecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76048
I have received training and practice in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and CBT, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
My work is meant to connect with those who have seen, heard, and experienced those traumatic things that can change our life path. My hope is that during our time together you will find a safe and open space to heal from hard things, feel supported and encouraged in trying new skills, be empowered by new knowledge and understanding, and find strength in celebrating finding new joys throughout your life. Trauma can change the ways we see the world, and this is your gentle reminder that healing can do that too.
I have received training and practice in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and CBT, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
My work is meant to connect with those who have seen, heard, and experienced those traumatic things that can change our life path. My hope is that during our time together you will find a safe and open space to heal from hard things, feel supported and encouraged in trying new skills, be empowered by new knowledge and understanding, and find strength in celebrating finding new joys throughout your life. Trauma can change the ways we see the world, and this is your gentle reminder that healing can do that too.
(682) 243-4965 View (682) 243-4965
Photo of Amy J Aston LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Amy J Aston LCSW-S
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76048
Waitlist for new clients
I teach Love and Logic to parents and use play therapy techniques with children and adolescent ages.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your life, spouse or family? Most satisfied clients tell me they feel better about their problems and are empowered to deal with them after reaching some therapeutic goals together. I can provide spiritual-based counseling as well to tap into the strengths you already have.
I teach Love and Logic to parents and use play therapy techniques with children and adolescent ages.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your life, spouse or family? Most satisfied clients tell me they feel better about their problems and are empowered to deal with them after reaching some therapeutic goals together. I can provide spiritual-based counseling as well to tap into the strengths you already have.
(817) 993-9931 View (817) 993-9931
Photo of Dr. Valerie Hope, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Dr. Valerie Hope
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, NCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76049
I utilize multiple modalities that may include: CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Exposure/Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, Prolonged Exposure, Reality Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, and Parenting.
Accepting NEW clients. I feel privileged that you are reading this to potentially help you, a loved one, or someone you know. I would love to join you on your journey of nurturing your emotional health. Are you the one that has been considering counseling, but keep talking yourself out of it because you have lived with many of these symptoms for so long, and think you can just keep going on with them. My philosophy in counseling is to help others be the best version of themselves, promote healing, reach their potential with their goals, guide them on how to get there while overcoming any barriers.
I utilize multiple modalities that may include: CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Exposure/Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, Prolonged Exposure, Reality Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, and Parenting.
Accepting NEW clients. I feel privileged that you are reading this to potentially help you, a loved one, or someone you know. I would love to join you on your journey of nurturing your emotional health. Are you the one that has been considering counseling, but keep talking yourself out of it because you have lived with many of these symptoms for so long, and think you can just keep going on with them. My philosophy in counseling is to help others be the best version of themselves, promote healing, reach their potential with their goals, guide them on how to get there while overcoming any barriers.
(817) 242-5607 View (817) 242-5607
Photo of Dr. Hallie Elizabeth Sheade -Equine Assisted Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Dr. Hallie Elizabeth Sheade -Equine Assisted Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76049
Seeking a transformative counseling experience outside the confines of a traditional office-based setting? Let's explore a healing journey tailored to your specific needs in a tranquil outdoor environment among horses (and a donkey!) I work with individuals of all ages. Whether you are seeking healing from past traumas, relief from anxiety and depression, or support for your child's emotional well-being, I am here to provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can partner with equines through my unique equine assisted counseling approaches, Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy.
Seeking a transformative counseling experience outside the confines of a traditional office-based setting? Let's explore a healing journey tailored to your specific needs in a tranquil outdoor environment among horses (and a donkey!) I work with individuals of all ages. Whether you are seeking healing from past traumas, relief from anxiety and depression, or support for your child's emotional well-being, I am here to provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can partner with equines through my unique equine assisted counseling approaches, Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy.
(682) 305-3637 View (682) 305-3637
Photo of Kayla Bennett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Kayla Bennett
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76048  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, and crisis intervention.
Does life feel out of balance? Maybe you don't feel like your best self? Sometimes we all need a helping hand to get us through tough times. My goal is to help you achieve your goals. If you are looking for someone to provide support and a listening ear, I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey to healing.
I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, and crisis intervention.
Does life feel out of balance? Maybe you don't feel like your best self? Sometimes we all need a helping hand to get us through tough times. My goal is to help you achieve your goals. If you are looking for someone to provide support and a listening ear, I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey to healing.
(817) 783-9696 View (817) 783-9696
Photo of Charlena Priddy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Charlena Priddy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76049
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use play therapy with children to provide developmentally appropriate services.
Are you ready to find help with struggles that have kept you stuck in the same place for far too long? Do you need a safe person to talk to that you can trust has your best interest in mind? Do you need encouragement and maybe even some idea of how to move forward? My goal as a counselor is help my clients discover Clarity, Direction, and Healing as they move through the counseling process.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use play therapy with children to provide developmentally appropriate services.
Are you ready to find help with struggles that have kept you stuck in the same place for far too long? Do you need a safe person to talk to that you can trust has your best interest in mind? Do you need encouragement and maybe even some idea of how to move forward? My goal as a counselor is help my clients discover Clarity, Direction, and Healing as they move through the counseling process.
(682) 327-1074 View (682) 327-1074
Photo of Natalie Land, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Granbury, TX
Natalie Land
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76049
I focus on grief and loss, chronic/terminal illness, trauma, play therapy, parent coaching, couples, and families in crisis.
Things seem dark; you may be overwhelmed, but you are not alone. I believe that our relationships shape and define us, as we come to know ourselves by being known. We can feel broken by relationships, but relationships also have the power to heal as we begin to experience ourselves in a new and powerful way. This is a tremendously vulnerable, scary, and exciting place to be. Sometimes it takes reaching the point of desperation to take this leap into new and unknown territory. Change is always possible, and there is no such thing as "too late", but it takes courage to begin.
I focus on grief and loss, chronic/terminal illness, trauma, play therapy, parent coaching, couples, and families in crisis.
Things seem dark; you may be overwhelmed, but you are not alone. I believe that our relationships shape and define us, as we come to know ourselves by being known. We can feel broken by relationships, but relationships also have the power to heal as we begin to experience ourselves in a new and powerful way. This is a tremendously vulnerable, scary, and exciting place to be. Sometimes it takes reaching the point of desperation to take this leap into new and unknown territory. Change is always possible, and there is no such thing as "too late", but it takes courage to begin.
(817) 904-8409 View (817) 904-8409
Photo of Dr. Chelsea Bryant, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Dr. Chelsea Bryant
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76048
My patients are real people with real struggles. Some have experienced unspeakable traumas in their past and some are struggling to get through their day. They come from all different seasons in life but share a common goal of desiring a fuller, healthier, and happier life.
My patients are real people with real struggles. Some have experienced unspeakable traumas in their past and some are struggling to get through their day. They come from all different seasons in life but share a common goal of desiring a fuller, healthier, and happier life.
(682) 260-6422 View (682) 260-6422
Photo of New Leaf Services, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
New Leaf Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granbury, TX 76048
At New Leaf Services, LLC we offer a wide variety of therapy and specialties. We offer individual, family, and couples counseling. Specialty treatment is available in Trauma, Abuse, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Grief Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Health Issues, and Animal Assisted Therapy. For counselors, we offer CEU training, administrative services, billing, credentialing, and general bookkeeping.
At New Leaf Services, LLC we offer a wide variety of therapy and specialties. We offer individual, family, and couples counseling. Specialty treatment is available in Trauma, Abuse, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Grief Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Health Issues, and Animal Assisted Therapy. For counselors, we offer CEU training, administrative services, billing, credentialing, and general bookkeeping.
(855) 236-7013 View (855) 236-7013
Photo of Lovell Counseling Services, PC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Lovell Counseling Services, PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76048
Our goal as counselors is to create a supportive environment in which our clients can explore their emotional needs and overcome barriers that limit their full potential. We take an open-minded approach to client wellness and consider the client's work life, family traditions, cultural and spiritual beliefs, and sexual identity. We offer counseling sessions for individuals, couples, and families. * Depression and Sadness * Codependency * Anxiety and Stress * Communication issues * Arguments * Trust issues * Sex issues * Sex and Porn addiction * Loneliness * Emotional intimacy * Trauma * Self-esteem issues We accept most insurance. We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Our goal as counselors is to create a supportive environment in which our clients can explore their emotional needs and overcome barriers that limit their full potential. We take an open-minded approach to client wellness and consider the client's work life, family traditions, cultural and spiritual beliefs, and sexual identity. We offer counseling sessions for individuals, couples, and families. * Depression and Sadness * Codependency * Anxiety and Stress * Communication issues * Arguments * Trust issues * Sex issues * Sex and Porn addiction * Loneliness * Emotional intimacy * Trauma * Self-esteem issues We accept most insurance. We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
(254) 848-0214 View (254) 848-0214

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Megan Hedges in Granbury, TX
Megan Hedges
LPC, MA, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cresson, TX 76035
Are you tired of searching for support only to find more barriers and judgement? Are you seeking a place of peace with a professional who can help you and your loved ones hold the heavy burden of what has happened to you? Have you tried forms of therapy that you heard were the "Gold Standard" and found they didn't work for you as expected? Sometimes our experiences are so heavy and cause us so much pain that it can be difficult to keep going. I offer you and your loved ones a safe place where your hope can be renewed and solutions can be found.
Are you tired of searching for support only to find more barriers and judgement? Are you seeking a place of peace with a professional who can help you and your loved ones hold the heavy burden of what has happened to you? Have you tried forms of therapy that you heard were the "Gold Standard" and found they didn't work for you as expected? Sometimes our experiences are so heavy and cause us so much pain that it can be difficult to keep going. I offer you and your loved ones a safe place where your hope can be renewed and solutions can be found.
(682) 452-7371 View (682) 452-7371
Photo of Brooke Marie Harris, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Brooke Marie Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CSC
Verified Verified
Bluff Dale, TX 76433
I am truly passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples and families! I enjoy the challenge of working with a varied range of clients to help attend to their needs. Meeting people where they are emotionally and aiding them to feel more confident to address concerns and eventually optimize their lives is always my goal. I truly yearn to work myself out of a job with every client(s). Being part of a family's or individual's success and journey is the most rewarding part of my job!
I am truly passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples and families! I enjoy the challenge of working with a varied range of clients to help attend to their needs. Meeting people where they are emotionally and aiding them to feel more confident to address concerns and eventually optimize their lives is always my goal. I truly yearn to work myself out of a job with every client(s). Being part of a family's or individual's success and journey is the most rewarding part of my job!
(254) 826-6094 View (254) 826-6094

Online Therapists

Photo of Christy Dobbs, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Christy Dobbs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
Waitlist for new clients
With child-centered play therapy, I can develop a therapeutic relationship with your child, that will promote personal growth and change.
I have a passion for helping children deal with big emotions. Children, often, do not have the ability to verbally express their feelings in words, and, therefore, my preferred approach is child-centered play therapy, which utilizes play as a medium for self-expression. Child-centered play therapy allows a child the freedom to process through the complex emotions they are experiencing, in a safe, contained space, and within a therapeutic relationship. Typically, children being able to communicate and experience their feelings in the playroom will alleviate the behavioral concerns that may result from emotional distress.
With child-centered play therapy, I can develop a therapeutic relationship with your child, that will promote personal growth and change.
I have a passion for helping children deal with big emotions. Children, often, do not have the ability to verbally express their feelings in words, and, therefore, my preferred approach is child-centered play therapy, which utilizes play as a medium for self-expression. Child-centered play therapy allows a child the freedom to process through the complex emotions they are experiencing, in a safe, contained space, and within a therapeutic relationship. Typically, children being able to communicate and experience their feelings in the playroom will alleviate the behavioral concerns that may result from emotional distress.
(682) 201-2009 View (682) 201-2009
Photo of Kate Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Kate Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ThM, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75218
Childhood can bring big challenges. Children deal with difficult transitions, feelings of loss and sometimes even traumatic events. Kids need a place where they can process their sadness, frustration and loss in a way that is tailored to the way children think, feel and understand their world. When children are able to process their feelings through play therapy, and their parents are able to support this process at home, the child learns to feel safe again and begins to thrive in his/her own world again. I am new to East Dallas Psychotherapy, I'm excited to join this team that already serves adults & teens by focusing on kids!
Childhood can bring big challenges. Children deal with difficult transitions, feelings of loss and sometimes even traumatic events. Kids need a place where they can process their sadness, frustration and loss in a way that is tailored to the way children think, feel and understand their world. When children are able to process their feelings through play therapy, and their parents are able to support this process at home, the child learns to feel safe again and begins to thrive in his/her own world again. I am new to East Dallas Psychotherapy, I'm excited to join this team that already serves adults & teens by focusing on kids!
(972) 450-9514 View (972) 450-9514
Photo of Julie Ann Ballinger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Julie Ann Ballinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, BCN
Verified Verified
Flower Mound, TX 75028
I have specialty training to help across the life-span including play therapy for children and activity therapy for tweens and adolescents.
I believe we can discover a life to love - and while life presents us with periods of stability and order, it also contains times of challenge and uncertainty. I trust that the periods of instability that require change can be successfully negotiated through self-exploration and self-compassion. My role as a counseling professional is to create and maintain a supportive, empathic, collaborative environment where you feel safe to explore and experiment with different solutions to your personal difficulties.
I have specialty training to help across the life-span including play therapy for children and activity therapy for tweens and adolescents.
I believe we can discover a life to love - and while life presents us with periods of stability and order, it also contains times of challenge and uncertainty. I trust that the periods of instability that require change can be successfully negotiated through self-exploration and self-compassion. My role as a counseling professional is to create and maintain a supportive, empathic, collaborative environment where you feel safe to explore and experiment with different solutions to your personal difficulties.
(972) 885-6232 View (972) 885-6232
Photo of Marisa Burton, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Granbury, TX
Marisa Burton
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Allen, TX 75013
My love for teaching and helping others reach their full potential carries over to counseling where I have experience working with school-aged children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, group, play therapy, parenting support, and faith-based counseling upon request.
It can feel discouraging to struggle with mental health challenges, relational issues, or wounds from our past. You want to alleviate the deep pain and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma but are unsure how. Know there is hope, and you CAN heal! Hi, I'm Marisa, and I am so glad you are here! Genuine connection is the heart of the counseling relationship, and you will find me authentic as a person and counselor. I utilize a person-centered, collaborative, and integrative therapeutic approach and will adapt treatment to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
My love for teaching and helping others reach their full potential carries over to counseling where I have experience working with school-aged children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, group, play therapy, parenting support, and faith-based counseling upon request.
It can feel discouraging to struggle with mental health challenges, relational issues, or wounds from our past. You want to alleviate the deep pain and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma but are unsure how. Know there is hope, and you CAN heal! Hi, I'm Marisa, and I am so glad you are here! Genuine connection is the heart of the counseling relationship, and you will find me authentic as a person and counselor. I utilize a person-centered, collaborative, and integrative therapeutic approach and will adapt treatment to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
(469) 529-6309 View (469) 529-6309
Photo of Madison Berley in Granbury, TX
Madison Berley
LPC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75035
When working with children (ages 3-12) I will utilize play therapy to help your child learn better ways to communicate their feelings and needs.
Feeling like you want someone to talk to? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or depressed? Feeling like your child could use someone to talk to? Not sure where else to turn? I am here to help! Having been in therapy myself as a child, I understand how scary it is to be open and vulnerable with a stranger, especially when you don’t know if they are the right therapist for you. I’ve been there. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place! I am available for talk therapy for adults and play therapy for children.
When working with children (ages 3-12) I will utilize play therapy to help your child learn better ways to communicate their feelings and needs.
Feeling like you want someone to talk to? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or depressed? Feeling like your child could use someone to talk to? Not sure where else to turn? I am here to help! Having been in therapy myself as a child, I understand how scary it is to be open and vulnerable with a stranger, especially when you don’t know if they are the right therapist for you. I’ve been there. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place! I am available for talk therapy for adults and play therapy for children.
(214) 937-9120 View (214) 937-9120
Photo of Alva Pierlot, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Alva Pierlot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Red Oak, TX 75154
But services such as social skills training, play therapy, career exploration, support in implementing in school services/accommodations, and parenting support are only some of the many things that I can help you with.
Whether your child is needing further support, if you are a teen or young adult needing guidance, a couple needing premarital counseling, a woman in a difficult relationship, or a family seeking help with life challenges, please let me know how I can be of assistance. My practice seeks to help all clients with modalities that meet their needs.
But services such as social skills training, play therapy, career exploration, support in implementing in school services/accommodations, and parenting support are only some of the many things that I can help you with.
Whether your child is needing further support, if you are a teen or young adult needing guidance, a couple needing premarital counseling, a woman in a difficult relationship, or a family seeking help with life challenges, please let me know how I can be of assistance. My practice seeks to help all clients with modalities that meet their needs.
(469) 620-8261 View (469) 620-8261
Photo of Brittany Cox, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Brittany Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Addison, TX 75001
Honoring the uniqueness and individual needs of her clients, Brittany uses various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Group therapy.
Brittany has worked as a mental health counselor in settings including public schools, residential substance use treatment facility, and Child Advocacy Centers. She is skilled and trained in the treatment of ADHD, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Coping Skills, School Concerns, Family Conflict, LGBTQ+ issues, Attachment Disorders, Self-esteem, Life Transitions, Substance Use issues, Anger Management, Grief, Complex Trauma, Sensory Processing, and Self-harm. At her core, Brittany is a calming agent, who is focused on seeing the world through her clients’ eyes while helping them reach their goals and fullest potential.
Honoring the uniqueness and individual needs of her clients, Brittany uses various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Group therapy.
Brittany has worked as a mental health counselor in settings including public schools, residential substance use treatment facility, and Child Advocacy Centers. She is skilled and trained in the treatment of ADHD, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Coping Skills, School Concerns, Family Conflict, LGBTQ+ issues, Attachment Disorders, Self-esteem, Life Transitions, Substance Use issues, Anger Management, Grief, Complex Trauma, Sensory Processing, and Self-harm. At her core, Brittany is a calming agent, who is focused on seeing the world through her clients’ eyes while helping them reach their goals and fullest potential.
(214) 624-6739 View (214) 624-6739
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.