Play Therapy in Williston, VT

Photo of Kyla Suarez, Registered Psychotherapist in Williston, VT
Kyla Suarez
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, RYT-500, Y4C
Verified Verified
Williston, VT 05495  (Online Only)
Please email to inquire about consultation. I strive to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to rediscover your truest self and remain an observant student to the challenges you are confronting. I will support you in facing fear so you can overcome challenges, achieve your goals and love yourself. You will learn ways to regulate your mind and body to support your goals and honor yourself. I support clients that are open and willing to dive deep and begin the practice of believing in themselves, remembering that you are amazing and loving your inner-child as well as connect to other inner-parts (IFS) of yourself.
Please email to inquire about consultation. I strive to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to rediscover your truest self and remain an observant student to the challenges you are confronting. I will support you in facing fear so you can overcome challenges, achieve your goals and love yourself. You will learn ways to regulate your mind and body to support your goals and honor yourself. I support clients that are open and willing to dive deep and begin the practice of believing in themselves, remembering that you are amazing and loving your inner-child as well as connect to other inner-parts (IFS) of yourself.
(802) 222-8938 View (802) 222-8938
Photo of Camille Thomen-Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Williston, VT
Camille Thomen-Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Williston, VT 05495  (Online Only)
Would you like to have a deeper understanding of your child’s developmental needs, behaviors, and emotions? Would you like to feel a greater sense of heart-centeredness, attunement, and connection in your relationship with your infant or child? Would you like to feel more ease in your parenting journey? I specialize in early-childhood mental health and I am passionate about working with parents of infants and children to enhance the parent-child bond. Using attachment-based theories, I offer insights into age-appropriate expectations and support parents to create a nurturing relationship and a secure attachment with their child.
Would you like to have a deeper understanding of your child’s developmental needs, behaviors, and emotions? Would you like to feel a greater sense of heart-centeredness, attunement, and connection in your relationship with your infant or child? Would you like to feel more ease in your parenting journey? I specialize in early-childhood mental health and I am passionate about working with parents of infants and children to enhance the parent-child bond. Using attachment-based theories, I offer insights into age-appropriate expectations and support parents to create a nurturing relationship and a secure attachment with their child.
(802) 727-7715 View (802) 727-7715
Photo of Elizabeth (Lizzi) June Buel in Williston, VT
Elizabeth (Lizzi) June Buel
MS
Verified Verified
Williston, VT 05495
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who are dealing with a range of difficulties. Through the use of different therapeutic techniques, we can dive deep into past traumas & begin your long waiting healing journey, or work through a current life struggle. Or, I find that some clients simply need an unbiased source to talk through their day-to-day functioning with. If you have a goal that you want to achieve, big or small, we can work to figure out what works best for you. I don't stick to one specific type of therapy in my practice, I believe it is more beneficial to the client if I stay flexible & we find what works best for them & their situation.
I work with clients who are dealing with a range of difficulties. Through the use of different therapeutic techniques, we can dive deep into past traumas & begin your long waiting healing journey, or work through a current life struggle. Or, I find that some clients simply need an unbiased source to talk through their day-to-day functioning with. If you have a goal that you want to achieve, big or small, we can work to figure out what works best for you. I don't stick to one specific type of therapy in my practice, I believe it is more beneficial to the client if I stay flexible & we find what works best for them & their situation.
(802) 255-8293 View (802) 255-8293
Photo of Nurtured Wellness, LLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Williston, VT
Nurtured Wellness, LLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williston, VT 05495
Not accepting new clients
As a therapist, my role is to be a caring guide throughout your healing journey. We will work on personalized goals, identify strengths, develop coping skills, and create practical self care practices. Humor, play, art, music, meditation, mindfulness, and evidenced based methods are all at the center of my practice. Additionally, I strive to create a gentle, honest, and kind therapeutic relationship to support you on your pathway of health and happiness.
As a therapist, my role is to be a caring guide throughout your healing journey. We will work on personalized goals, identify strengths, develop coping skills, and create practical self care practices. Humor, play, art, music, meditation, mindfulness, and evidenced based methods are all at the center of my practice. Additionally, I strive to create a gentle, honest, and kind therapeutic relationship to support you on your pathway of health and happiness.
(802) 992-1416 View (802) 992-1416

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer M. Donohue, M.A., LCMHC, CLC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Williston, VT
Jennifer M. Donohue, M.A., LCMHC, CLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CLC
Verified Verified
Essex Junction, VT 05452  (Online Only)
I am committed to effect change through the process of psychotherapy using a direct, reality based approach. Although I draw from many different therapeutic modalities, my theoretical orientation is consistent with cognitive-behavioral theories. I believe social learning, modeling, and reinforcement all play a significant role in how ones personality developes, how one thinks, behaves, & feels as they get older. I believe refuting negative and irrational thinking will likely increase healthy feelings and behaviors that will greatly impact ones overall wellbeing. I believe that effective communication is the key to building healthy relationships, rebuilding severed relationships, & strengthening present ones.
I am committed to effect change through the process of psychotherapy using a direct, reality based approach. Although I draw from many different therapeutic modalities, my theoretical orientation is consistent with cognitive-behavioral theories. I believe social learning, modeling, and reinforcement all play a significant role in how ones personality developes, how one thinks, behaves, & feels as they get older. I believe refuting negative and irrational thinking will likely increase healthy feelings and behaviors that will greatly impact ones overall wellbeing. I believe that effective communication is the key to building healthy relationships, rebuilding severed relationships, & strengthening present ones.
(802) 458-0474 View (802) 458-0474
Photo of Anna Helfand, Counselor in Williston, VT
Anna Helfand
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
I utilize play therapy to help children work through developmental transitions, cope with stressors in their life, and build confidence.
I am here to support you as you navigate your way through life, whether it is to solidify a balance or to work through challenges. If you are struggling to make sense of how to be a less stressed parent in today's world, I can help you work through your own triggers and find solutions that are cooperative and confident. If your child needs help communicating their inner world, then play therapy will help them do so in a developmentally nurturing way. If you are an adult who needs to find confidence in their own thoughts, beliefs, and guidance, then our work together can free you of what is holding you back.
I utilize play therapy to help children work through developmental transitions, cope with stressors in their life, and build confidence.
I am here to support you as you navigate your way through life, whether it is to solidify a balance or to work through challenges. If you are struggling to make sense of how to be a less stressed parent in today's world, I can help you work through your own triggers and find solutions that are cooperative and confident. If your child needs help communicating their inner world, then play therapy will help them do so in a developmentally nurturing way. If you are an adult who needs to find confidence in their own thoughts, beliefs, and guidance, then our work together can free you of what is holding you back.
(802) 523-3382 View (802) 523-3382
Photo of Annie M-A Jordan in Williston, VT
Annie M-A Jordan
Depth, PhD
Verified Verified
South Burlington, VT 05403
Annie calls Alchemical Art & Shadow Play.
Interested in soul-making with personal agency versus coping with dysfunctional realities? The depth lens can be used by those experiencing non-ordinary states of reality, amplified emotions, mania, anxiety, trauma presentations, & a desire to understand your psychological patterns better or create new ones. Dr. Annie facilitates a decolonization approach to tend psyche, wherein we co-create a self-care system through your cultural lenses to teach you how to keep your own council. The psyche-soma models employed include Jungian, Archetypal, Mindfulness-Based, Eco-Psychological, Wisdom Traditions, & Expressive Arts modalities.
Annie calls Alchemical Art & Shadow Play.
Interested in soul-making with personal agency versus coping with dysfunctional realities? The depth lens can be used by those experiencing non-ordinary states of reality, amplified emotions, mania, anxiety, trauma presentations, & a desire to understand your psychological patterns better or create new ones. Dr. Annie facilitates a decolonization approach to tend psyche, wherein we co-create a self-care system through your cultural lenses to teach you how to keep your own council. The psyche-soma models employed include Jungian, Archetypal, Mindfulness-Based, Eco-Psychological, Wisdom Traditions, & Expressive Arts modalities.
(802) 676-7748 View (802) 676-7748
Photo of Courtney Foley, Counselor in Williston, VT
Courtney Foley
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
Waitlist for new clients
I often use both non-directive and directive play therapy approaches, as well as CBT & mindfulness.
I can only imagine what growing up in the world today must be like. With so many dynamic challenges present in so many areas of life, it's no wonder to me that young people are struggling. While the feelings and experiences behind these struggles may be completely valid, sometimes the ways in which we cope, communicate or express ourselves may be unpleasant, unhealthy, or downright damaging. As the therapist, I am here to listen deeply to my child, teen and young adult clients (and their caregivers as needed), help them explore and identify what’s going on for them, and support them in making desired changes.
I often use both non-directive and directive play therapy approaches, as well as CBT & mindfulness.
I can only imagine what growing up in the world today must be like. With so many dynamic challenges present in so many areas of life, it's no wonder to me that young people are struggling. While the feelings and experiences behind these struggles may be completely valid, sometimes the ways in which we cope, communicate or express ourselves may be unpleasant, unhealthy, or downright damaging. As the therapist, I am here to listen deeply to my child, teen and young adult clients (and their caregivers as needed), help them explore and identify what’s going on for them, and support them in making desired changes.
(802) 780-2648 View (802) 780-2648
Photo of Hailey Libbey, Counselor in Williston, VT
Hailey Libbey
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colchester, VT 05446
I use expressive modalities like music, play and art therapies to engage my clie.
*Accepting New Clients!** Are you feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Have you experienced a traumatic event or loss and struggling to navigate the world around you? I may be able to help. I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2019. For the past 3 years I have worked with children and teens (5-18) along with their caregivers (bio/foster/adoptive/kin). I have provided direct client care to adults 65+ for over 13 years. I will use a collection of therapeutic modalities to meet your needs. Contact me today at Haileylibbey@gmail.com
I use expressive modalities like music, play and art therapies to engage my clie.
*Accepting New Clients!** Are you feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Have you experienced a traumatic event or loss and struggling to navigate the world around you? I may be able to help. I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2019. For the past 3 years I have worked with children and teens (5-18) along with their caregivers (bio/foster/adoptive/kin). I have provided direct client care to adults 65+ for over 13 years. I will use a collection of therapeutic modalities to meet your needs. Contact me today at Haileylibbey@gmail.com
(802) 200-2955 View (802) 200-2955
Photo of Aaron Wells, Registered Psychotherapist in Williston, VT
Aaron Wells
Registered Psychotherapist, MFA, MA
Verified Verified
South Burlington, VT 05403
Children are encouraged to come, do their work, engage in music, art and play therapy! Let's create!.
We could all benefit from support at times. Someone who is willing to listen. Someone to provide an outside perspective. We can work together to help you stay connected to your positive parenting skills, your need to find calm or perhaps work through a past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. Wherever you are, connect with someone who provides encouragement and perspective. Children and families are welcome! We live in an ever changing world. Let's do something to help strengthen our foundation...for life!
Children are encouraged to come, do their work, engage in music, art and play therapy! Let's create!.
We could all benefit from support at times. Someone who is willing to listen. Someone to provide an outside perspective. We can work together to help you stay connected to your positive parenting skills, your need to find calm or perhaps work through a past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. Wherever you are, connect with someone who provides encouragement and perspective. Children and families are welcome! We live in an ever changing world. Let's do something to help strengthen our foundation...for life!
(802) 636-9138 View (802) 636-9138
Photo of Corrine Mertz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Williston, VT
Corrine Mertz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
I use trauma-informed methods, and build trust through somatic practices such as play and movement to calm anxiety and lift depression.
Openings Mon AM, Wed AM/early PM, Thurs at noon: I work with children, teens, families, and adults who are ready to heal from trauma and build healthy relationships. As a Queer therapist, I support marginalized people to build self-worth and live with a greater sense of wellbeing amidst systems that undermine our inherent value. Working with me is what it sounds like: having a guide for you, your child, and partner(s) in building more loving, functional, and liberating relationships with yourself and others. With adults and teens, I utilize an evidence-based modality based in neuroscience called Brainspotting to heal trauma.
I use trauma-informed methods, and build trust through somatic practices such as play and movement to calm anxiety and lift depression.
Openings Mon AM, Wed AM/early PM, Thurs at noon: I work with children, teens, families, and adults who are ready to heal from trauma and build healthy relationships. As a Queer therapist, I support marginalized people to build self-worth and live with a greater sense of wellbeing amidst systems that undermine our inherent value. Working with me is what it sounds like: having a guide for you, your child, and partner(s) in building more loving, functional, and liberating relationships with yourself and others. With adults and teens, I utilize an evidence-based modality based in neuroscience called Brainspotting to heal trauma.
(802) 222-0436 View (802) 222-0436
Photo of Angela Sue Fereday-Parent, Pre-Licensed Professional in Williston, VT
Angela Sue Fereday-Parent
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Colchester, VT 05446
Waitlist for new clients
Throughout our therapeutic work together, we may explore patterns of thoughts and feelings derived from your family of origin that impacts your current life and/or relationships. Within the structure and support of our professional relationship, these patterns become more apparent and conscious, and are thus more easily understood and changed. My role is to collaborate with you to achieve a greater awareness of yourself, to develop more effective behavioral patterns and ultimately reduce undesirable or troubling emotions and interpersonal conflicts.
Throughout our therapeutic work together, we may explore patterns of thoughts and feelings derived from your family of origin that impacts your current life and/or relationships. Within the structure and support of our professional relationship, these patterns become more apparent and conscious, and are thus more easily understood and changed. My role is to collaborate with you to achieve a greater awareness of yourself, to develop more effective behavioral patterns and ultimately reduce undesirable or troubling emotions and interpersonal conflicts.
(802) 397-9525 View (802) 397-9525
Photo of Towanda Geary, Pre-Licensed Professional in Williston, VT
Towanda Geary
Pre-Licensed Professional, RN, BSN, MA
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
My work as an Emotional Support Life Coach is enhanced by my background in psychotherapy and nursing. It brings a progressive approach to self-healing. Using a myriad of techniques including hypnotherapy, EMDR, Reiki and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, I work with individuals and families to identify personal strengths locked behind negative energy. I work to empower others to discover their truth, harmonize personal healing and define a positive pathway to life-long happiness. I specialize in treating trauma due to abuse, neglect, domestic violence, anger, anxiety, depression, grief and difficult relationships.
My work as an Emotional Support Life Coach is enhanced by my background in psychotherapy and nursing. It brings a progressive approach to self-healing. Using a myriad of techniques including hypnotherapy, EMDR, Reiki and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, I work with individuals and families to identify personal strengths locked behind negative energy. I work to empower others to discover their truth, harmonize personal healing and define a positive pathway to life-long happiness. I specialize in treating trauma due to abuse, neglect, domestic violence, anger, anxiety, depression, grief and difficult relationships.
(802) 821-4615 View (802) 821-4615
Photo of Anne Unangst, Psychologist in Williston, VT
Anne Unangst
Psychologist, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
Waitlist for new clients
In a safe and supportive environment I work with adults, teens, children, couples, and families. For more than thirty years I have worked collaboratively with my clients around many different concerns, including illness and grief, relationship stress, separation and divorce, parenting (including co-parenting and step-parenting), career change and stress, care-taking of elderly and other family members, and self esteem struggles resulting from childhoods touched by neglect and/or abuse. Special interest and training in EFT (Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy).
In a safe and supportive environment I work with adults, teens, children, couples, and families. For more than thirty years I have worked collaboratively with my clients around many different concerns, including illness and grief, relationship stress, separation and divorce, parenting (including co-parenting and step-parenting), career change and stress, care-taking of elderly and other family members, and self esteem struggles resulting from childhoods touched by neglect and/or abuse. Special interest and training in EFT (Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy).
(802) 465-4296 View (802) 465-4296
Photo of Green Light Counseling, Counselor in Williston, VT
Green Light Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Essex Junction, VT 05452  (Online Only)
Therapy is a journey of self-exploration and discovery. Finding the parts of oneself to accentuate, embrace, and accept is part of this journey. Often, we focus on the things holding us back, depression, anxiety, worry, feelings of inadequacy or anger, regret and loss. Discovering what's below these symptoms can lead to a peaceful clarity and compassion. Being able to appreciate our experiences, grow from them, and accept their place within us provides a fertile environment from which we can grow.
Therapy is a journey of self-exploration and discovery. Finding the parts of oneself to accentuate, embrace, and accept is part of this journey. Often, we focus on the things holding us back, depression, anxiety, worry, feelings of inadequacy or anger, regret and loss. Discovering what's below these symptoms can lead to a peaceful clarity and compassion. Being able to appreciate our experiences, grow from them, and accept their place within us provides a fertile environment from which we can grow.
(802) 787-0142 View (802) 787-0142
Photo of Denisha Arsenault, Counselor in Williston, VT
Denisha Arsenault
Counselor, LCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Essex, VT 05451  (Online Only)
I wish to serve as a guide for my clients on their own journey towards self-discovery. I am practicing humanistic psychology and my primary focus is to create an empathetic, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. By using person-centered counseling, I am able to help my clients discover their authentic selves. I wish to help reduce anxiety and aid my clients in developing a positive self-image for themselves. I am interested in learning and understanding my clients’ self-perceptions and view of their own reality. My belief is that our worth is conditioned by others and this often can be detrimental to our mental health.
I wish to serve as a guide for my clients on their own journey towards self-discovery. I am practicing humanistic psychology and my primary focus is to create an empathetic, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. By using person-centered counseling, I am able to help my clients discover their authentic selves. I wish to help reduce anxiety and aid my clients in developing a positive self-image for themselves. I am interested in learning and understanding my clients’ self-perceptions and view of their own reality. My belief is that our worth is conditioned by others and this often can be detrimental to our mental health.
(802) 200-2864 View (802) 200-2864
Photo of Dr. Cyrus Patten, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Williston, VT
Dr. Cyrus Patten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LICSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
I am a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience with clients of all ages. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, and managing the stress of everyday life. I also offer an outdoor/adventure based program for teens using hands-on projects as a conduit for building confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Unfortunately. this is only available to private-pay clients. I don't deploy a single therapeutic technique. Rather, I blend the best parts of many different approaches. My clients typically find me warm and validating while gently pushing them to grow in the specific areas.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience with clients of all ages. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, and managing the stress of everyday life. I also offer an outdoor/adventure based program for teens using hands-on projects as a conduit for building confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Unfortunately. this is only available to private-pay clients. I don't deploy a single therapeutic technique. Rather, I blend the best parts of many different approaches. My clients typically find me warm and validating while gently pushing them to grow in the specific areas.
(802) 494-1186 View (802) 494-1186
Photo of Angele Paul, Psychologist in Williston, VT
Angele Paul
Psychologist, LPM
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05406  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that therapy is most effective when it is empathic, collaborative, non-judgemental and non-pathologizing. I am deeply interested in the uniqueness of each human being who comes to me. By talking together in ways which nurture curiosity, compassion and insight we will look at what troubles you, what brings you hope, and which patterns of thinking/feeling/being you are engaging in that are not serving you well now.
I believe that therapy is most effective when it is empathic, collaborative, non-judgemental and non-pathologizing. I am deeply interested in the uniqueness of each human being who comes to me. By talking together in ways which nurture curiosity, compassion and insight we will look at what troubles you, what brings you hope, and which patterns of thinking/feeling/being you are engaging in that are not serving you well now.
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Photo of Malcolm Hutt, Pre-Licensed Professional in Williston, VT
Malcolm Hutt
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colchester, VT 05446
I utilize a primarily psychoanalytic perspective, melding my approach with pieces taken from ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic awareness and skill building in order to help clients access the parts of themselves that need healing, while relating to them with compassion and insight.
I utilize a primarily psychoanalytic perspective, melding my approach with pieces taken from ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, somatic awareness and skill building in order to help clients access the parts of themselves that need healing, while relating to them with compassion and insight.
(802) 810-8918 View (802) 810-8918
Photo of Alyssa Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Williston, VT
Alyssa Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401  (Online Only)
My clients find validation in having a provider who understands and acknowledges the difficulties that arise from experiencing marginalization. I have been in the field for over 20 years and have found that my skills are most effective in working with people who hold marginalized identities as well as community activists. With our rapidly changing and shifting world it is important to have a provider that acknowledges the times we are living in to support those of us most affected by these changes. Many of us are struggling to navigate the vast changes in the world around us in addition to typical day to day concerns.
My clients find validation in having a provider who understands and acknowledges the difficulties that arise from experiencing marginalization. I have been in the field for over 20 years and have found that my skills are most effective in working with people who hold marginalized identities as well as community activists. With our rapidly changing and shifting world it is important to have a provider that acknowledges the times we are living in to support those of us most affected by these changes. Many of us are struggling to navigate the vast changes in the world around us in addition to typical day to day concerns.
(802) 210-1534 View (802) 210-1534
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.