Photo of Amnah Ali, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Washington
Amnah Ali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redmond, WA 98052
I am trained in talk therapy, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, expressive art and TF-CBT to provide support to my clients. My people are children 3+, tweens, teens, adult individuals, and couples. I provide support to people from a variety of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and focus more on an individual than their diagnosis. I believe every human being deserves compassion, love and respect. I will hold your hand and join you on your journey of self compassion and peace. My motto is 'embrace your elements, attain your peace'.
I am trained in talk therapy, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, expressive art and TF-CBT to provide support to my clients. My people are children 3+, tweens, teens, adult individuals, and couples. I provide support to people from a variety of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and focus more on an individual than their diagnosis. I believe every human being deserves compassion, love and respect. I will hold your hand and join you on your journey of self compassion and peace. My motto is 'embrace your elements, attain your peace'.
(206) 203-5701 View (206) 203-5701
Photo of Kim Bourgette, Counselor in Washington
Kim Bourgette
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silverdale, WA 98383
I utilize TF-CBT, play therapy and art therapy with children and adolescents.
I am currently accepting new clients ages 7 years and up. For many years now, I have been working with survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and all of the post traumatic symptoms that are experienced in the aftermath of trauma. My hope for your therapeutic process with me is that you experience personal growth and self-compassion, as well as gaining skills to cope with, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and other issues that create difficulty in living your best life.
I utilize TF-CBT, play therapy and art therapy with children and adolescents.
I am currently accepting new clients ages 7 years and up. For many years now, I have been working with survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and all of the post traumatic symptoms that are experienced in the aftermath of trauma. My hope for your therapeutic process with me is that you experience personal growth and self-compassion, as well as gaining skills to cope with, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and other issues that create difficulty in living your best life.
(206) 457-1579 View (206) 457-1579
Photo of Carly A Cassidy, Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington
Carly A Cassidy
Mental Health Counselor Associate, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043  (Online Only)
Ihave experience with play therapy and animal assisted therapy.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with young adults,teens,and adolescents. Life can be difficult and overwhelming at times. It is my goal to work together with my clients to help them take steps to deal with lifes challenges. Anxiety, depression, and Low self-esteem are real issues, and I believe that we can develop strategies to grow and love ourselves and others. Therapy provides a connection and a chance to grow and change within any circumstances you may be experiencing.
Ihave experience with play therapy and animal assisted therapy.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with young adults,teens,and adolescents. Life can be difficult and overwhelming at times. It is my goal to work together with my clients to help them take steps to deal with lifes challenges. Anxiety, depression, and Low self-esteem are real issues, and I believe that we can develop strategies to grow and love ourselves and others. Therapy provides a connection and a chance to grow and change within any circumstances you may be experiencing.
(425) 310-4266 View (425) 310-4266
Katie Accola
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98008
I am influenced by: play therapy, creative expressive arts, sand tray therapy, attachment-based therapy, family systems, strength-based, mind/body connection to mental health, and cognitive behavioral therapy through a trauma-informed lens.
I work with children, teens, and adults on an individual and family therapy level. My holistic approach helps you recapture your personal power by building upon your strengths, establishing goals, and examining values. I believe in your inherent capacity for growth, healing, and change. I can help you build upon skills and discover how to adapt and thrive. I create a safe and welcoming place for this to occur.
I am influenced by: play therapy, creative expressive arts, sand tray therapy, attachment-based therapy, family systems, strength-based, mind/body connection to mental health, and cognitive behavioral therapy through a trauma-informed lens.
I work with children, teens, and adults on an individual and family therapy level. My holistic approach helps you recapture your personal power by building upon your strengths, establishing goals, and examining values. I believe in your inherent capacity for growth, healing, and change. I can help you build upon skills and discover how to adapt and thrive. I create a safe and welcoming place for this to occur.
(425) 414-8659 View (425) 414-8659
Photo of Jeanine M. O'Connell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Jeanine M. O'Connell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036
I work with people of all ages committed to developing self-awareness in order to change or enhance their quality of life. I work with children experiencing anxiety, depression, and home/school challenges. Supporting children usually involves working with parents/guardians and families. I enjoy working with individual adults interested in understanding themselves, their relationships, and their actions. My therapy practice includes play therapy and art therapy, sand-play, active listening, family systems work, and parenting education. I am curious and compassionate in my relationship to clients with varying needs and backgrounds.
I work with people of all ages committed to developing self-awareness in order to change or enhance their quality of life. I work with children experiencing anxiety, depression, and home/school challenges. Supporting children usually involves working with parents/guardians and families. I enjoy working with individual adults interested in understanding themselves, their relationships, and their actions. My therapy practice includes play therapy and art therapy, sand-play, active listening, family systems work, and parenting education. I am curious and compassionate in my relationship to clients with varying needs and backgrounds.
(425) 382-6897 View (425) 382-6897
Photo of Kellie A Preston, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Kellie A Preston
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CMHS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Everett, WA 98208
The Play Therapy Cottage is a nonclinical residential setting, providing you with a tiny home experience in a garden setting.
I believe everyone has innate wisdom within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles are in front of them. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma and consequently suffering from anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, sleep issues, developmental obstacles. Expressive therapies offers a unique way to language those issues using art, painting, clay work, journal writing, sand tray play and canine therapy, and they begin to externalize worries and concerns, crisis and trauma through symbols and mastery is gained. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished and individuals experience their true potential.
The Play Therapy Cottage is a nonclinical residential setting, providing you with a tiny home experience in a garden setting.
I believe everyone has innate wisdom within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles are in front of them. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma and consequently suffering from anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, sleep issues, developmental obstacles. Expressive therapies offers a unique way to language those issues using art, painting, clay work, journal writing, sand tray play and canine therapy, and they begin to externalize worries and concerns, crisis and trauma through symbols and mastery is gained. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished and individuals experience their true potential.
(425) 786-9544 View (425) 786-9544
Photo of Rebecca M. Lachut, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Rebecca M. Lachut
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98229  (Online Only)
I specialize in what is known as Family Systems Therapy utilizing techniques like play, sandtray, family sculpting and Gottman couples therapy.
I enjoy finding a person or family's strengths and resources in a warm and inviting environment. My practice is research based and brings the best resources in a down to earth and nonjudgmental way.
I specialize in what is known as Family Systems Therapy utilizing techniques like play, sandtray, family sculpting and Gottman couples therapy.
I enjoy finding a person or family's strengths and resources in a warm and inviting environment. My practice is research based and brings the best resources in a down to earth and nonjudgmental way.
(360) 996-6425 View (360) 996-6425
Photo of Kaila Duke Peterson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Kaila Duke Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402
Children: Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I work with children ages 5-15, couples, families and individuals from a family systems perspective to address any myriad of concerns. I work collaboratively with my clients, to facilitate a client-led course of treatment based on their own strengths. If you want to strengthen relationships, identify and track potentially harmful behavior or thought patterns, and overall improve and progress in your life and circumstances, I am here to help you do that!
Children: Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I work with children ages 5-15, couples, families and individuals from a family systems perspective to address any myriad of concerns. I work collaboratively with my clients, to facilitate a client-led course of treatment based on their own strengths. If you want to strengthen relationships, identify and track potentially harmful behavior or thought patterns, and overall improve and progress in your life and circumstances, I am here to help you do that!
(253) 843-7538 View (253) 843-7538
Photo of Shannon L Schliep, Counselor in Washington
Shannon L Schliep
Counselor, LMHC, MEd, NBCC
Verified Verified
Spokane, WA 99201  (Online Only)
I integrate evidence-based modalities such as CBT and DBT, alongside creative strategies like art play, and writing, to tailor treatment plans to your specific needs and preferences.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health counselor, committed to providing support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals with various mental health challenges. With over 20 years of experience, my practice focuses on creating a safe and nurturing space for healing and skill development. I work with clients spanning from 8 years old to young adulthood, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, life stressors, parenting, divorce, grief and loss, women's issues, and other concerns.
I integrate evidence-based modalities such as CBT and DBT, alongside creative strategies like art play, and writing, to tailor treatment plans to your specific needs and preferences.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health counselor, committed to providing support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals with various mental health challenges. With over 20 years of experience, my practice focuses on creating a safe and nurturing space for healing and skill development. I work with clients spanning from 8 years old to young adulthood, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, life stressors, parenting, divorce, grief and loss, women's issues, and other concerns.
(425) 640-7009 x9546 View (425) 640-7009 x9546
Photo of Natalie V Roche, Mental Health Counselor in Washington
Natalie V Roche
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tukwila, WA 98188
Waitlist for new clients
I also incorporate humor & interactive elements such as play, art & music in my practice.
Does your life or path look very different than those around you? Do you have a hard time saying "no" to others & feeling guilty or resentful in your relationships? If this sounds like you; I can help. I am honored to do this work & it is a privilege to work alongside clients as you learn to accept your own path, set healthy boundaries with those around you, and learn how to build a life of peace & authenticity.
I also incorporate humor & interactive elements such as play, art & music in my practice.
Does your life or path look very different than those around you? Do you have a hard time saying "no" to others & feeling guilty or resentful in your relationships? If this sounds like you; I can help. I am honored to do this work & it is a privilege to work alongside clients as you learn to accept your own path, set healthy boundaries with those around you, and learn how to build a life of peace & authenticity.
(206) 260-3313 View (206) 260-3313
Photo of Sally Torabi, Counselor in Washington
Sally Torabi
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
I also have a passion for supporting children and teens through play therapy.
Are you lonely in your relationship? Do you argue about divorce or parenting? Has your marriage and family been impacted by infidelity, betrayal or sexual addiction? You're relationship doesn't have to feel stressful and your family doesn't have to suffer. If you're tired of arguing with no resolution, it's time to get support. I help couples resolve communication problems, strengthen their intimacy, repair trust issues, and address parenting struggles and cultural differences. Together we can create a plan to help you ask for your needs, deepen your connection, enhance your intimacy and feel fully alive in your relationships again.
I also have a passion for supporting children and teens through play therapy.
Are you lonely in your relationship? Do you argue about divorce or parenting? Has your marriage and family been impacted by infidelity, betrayal or sexual addiction? You're relationship doesn't have to feel stressful and your family doesn't have to suffer. If you're tired of arguing with no resolution, it's time to get support. I help couples resolve communication problems, strengthen their intimacy, repair trust issues, and address parenting struggles and cultural differences. Together we can create a plan to help you ask for your needs, deepen your connection, enhance your intimacy and feel fully alive in your relationships again.
(425) 276-7353 View (425) 276-7353
Photo of Alexandria Scalone, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Washington
Alexandria Scalone
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am a play therapist who specializes in teens and young adults. I empower parents and children of all ages to resolve relationship conflicts, boosting parental confidence in handling children's emotions, while equipping children with vital emotional skills for independent problem-solving, fostering stronger attachment bonds and healthier relationships. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionist behavior, and stress. Sometimes it's hard to talk about our problems, that's why my therapy sessions are often experiential.
I am a play therapist who specializes in teens and young adults. I empower parents and children of all ages to resolve relationship conflicts, boosting parental confidence in handling children's emotions, while equipping children with vital emotional skills for independent problem-solving, fostering stronger attachment bonds and healthier relationships. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionist behavior, and stress. Sometimes it's hard to talk about our problems, that's why my therapy sessions are often experiential.
(425) 517-2647 View (425) 517-2647
Photo of Twin Lakes Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Twin Lakes Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98023
Twin Lakes Counseling provides individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in the South Sound community. We are a group of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors who offer quality, affordable mental health services for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, pre- and post-natal work, and relationship conflict. We have clinicians trained in play therapy, the Gottman method, TF-CBT, psychodynamic work, and more. Located in Federal Way with easy access to Northeast Tacoma, our neighborhood counseling center makes finding the help you need simple and accessible.
Twin Lakes Counseling provides individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in the South Sound community. We are a group of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors who offer quality, affordable mental health services for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, pre- and post-natal work, and relationship conflict. We have clinicians trained in play therapy, the Gottman method, TF-CBT, psychodynamic work, and more. Located in Federal Way with easy access to Northeast Tacoma, our neighborhood counseling center makes finding the help you need simple and accessible.
(206) 966-6383 View (206) 966-6383
Photo of Chris Trimis, Counselor in Washington
Chris Trimis
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
Waitlist for new clients
I also include pieces from additional evidence-based psychotherapies as well as creative and play therapy as structures that help facilitate connection and growth.
I offer a holistic, humanistic, and youth-centered approach to help young people who are impacted by mental and behavioral health concerns. I begin work with each youth by seeking to understand their personality and identities, their skills and challenges, the systems and environments they are embedded in, and the way mental health symptoms are impacting them.
I also include pieces from additional evidence-based psychotherapies as well as creative and play therapy as structures that help facilitate connection and growth.
I offer a holistic, humanistic, and youth-centered approach to help young people who are impacted by mental and behavioral health concerns. I begin work with each youth by seeking to understand their personality and identities, their skills and challenges, the systems and environments they are embedded in, and the way mental health symptoms are impacting them.
(206) 472-1692 View (206) 472-1692
Photo of Casi Woods, Counselor in Washington
Casi Woods
Counselor, MEd, MS, LMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Hi, I'm Casi. As a mental health counselor and Registered Play Therapist with a background in teaching, I bring extensive experience and advanced training in child development, mental health, and social-emotional learning to each session. Creating a nurturing space for children and teens is at the heart of what I do. Whether it's understanding complex emotions, navigating the maze of social dynamics, managing the swirl of anxiety, or finding a way through ADHD challenges, I offer techniques and tools tailored especially for young minds. For parents of child clients, our journey includes insights, guidance, and unwavering support.
Hi, I'm Casi. As a mental health counselor and Registered Play Therapist with a background in teaching, I bring extensive experience and advanced training in child development, mental health, and social-emotional learning to each session. Creating a nurturing space for children and teens is at the heart of what I do. Whether it's understanding complex emotions, navigating the maze of social dynamics, managing the swirl of anxiety, or finding a way through ADHD challenges, I offer techniques and tools tailored especially for young minds. For parents of child clients, our journey includes insights, guidance, and unwavering support.
(206) 260-0970 View (206) 260-0970
Photo of Ana Hopkins, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Washington
Ana Hopkins
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99208
I seek to provide a holistic, systemic, therapeutic experience by creatively utilizing evidence-based orientations like CBT, Internal Family Systems, Play therapy, DBT, Gottman and EFT.
We are wired to seek a life of connection, purpose and meaning. Our unique life experiences, deeply impact the way we view the world, ourselves and others. At times, we feel lonely, disconnected, and lost in our search for acceptance, growth and authenticity. I believe that therapy is a path towards reconnection with your true self and others. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore perceptions and beliefs, deepen your self-awareness, and recognize the profound connection between body and mind.
I seek to provide a holistic, systemic, therapeutic experience by creatively utilizing evidence-based orientations like CBT, Internal Family Systems, Play therapy, DBT, Gottman and EFT.
We are wired to seek a life of connection, purpose and meaning. Our unique life experiences, deeply impact the way we view the world, ourselves and others. At times, we feel lonely, disconnected, and lost in our search for acceptance, growth and authenticity. I believe that therapy is a path towards reconnection with your true self and others. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore perceptions and beliefs, deepen your self-awareness, and recognize the profound connection between body and mind.
(509) 245-1702 View (509) 245-1702
Photo of Wendy Nystrom, Counselor in Washington
Wendy Nystrom
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHS, SMMHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125
These include Art, Music and Drama Therapies, Poetry and Writing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic (body) work, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Mindfulness work.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in both individual and family therapy. I work well with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, those facing life transitions or grief and loss. I have recently published an eBook on anxiety for teens, But Breathing Doesn't Help! Unlocking Teen Anxiety by Understanding Your Body, which can be found on Amazon, or for direct purchase at https://wendynystrom.selz.com/
These include Art, Music and Drama Therapies, Poetry and Writing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic (body) work, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Mindfulness work.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in both individual and family therapy. I work well with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, those facing life transitions or grief and loss. I have recently published an eBook on anxiety for teens, But Breathing Doesn't Help! Unlocking Teen Anxiety by Understanding Your Body, which can be found on Amazon, or for direct purchase at https://wendynystrom.selz.com/
(206) 785-1985 View (206) 785-1985
Photo of Kristina Hargie, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington
Kristina Hargie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98662
Believing in the importance of integrating the mind and body, I use an integrated approach using movement, play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and creative arts.
Welcome! Being a parent can be difficult but also a joyful and memorable experience. I provide a safe, nurturing space for children 3-12 to develop skills for identifying, expressing, and managing big emotions. I believe parents play a very important role in their child's lives but also in therapy. Often, a combination of family therapy sessions with and without child is recommended, to provide space for parents to learn and practice skills and strategies to use with their young child.
Believing in the importance of integrating the mind and body, I use an integrated approach using movement, play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and creative arts.
Welcome! Being a parent can be difficult but also a joyful and memorable experience. I provide a safe, nurturing space for children 3-12 to develop skills for identifying, expressing, and managing big emotions. I believe parents play a very important role in their child's lives but also in therapy. Often, a combination of family therapy sessions with and without child is recommended, to provide space for parents to learn and practice skills and strategies to use with their young child.
(360) 347-9740 View (360) 347-9740
Photo of Mariana Boden, Counselor in Washington
Mariana Boden
Counselor, MAEd, LMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
When seeing children/teens, I often incorporate play and creative expression.
Mental health struggles can make it challenging for anyone to enjoy their life fully. It is my passion to support others in finding healing in whatever way that feels right and useful for them. I believe in creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental space for therapy, in which each client can show up as they are. I have extensive training and experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and I also have a lot of experience (clinical and personal) working with neurodiverse individuals, particularly with ADHD.
When seeing children/teens, I often incorporate play and creative expression.
Mental health struggles can make it challenging for anyone to enjoy their life fully. It is my passion to support others in finding healing in whatever way that feels right and useful for them. I believe in creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental space for therapy, in which each client can show up as they are. I have extensive training and experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and I also have a lot of experience (clinical and personal) working with neurodiverse individuals, particularly with ADHD.
(206) 309-8212 View (206) 309-8212
Photo of Marisa McCann, Counselor in Washington
Marisa McCann
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
(360) 743-3225 View (360) 743-3225
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.