Therapists in Washington
Marjorie Rubin
Counselor, MA, CMHS, LMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Advanced training includes Play Therapy, Sandtray, Somatic, Creative & Expressive Arts.
Are you struggling with anxiety, feeling down, depressed, barely able to cope or sleep ? Maybe you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or continually challenged by events beyond your control ? If you know you need help, but you're uncertain of whom to trust or where to begin, I am here. I offer a safe place along with respect, compassion, and warmth. I listen deeply, providing expert caring help for you to work on current challenges, past trauma, and future goals. I offer support to help develop inner resources, strengthen your sense of self ,and provide skills to increase resiliency and growth.
Advanced training includes Play Therapy, Sandtray, Somatic, Creative & Expressive Arts.
Are you struggling with anxiety, feeling down, depressed, barely able to cope or sleep ? Maybe you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or continually challenged by events beyond your control ? If you know you need help, but you're uncertain of whom to trust or where to begin, I am here. I offer a safe place along with respect, compassion, and warmth. I listen deeply, providing expert caring help for you to work on current challenges, past trauma, and future goals. I offer support to help develop inner resources, strengthen your sense of self ,and provide skills to increase resiliency and growth.
Marla Johns
Counselor, MS, MHP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
I utilize a wide variety of treatment methods including CBT, CETA, play therapy, MI and Narrative Therapy.
Limited availability . . . schedule today. Here at "A New Tomorrow Therapy", I believe that life is a journey that no one is meant to walk through alone. So together, we can tackle whatever life has thrown your way. Whether you find yourself dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, loss, parenting, family challenges, and/or any other major life difficulty; I am here to help you reach whatever your goals may be. Together, we will work to identify your own personal targets and a plan for how to get there.
I utilize a wide variety of treatment methods including CBT, CETA, play therapy, MI and Narrative Therapy.
Limited availability . . . schedule today. Here at "A New Tomorrow Therapy", I believe that life is a journey that no one is meant to walk through alone. So together, we can tackle whatever life has thrown your way. Whether you find yourself dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, loss, parenting, family challenges, and/or any other major life difficulty; I am here to help you reach whatever your goals may be. Together, we will work to identify your own personal targets and a plan for how to get there.
Andi Eberhardt
Counselor, MS, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116 (Online Only)
With young clients, I utilize play therapy.
I currently hold a Washington State Associate License in Mental Health Counseling after receiving my Master’s in Counseling from Central Washington University. Prior to this I received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Western Washington University. My primary work in therapy has been with children and teens, though I have also spent a great deal of time working with adults of all ages in individual and couples counseling. My main areas of focus include adjustment issues/life transitions, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, attachment issues, family issues, identity issues, family trauma, parenting, and mindfulness.
With young clients, I utilize play therapy.
I currently hold a Washington State Associate License in Mental Health Counseling after receiving my Master’s in Counseling from Central Washington University. Prior to this I received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Western Washington University. My primary work in therapy has been with children and teens, though I have also spent a great deal of time working with adults of all ages in individual and couples counseling. My main areas of focus include adjustment issues/life transitions, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, attachment issues, family issues, identity issues, family trauma, parenting, and mindfulness.
Rigoberto Garza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC, MHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kennewick, WA 99336 (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Play Therapy.
When life stressors or traumas arise, it's easy to feel like everything is falling apart. As a mental health therapist, I aim to help my clients heal and navigate through these difficult times. Whether it's children, adults, or families, my approach is to help clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so that they can feel complete, whole, and safe.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Play Therapy.
When life stressors or traumas arise, it's easy to feel like everything is falling apart. As a mental health therapist, I aim to help my clients heal and navigate through these difficult times. Whether it's children, adults, or families, my approach is to help clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so that they can feel complete, whole, and safe.
NW Transformations Child & Family Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98502
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that each client has the abillity to overcome challenges or learn new skills to adapt and handle life's stressor using a variety of therapuetic modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, play therapy for children.
Greetings, My name is Bonnie and I am the sole owner/therapist at NW Transformations Child and Family Counseling. I understand and empathetic on how life's challenges or transitions can create or impact a person's life in a negative manner and how overwhelming it can become and reach goals. I offer individual Psychotherapy Services to Adults, Seniors, Adolescents and children (Ages 8+) who are struggling with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Grief, life transitions, PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, and other challenges. I offer in person sessions as well as tele-health.
I believe that each client has the abillity to overcome challenges or learn new skills to adapt and handle life's stressor using a variety of therapuetic modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, play therapy for children.
Greetings, My name is Bonnie and I am the sole owner/therapist at NW Transformations Child and Family Counseling. I understand and empathetic on how life's challenges or transitions can create or impact a person's life in a negative manner and how overwhelming it can become and reach goals. I offer individual Psychotherapy Services to Adults, Seniors, Adolescents and children (Ages 8+) who are struggling with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Grief, life transitions, PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, and other challenges. I offer in person sessions as well as tele-health.
Amy A. Rinde
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033
Amy has additional training & experience with adolescent treatment, group therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, & Positive Discipline Parenting with 24+ years in the field.
With compassion, an open heart, & inclusivity, Amy helps people expand their potential by creating a personal roadmap to their emotional health & wellbeing. Listening, acknowledgement, & building trust are key ingredients to her approach. Amy tunes into the client in each moment of every session to understand what they are experiencing to help them get their needs met. Attachment wounding can be a part of many people's childhoods and those experiences often present now. Many times, reparenting occurs through the therapy process and results in a corrective experience, bringing peacefulness & healing...to feel whole again.
Amy has additional training & experience with adolescent treatment, group therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, & Positive Discipline Parenting with 24+ years in the field.
With compassion, an open heart, & inclusivity, Amy helps people expand their potential by creating a personal roadmap to their emotional health & wellbeing. Listening, acknowledgement, & building trust are key ingredients to her approach. Amy tunes into the client in each moment of every session to understand what they are experiencing to help them get their needs met. Attachment wounding can be a part of many people's childhoods and those experiences often present now. Many times, reparenting occurs through the therapy process and results in a corrective experience, bringing peacefulness & healing...to feel whole again.
Shannon Vega
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CMHS, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Centralia, WA 98531
Waitlist for new clients
I offer in person for child and play therapy.
Not sure what to do? Feeling desperate and hopeless? Struggling with letting go of the past? Having difficulty adjusting to postpandemic life? Don't know what to do about your child's out of control behaviors? We all come to a point in our lives when things seem unbearable. Sometimes we need a little help for a short amount of time, and sometimes we need a huge assist for an indefinite amount of time. We can then begin to gain the confidence and stability to live life, not simply survive this world. I pull from many therapeutic modalities to meet people where they are in their therapeutic journey.
I offer in person for child and play therapy.
Not sure what to do? Feeling desperate and hopeless? Struggling with letting go of the past? Having difficulty adjusting to postpandemic life? Don't know what to do about your child's out of control behaviors? We all come to a point in our lives when things seem unbearable. Sometimes we need a little help for a short amount of time, and sometimes we need a huge assist for an indefinite amount of time. We can then begin to gain the confidence and stability to live life, not simply survive this world. I pull from many therapeutic modalities to meet people where they are in their therapeutic journey.
Benjawan Irwin
Counselor, MEd, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Spangle, WA 99031
Models and skills include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Play Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. I have a Master's in education, School Counseling, and a Post-graduate course from Antioch University. I am pursuing a Community Care Counseling: Marriage and Family Specialist degree. I work with children and adults. I help people find hope amid chaos. I believe in the team approach, which I will walk alongside you to help you find the hope you have been looking for.
Models and skills include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Play Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. I have a Master's in education, School Counseling, and a Post-graduate course from Antioch University. I am pursuing a Community Care Counseling: Marriage and Family Specialist degree. I work with children and adults. I help people find hope amid chaos. I believe in the team approach, which I will walk alongside you to help you find the hope you have been looking for.
Rebecca VanderLouw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Spokane, WA 99202
As a Child-Centered Play Therapist I engage children through play, which is a child's intrinsic mode of expression.
As a parent, you're deeply invested in your child's well-being, constantly ensuring their needs are met. Yet, it's disheartening when you see them struggling emotionally or behaviorally, leaving you feeling anxious and questioning your own abilities. Parenting is undeniably challenging, full of unexpected hurdles that can leave you feeling out of your depth. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you're here because you're ready to make a positive change for your child. You're committed to helping your child gain confidence, emotional intelligence, and grit. Let's embark on this journey together.
As a Child-Centered Play Therapist I engage children through play, which is a child's intrinsic mode of expression.
As a parent, you're deeply invested in your child's well-being, constantly ensuring their needs are met. Yet, it's disheartening when you see them struggling emotionally or behaviorally, leaving you feeling anxious and questioning your own abilities. Parenting is undeniably challenging, full of unexpected hurdles that can leave you feeling out of your depth. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you're here because you're ready to make a positive change for your child. You're committed to helping your child gain confidence, emotional intelligence, and grit. Let's embark on this journey together.
Kids and Family Counseling PLLC.
Counselor, MS, MA, LMHC, BCBA, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Duvall, WA 98019
I am invested in the work I do and approach our work with a warm, caring attitude, utilizing research based modalities (CBT, RBT, ACT, ABA, FST and play based interventions.
Empowering children, teens and adults to overcome challenges in their everyday life and help them rediscover their strengths and interpersonal competencies is the focus of my practice. Are you or someone you know, experiencing lack of motivation, facing friendship and self worth challenges, are defiant, aggressive, anxious, depressed, moody and lonely? Is your family in crisis? If so, do give me a call. People come to me for help with mood/ anxiety issues, Autism, ADHD, Anger problems, depression, OCD, PTSD , stress., multicultural and relational issues, social skills support and behavioral, parenting and school based challenges.
I am invested in the work I do and approach our work with a warm, caring attitude, utilizing research based modalities (CBT, RBT, ACT, ABA, FST and play based interventions.
Empowering children, teens and adults to overcome challenges in their everyday life and help them rediscover their strengths and interpersonal competencies is the focus of my practice. Are you or someone you know, experiencing lack of motivation, facing friendship and self worth challenges, are defiant, aggressive, anxious, depressed, moody and lonely? Is your family in crisis? If so, do give me a call. People come to me for help with mood/ anxiety issues, Autism, ADHD, Anger problems, depression, OCD, PTSD , stress., multicultural and relational issues, social skills support and behavioral, parenting and school based challenges.
Seattle Counseling and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
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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.
Kaaren Goeller-Bloom
Counselor, MA, LMHCA , NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99202
Greetings! I'm Kaaren ("car-in" the garage). I work with individuals, both adults and children aged 12 and under. I have a particular interest in supporting those in mid- to later stages of aging, including end-of-life. Namely, how to find meaningful ways to navigate changes in one's capabilities and social support systems. For children grappling with emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties, I employ developmentally appropriate methods such as play therapy to understand their sense of self and others. I help parents decipher their child's needs and behaviors so they can respond more effectively.
Greetings! I'm Kaaren ("car-in" the garage). I work with individuals, both adults and children aged 12 and under. I have a particular interest in supporting those in mid- to later stages of aging, including end-of-life. Namely, how to find meaningful ways to navigate changes in one's capabilities and social support systems. For children grappling with emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties, I employ developmentally appropriate methods such as play therapy to understand their sense of self and others. I help parents decipher their child's needs and behaviors so they can respond more effectively.
Karla T Mancero
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
Jacqueline E Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Using experiential therapies (play! art! drama! movement! nature! adventure!), mind/body techniques, positive psychology and self compassion practices, I will help you uncover and move through your inner barriers to true fun and self expression.
Are you struggling to put down the burdens of your clients/patients, loved ones, the state of the world, career demands and just let yourself relax and recharge? Maybe you had too much responsibility in childhood and are having a hard time allowing yourself to prioritize doing enjoyable things. Or, you are in a transition and struggling to figure out what brings deeper meaning and joy to your life. I can help. I support adults who were parentified children, adults in transition (midlife, empty nesters, career change, retirement) busy parents, burned out therapists, nurses or other healthcare providers. Coaching and tools provided.
Using experiential therapies (play! art! drama! movement! nature! adventure!), mind/body techniques, positive psychology and self compassion practices, I will help you uncover and move through your inner barriers to true fun and self expression.
Are you struggling to put down the burdens of your clients/patients, loved ones, the state of the world, career demands and just let yourself relax and recharge? Maybe you had too much responsibility in childhood and are having a hard time allowing yourself to prioritize doing enjoyable things. Or, you are in a transition and struggling to figure out what brings deeper meaning and joy to your life. I can help. I support adults who were parentified children, adults in transition (midlife, empty nesters, career change, retirement) busy parents, burned out therapists, nurses or other healthcare providers. Coaching and tools provided.
Alicia Christian
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redmond, WA 98052
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals of all ages, but I particularly love working with children/teens! I also enjoy doing therapy in various formats. In addition to providing individual therapy, I offer parent coaching, family therapy, and couples counseling. My work utilizes therapeutic approaches such as Play Therapy, CBT, DBT, Hypnotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Existential Therapy. My clients find me to be nonjudgemental, supportive and encouraging. I am a firm believer in the power of vulnerability, introspection and growth, and strive to create a safe and nonjudgemental space for all clients.
I work with individuals of all ages, but I particularly love working with children/teens! I also enjoy doing therapy in various formats. In addition to providing individual therapy, I offer parent coaching, family therapy, and couples counseling. My work utilizes therapeutic approaches such as Play Therapy, CBT, DBT, Hypnotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Existential Therapy. My clients find me to be nonjudgemental, supportive and encouraging. I am a firm believer in the power of vulnerability, introspection and growth, and strive to create a safe and nonjudgemental space for all clients.
Mark Bick Heart-Centered Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kennewick, WA 99338
When working with youth and teens we explore healing through the heart-mind-body connection using art, play, sand tray, and nature-based therapy.
April 2024 - Accepting new clients In-person and Telehealth. Hello! My name is Mark Bick and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I've worked exclusively with youth, teens, young adults, and adults as a counselor specializing in difficult emotions and traumas including anxiety, depression, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, loss of motivation, feeling stuck, and a broken heart. There is hope, healing is possible, and it's time to get started with the rest of your journey into happiness. Let's begin now!
When working with youth and teens we explore healing through the heart-mind-body connection using art, play, sand tray, and nature-based therapy.
April 2024 - Accepting new clients In-person and Telehealth. Hello! My name is Mark Bick and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I've worked exclusively with youth, teens, young adults, and adults as a counselor specializing in difficult emotions and traumas including anxiety, depression, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, loss of motivation, feeling stuck, and a broken heart. There is hope, healing is possible, and it's time to get started with the rest of your journey into happiness. Let's begin now!
Bridges and Boundaries Counseling Services
Counselor, LLC, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98506
We are set up for art and play therapy, when appropriate, and we innovative approaches to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and guide you toward the self discovery and healing that will be of the highest benefit.
Counseling is a way for people to bridge the gap between the unhealthy and the healthy. Through counseling clients gain tools and therapeutic insights that help them to make healthy changes, learn healthy habits, and address mental health concerns. Our team is ready to guide you and your family as you meet and overcome these challenges. We come to you with a breadth of experience and expertise. We use a blend of therapeutic approaches to meet your needs. We currently offer appointments Monday through Saturday. Clinician schedules accommodate appointments between 9:00am and 8:00pm depending on the clinician and the day.
We are set up for art and play therapy, when appropriate, and we innovative approaches to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and guide you toward the self discovery and healing that will be of the highest benefit.
Counseling is a way for people to bridge the gap between the unhealthy and the healthy. Through counseling clients gain tools and therapeutic insights that help them to make healthy changes, learn healthy habits, and address mental health concerns. Our team is ready to guide you and your family as you meet and overcome these challenges. We come to you with a breadth of experience and expertise. We use a blend of therapeutic approaches to meet your needs. We currently offer appointments Monday through Saturday. Clinician schedules accommodate appointments between 9:00am and 8:00pm depending on the clinician and the day.
Natalie Marshall
Counselor, LMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99201
I use CBT, motivational interviewing, positive psychology approaches, art and play therapy, and other modalities dependent on the client's specific needs.
People achieve the most evolution when they feel seen, valued, and heard. This is what I strive to accomplish. My most important work is supporting others in elevating and reaching their full potential. One of my favorite things is seeing people succeed! I love witnessing people gain confidence in themselves, heal from their pain, replace unhelpful thinking patterns, and work toward their personal goals. I strongly believe that all people are capable of growth and change, no matter where they came from, or what they have been through.
I use CBT, motivational interviewing, positive psychology approaches, art and play therapy, and other modalities dependent on the client's specific needs.
People achieve the most evolution when they feel seen, valued, and heard. This is what I strive to accomplish. My most important work is supporting others in elevating and reaching their full potential. One of my favorite things is seeing people succeed! I love witnessing people gain confidence in themselves, heal from their pain, replace unhelpful thinking patterns, and work toward their personal goals. I strongly believe that all people are capable of growth and change, no matter where they came from, or what they have been through.
Michelle Anne Smith
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
I strive to create relationships based on acceptance in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment and only utilize evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral and play therapies.
Even the most talkative child may not have the words to accurately and effectively communicate his/her/their emotions, experiences and needs. This can make a child feel frustrated, sad and misunderstood. As a result, some children may express themselves through aggressive behavior, impulsivity and defiance. Other children might direct their feelings inward and withdraw from social activities, become fearful or experience hopelessness and loneliness. Both externalizing and internalizing behaviors may lead to trouble concentrating, academic difficulties, somatic concerns (stomach aches and headaches) or changes in sleeping or eating.
I strive to create relationships based on acceptance in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment and only utilize evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral and play therapies.
Even the most talkative child may not have the words to accurately and effectively communicate his/her/their emotions, experiences and needs. This can make a child feel frustrated, sad and misunderstood. As a result, some children may express themselves through aggressive behavior, impulsivity and defiance. Other children might direct their feelings inward and withdraw from social activities, become fearful or experience hopelessness and loneliness. Both externalizing and internalizing behaviors may lead to trouble concentrating, academic difficulties, somatic concerns (stomach aches and headaches) or changes in sleeping or eating.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.