Photo of Charlene Joan Cole, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Charlene Joan Cole
Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edenvale 1609
I conduct individual Psychotherapy with adolescents and adults and conduct Play Therapy with children.
My journey as a Psychologist has evolved and grown throughout the years and has been in parallel with my own personal journey. While I have helped countless individuals and families, I have taken away many lessons and experiences from them as well. The most important component that has remained in this process has been the importance for me to continue to provide a safe space where individuals feel heard and listened to. Where for just one hour per week anyone can unpack and wade through muddy waters of emotions, pain and challenges to eventually be able to take the tools acquired in therapy and apply them in the future.
I conduct individual Psychotherapy with adolescents and adults and conduct Play Therapy with children.
My journey as a Psychologist has evolved and grown throughout the years and has been in parallel with my own personal journey. While I have helped countless individuals and families, I have taken away many lessons and experiences from them as well. The most important component that has remained in this process has been the importance for me to continue to provide a safe space where individuals feel heard and listened to. Where for just one hour per week anyone can unpack and wade through muddy waters of emotions, pain and challenges to eventually be able to take the tools acquired in therapy and apply them in the future.
087 250 0902 x67 View 087 250 0902 x67
Photo of Jackie Van Breda, General Counsellor
Jackie Van Breda
General Counsellor
Verified Verified
Edenvale 1609
Every one of us is a professional athlete, intent on achieving personal greatness, whether this entails a balanced lifestyle, a more fulfilling relationship, a new business venture, a career change or promotion at work, retirement, an investment portfolio, the birth of a child, rehabilitation following surgery, diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition, an exercise programme or a goal in sport at any level. All aspects of life that we experience as intrinsically meaningful require that we feel in control, committed to goals, confident in our abilities and skills, perceiving challenges as opportunities for growth and success.
Every one of us is a professional athlete, intent on achieving personal greatness, whether this entails a balanced lifestyle, a more fulfilling relationship, a new business venture, a career change or promotion at work, retirement, an investment portfolio, the birth of a child, rehabilitation following surgery, diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition, an exercise programme or a goal in sport at any level. All aspects of life that we experience as intrinsically meaningful require that we feel in control, committed to goals, confident in our abilities and skills, perceiving challenges as opportunities for growth and success.
087 250 2910 x57 View 087 250 2910 x57
Photo of Kim van Zeeventer, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Kim van Zeeventer
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edenvale 1609
Overwhelmed and struggling to cope with worries and fear. Feeling incapacitated by anxiety and panic attacks. In desperate need of some relief and a means of coping. Struggling to face life, feeling hopeless, lifeless, lost, sad and worthless. Wanting some meaning to life, to find hope, personal value. Lashing out at those you love. Fatigued. Grieving and needing some help to carry on. Confused about your own feelings and thoughts. Stressed. Directionless, unhappy at work. Professional help is available.
Overwhelmed and struggling to cope with worries and fear. Feeling incapacitated by anxiety and panic attacks. In desperate need of some relief and a means of coping. Struggling to face life, feeling hopeless, lifeless, lost, sad and worthless. Wanting some meaning to life, to find hope, personal value. Lashing out at those you love. Fatigued. Grieving and needing some help to carry on. Confused about your own feelings and thoughts. Stressed. Directionless, unhappy at work. Professional help is available.
087 250 0442 x85 View 087 250 0442 x85
Photo of Ayesha Ali Mohamed - The Counsellor Ayesha , ASCHP Wellness Counsellor, General Counsellor
The Counsellor Ayesha
General Counsellor, ASCHP Wellness Counsellor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edenvale 1609
My ideal client is someone eager to make positive changes in their life, even if they're unsure of where to begin. They might be dealing with issues such as anxiety, relationship challenges, or addictive behaviors. They're open-minded and ready to explore their thoughts and feelings, willing to engage in introspection and self-discovery. Their needs include a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where they can express themselves freely. They seek practical guidance and tools to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and develop healthier habits. Their goals are to achieve emotional balance and build resilience
My ideal client is someone eager to make positive changes in their life, even if they're unsure of where to begin. They might be dealing with issues such as anxiety, relationship challenges, or addictive behaviors. They're open-minded and ready to explore their thoughts and feelings, willing to engage in introspection and self-discovery. Their needs include a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where they can express themselves freely. They seek practical guidance and tools to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and develop healthier habits. Their goals are to achieve emotional balance and build resilience
087 250 2962 x91 View 087 250 2962 x91
Photo of Caren Combrink
Caren Combrink
Verified Verified
Edenvale 1609
Any person going through a hard time, loss, grief, bereavement, low self esteem, divorce, addiction, depression, anger, struggle to cope with every day's demands, abusive personallity or abusive relationship. Funeral directors struggle to cope.
Any person going through a hard time, loss, grief, bereavement, low self esteem, divorce, addiction, depression, anger, struggle to cope with every day's demands, abusive personallity or abusive relationship. Funeral directors struggle to cope.
087 250 0902 x28 View 087 250 0902 x28
Photo of Ellen Tintswalo Baloyi - Tintswalo Healing and counselling centre, BSocSci Hons, Social Worker
Tintswalo Healing and counselling centre
Social Worker, BSocSci Hons
Verified Verified
Edenvale 1610
Hello, Thank you for reading my profile. I want to welcome and compliment you to make a first step of looking for a person who can help you. I am a registered social worker in private practice and i am based in Bramley, North of Johannesburg. Respect, Confidentiality and Non-judgemental approach are guaranteed. I offer therapy to people with different life challenges and trauma. I assist people to have good quality of life after dealing with their different life challenges.Feel free to send a message through and together we can. Our relationship will be based in trust. Safe, warm environment will be provided.
Hello, Thank you for reading my profile. I want to welcome and compliment you to make a first step of looking for a person who can help you. I am a registered social worker in private practice and i am based in Bramley, North of Johannesburg. Respect, Confidentiality and Non-judgemental approach are guaranteed. I offer therapy to people with different life challenges and trauma. I assist people to have good quality of life after dealing with their different life challenges.Feel free to send a message through and together we can. Our relationship will be based in trust. Safe, warm environment will be provided.
087 250 0902 x20 View 087 250 0902 x20

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Hela Keir, MA
Hela Keir
Drama Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Benoni 1501
Yet, we can allow ourselves to create and play out another distinct but related story, and so discover a source of healing.
Dramatherapy is a safe, non-judgmental and non-confrontational way of exploring and reflecting on experiences and feelings. It is not about performing or being good at drama. It is a personal journey into self-discovery and wholeness that reaches deep within one’s soul. It is based less on talking and more on using the imagination and the body. It provides the opportunity to try out new ways of getting in touch with oneself and interacting with other people. It can help you to discover the ability that lies within you to be creative and playful.
Yet, we can allow ourselves to create and play out another distinct but related story, and so discover a source of healing.
Dramatherapy is a safe, non-judgmental and non-confrontational way of exploring and reflecting on experiences and feelings. It is not about performing or being good at drama. It is a personal journey into self-discovery and wholeness that reaches deep within one’s soul. It is based less on talking and more on using the imagination and the body. It provides the opportunity to try out new ways of getting in touch with oneself and interacting with other people. It can help you to discover the ability that lies within you to be creative and playful.
087 250 2148 x20 View 087 250 2148 x20
Photo of Chantel Le Grange, HPCSA - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Chantel Le Grange
Psychologist, HPCSA - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Benoni 1501
I am passionate about supporting individuals, groups, and families in a variety of areas. I am skilled at providing psychological assessments, career assessments and career guidance, emotional assessments and psychotherapy (including play therapy for younger children), as well as study tools. When assessing a child, it is of utmost importance to me to look at the child holistically. I am skilled at assessing, interpreting and reporting on cognitive and scholastic assessments. I prefer to work with a multi-professional team to diagnose the child accurately and ethically, i.e. if a diagnosis is relevant.
I am passionate about supporting individuals, groups, and families in a variety of areas. I am skilled at providing psychological assessments, career assessments and career guidance, emotional assessments and psychotherapy (including play therapy for younger children), as well as study tools. When assessing a child, it is of utmost importance to me to look at the child holistically. I am skilled at assessing, interpreting and reporting on cognitive and scholastic assessments. I prefer to work with a multi-professional team to diagnose the child accurately and ethically, i.e. if a diagnosis is relevant.
087 250 3069 x62 View 087 250 3069 x62
Photo of Avika Daya, HPCSA - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Avika Daya
Psychologist, HPCSA - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Benoni 1501
These concerns will be addressed through play/ therapy or educational assessment.
I believe that assisting a child during the crucial stages of their development may help them to grow into their full potential as adults. Intervention at a young age is the best possible gift. Intervention may mean parental guidance, play therapy, adolescent therapy or even an educational assessment.
These concerns will be addressed through play/ therapy or educational assessment.
I believe that assisting a child during the crucial stages of their development may help them to grow into their full potential as adults. Intervention at a young age is the best possible gift. Intervention may mean parental guidance, play therapy, adolescent therapy or even an educational assessment.
087 250 0719 x40 View 087 250 0719 x40
Photo of Agnes Mabogoane, HPCSA - Counsellor, Registered Counsellor
Agnes Mabogoane
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boksburg 1459
I assists diversity of clients in dealing with their problems in a safe and nurturing environment. I apply variety of psychological counselling approaches such as SFBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, BWRT, Play therapy, Imago therapy, CBT and others in helping clients to deal and cope with stress, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, marriage problems, bereavement, trauma, depression, divorce, adjustment problems, esteem issues, relationship issues, marriage coaching, esteem issues, learning difficulties and others. As the Psychometrist, I offer psychological assessments on emotional behavioral problems and learning difficulties.
I assists diversity of clients in dealing with their problems in a safe and nurturing environment. I apply variety of psychological counselling approaches such as SFBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, BWRT, Play therapy, Imago therapy, CBT and others in helping clients to deal and cope with stress, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, marriage problems, bereavement, trauma, depression, divorce, adjustment problems, esteem issues, relationship issues, marriage coaching, esteem issues, learning difficulties and others. As the Psychometrist, I offer psychological assessments on emotional behavioral problems and learning difficulties.
087 250 0442 x89 View 087 250 0442 x89
Photo of Joanna Christina Kleovoulou - PsychMatters Centre, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
PsychMatters Centre
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bedfordview 2008
I love working with all ages - Children in play therapy, Adults in individual & couples counselling - addressing trauma, bereavement/loss, coping with stress, lack of motivation, adjustment, relationship difficulties, change, self-esteem, building resilience, as well as a range of psychiatric disorders.
Inspired to assist you to live masterfully! Does your distress, anxiety, debilitating low self-esteem or depression affect your joy and living to your fullest potential? Do you lack direction, motivation, self-love? Do you often feel not good enough or in perpetual patterns of destruction in your personal, work or social sphere? Have you experienced trauma and it has a tight grip on you? Unhook the "dis-ease" for feel at ease. There is hope. Do you desire change, to feel inspired and empowered? Trained to work with all ages, couples and families. I would love to share tools to transform you!
I love working with all ages - Children in play therapy, Adults in individual & couples counselling - addressing trauma, bereavement/loss, coping with stress, lack of motivation, adjustment, relationship difficulties, change, self-esteem, building resilience, as well as a range of psychiatric disorders.
Inspired to assist you to live masterfully! Does your distress, anxiety, debilitating low self-esteem or depression affect your joy and living to your fullest potential? Do you lack direction, motivation, self-love? Do you often feel not good enough or in perpetual patterns of destruction in your personal, work or social sphere? Have you experienced trauma and it has a tight grip on you? Unhook the "dis-ease" for feel at ease. There is hope. Do you desire change, to feel inspired and empowered? Trained to work with all ages, couples and families. I would love to share tools to transform you!
087 250 0442 x62 View 087 250 0442 x62
Photo of Mmampho Tswene, MA, SACSSP, Social Worker
Mmampho Tswene
Social Worker, MA, SACSSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norkem Park 1618
Through play therapy, social skills development, and early intervention strategies, I am able to helps preschoolers build a strong foundation for social and emotional growth. In my work with primary school children, I focus on building essential life skills, promoting positive peer relationships, and addressing underlying issues contributing to behavioral challenges. For adolescents navigating transitions, I offer guidance and support to navigate academic, social, and emotional changes, empowering them to thrive in new environments by fostering resilience to overcome challenges.
Through play therapy, social skills development, and early intervention strategies, I am able to helps preschoolers build a strong foundation for social and emotional growth. In my work with primary school children, I focus on building essential life skills, promoting positive peer relationships, and addressing underlying issues contributing to behavioral challenges. For adolescents navigating transitions, I offer guidance and support to navigate academic, social, and emotional changes, empowering them to thrive in new environments by fostering resilience to overcome challenges.
087 250 0162 x73 View 087 250 0162 x73
Photo of Fran Webster, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Fran Webster
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Sandton 2191
My primary focus is conceptualising an individual holistically, choosing my therapeutic interventions from modalities that I am competent in such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, BWRT, Play & sandtray therapy.
I work with children from two years, adolescents and adults that are experiencing behavioural, emotional, academic and career-related problems due to difficulties with adjustment. Having had much exposure and experience with different types of trauma, I am passionate about working with all spheres of trauma, particularly with children. Career assessment and subject choice for scholars is an area I enjoy assisting with. Having worked with many individuals that develop psychological issues from studying subjects that they are not passionate about, or being in a career that does not promote self-actualisation.
My primary focus is conceptualising an individual holistically, choosing my therapeutic interventions from modalities that I am competent in such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, BWRT, Play & sandtray therapy.
I work with children from two years, adolescents and adults that are experiencing behavioural, emotional, academic and career-related problems due to difficulties with adjustment. Having had much exposure and experience with different types of trauma, I am passionate about working with all spheres of trauma, particularly with children. Career assessment and subject choice for scholars is an area I enjoy assisting with. Having worked with many individuals that develop psychological issues from studying subjects that they are not passionate about, or being in a career that does not promote self-actualisation.
087 250 0160 x35 View 087 250 0160 x35
Photo of Buyani Dlomo - Rivonia Therapy Centre , MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Rivonia Therapy Centre
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edenburg 2128
•Trained in Psychodynamic Theory, CBT and DBT • Experience in working with children (7+), adolescents and adults •Experience in Play Therapy •Keen interest in working with children and adolescents •Experience in providing individual, group and couples psychotherapy •Interest in Mood disorders , Anxiety and other related disorders and Personality disorders.
I can help you handle emotions from problems or stressors, even if they aren't dramatically life-altering or traumatic. I can also help you dissect a problem, then help you figure out how to solve it. I can assist you in finding perspective and develop coping mechanisms. Together we can figure out what's really important for you and your wellness.
•Trained in Psychodynamic Theory, CBT and DBT • Experience in working with children (7+), adolescents and adults •Experience in Play Therapy •Keen interest in working with children and adolescents •Experience in providing individual, group and couples psychotherapy •Interest in Mood disorders , Anxiety and other related disorders and Personality disorders.
I can help you handle emotions from problems or stressors, even if they aren't dramatically life-altering or traumatic. I can also help you dissect a problem, then help you figure out how to solve it. I can assist you in finding perspective and develop coping mechanisms. Together we can figure out what's really important for you and your wellness.
087 250 0616 x57 View 087 250 0616 x57
Photo of Masego Morobane, MA, HPCSA - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Masego Morobane
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morningside 2057
I am deeply honoured to be able to play a role in the lives of young individuals as they navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence.
As a psychologist dedicated to working with children and adolescents, my passion lies in fostering their emotional well-being and supporting their developmental journey. Every interaction with a young client is an opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to their growth and resilience. I am deeply dedicated to nurturing the well-being and potential of young minds during their formative years. Guiding them through the complexities of emotional growth and development is not just my profession but my passion.
I am deeply honoured to be able to play a role in the lives of young individuals as they navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence.
As a psychologist dedicated to working with children and adolescents, my passion lies in fostering their emotional well-being and supporting their developmental journey. Every interaction with a young client is an opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to their growth and resilience. I am deeply dedicated to nurturing the well-being and potential of young minds during their formative years. Guiding them through the complexities of emotional growth and development is not just my profession but my passion.
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Photo of Lungile Nomkhosi Koloko - The Tapestry Counselling, MSocSci, SACSSP, Social Worker
The Tapestry Counselling
Social Worker, MSocSci, SACSSP
Verified Verified
Sandton 2146
I am able to work with someone through Crisis Intervention, Play Therapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Family Therapy, Solution-Focused and Group Therapy.
It's a joy to walk with someone through the uncertain streets of mental health challenges. Help one to rebuild, and find "their sense of self', to learn and unlearn in order to attain a state of wellness. To help one set and follow through their life goals, be capacitated to handle future stressors but most of all to know when you are not ok and understand that it's ok, not to be ok. I work with children, teenagers, adults, couples, and the families. This is achieved with empathy and understanding that life is a Tapestry and Your journey of wellbeing is unique to you.
I am able to work with someone through Crisis Intervention, Play Therapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Family Therapy, Solution-Focused and Group Therapy.
It's a joy to walk with someone through the uncertain streets of mental health challenges. Help one to rebuild, and find "their sense of self', to learn and unlearn in order to attain a state of wellness. To help one set and follow through their life goals, be capacitated to handle future stressors but most of all to know when you are not ok and understand that it's ok, not to be ok. I work with children, teenagers, adults, couples, and the families. This is achieved with empathy and understanding that life is a Tapestry and Your journey of wellbeing is unique to you.
087 250 0062 x16 View 087 250 0062 x16
Photo of Joey Reekie, MPsych, HPCSA - Counsellor, Registered Counsellor
Joey Reekie
Registered Counsellor, MPsych, HPCSA - Counsellor
Verified Verified
Edenburg 2128
Experienced Counsellor with a passion for Neuro-psychology, Women's mood disorders (prenatal and post-natal depression), Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Medical related trauma, play therapy, Career counselling, teenage support
Experienced Counsellor with a passion for Neuro-psychology, Women's mood disorders (prenatal and post-natal depression), Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Medical related trauma, play therapy, Career counselling, teenage support
087 250 0592 x36 View 087 250 0592 x36
Photo of Jacqui Seiler, Social Worker
Jacqui Seiler
Social Worker
Verified Verified
Hurlingham 2070
Play Therapy is a type of therapy designed to be used with children in such a way that allows them to process emotions and articulate problems to parents and adults.
Hi, My name is Jacqui. I came upon the decision of going into Social Work and Play Therapy in 2018. What guided me to this decision was the realization that I had a passion for helping people and for working with children. I think my personality is what makes me able to communicate so easily with children. I am a person who is fun, loving and caring and if a phrase could describe me it would be that “I am a child at heart”. What I offer here at Pondering Possibilities is a service that will help you and your child navigate the stressors of life, through activities focused on therapy and play. Look forward to meeting you soon.
Play Therapy is a type of therapy designed to be used with children in such a way that allows them to process emotions and articulate problems to parents and adults.
Hi, My name is Jacqui. I came upon the decision of going into Social Work and Play Therapy in 2018. What guided me to this decision was the realization that I had a passion for helping people and for working with children. I think my personality is what makes me able to communicate so easily with children. I am a person who is fun, loving and caring and if a phrase could describe me it would be that “I am a child at heart”. What I offer here at Pondering Possibilities is a service that will help you and your child navigate the stressors of life, through activities focused on therapy and play. Look forward to meeting you soon.
087 250 2293 x82 View 087 250 2293 x82
Photo of Suzaan Lourens - Suzaan Lourens Registered Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, HPCSA - Counsellor, Registered Counsellor
Suzaan Lourens Registered Counsellor
Registered Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, HPCSA - Counsellor
Verified Verified
Midrand 1682
My areas of specialty include marriage/couple's counselling, counselling children using play therapeutic techniques, psychometric assessments to assist with career counselling and subject choice, suicidality, mood and behavioural changes, sexual identity concerns, transitions, family counselling, trauma, bereavement/grief/loss and anger management.
My areas of specialty include marriage/couple's counselling, counselling children using play therapeutic techniques, psychometric assessments to assist with career counselling and subject choice, suicidality, mood and behavioural changes, sexual identity concerns, transitions, family counselling, trauma, bereavement/grief/loss and anger management.
087 250 0513 x53 View 087 250 0513 x53
Photo of Vuyiswa Christina Halana, MA, HPCSA - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Vuyiswa Christina Halana
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
Sandton 2196
I offer: Child and Adolescent therapy, Family Therapy, Couples/Marital therapy, Play therapy, Parenting skills/guidance, Group therapy and Psycho-Educational Assessments.
My name is Vuyiswa Halana and I am an Educational Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Masters in Educational Psychology. I am based in Fourways, Johannesburg. My interests lie in working with children, teenagers, adults, parents, families and couples from different cultural backgrounds.
I offer: Child and Adolescent therapy, Family Therapy, Couples/Marital therapy, Play therapy, Parenting skills/guidance, Group therapy and Psycho-Educational Assessments.
My name is Vuyiswa Halana and I am an Educational Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Masters in Educational Psychology. I am based in Fourways, Johannesburg. My interests lie in working with children, teenagers, adults, parents, families and couples from different cultural backgrounds.
087 250 2748 x56 View 087 250 2748 x56

See more therapy options for Edenvale

Play Therapy Counsellors

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural 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 behaviour 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 behaviour.