Child/Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy is Necessary for Children
Children are not cognitively capable of engaging verbally with adults in a manner required by traditional psychotherapy. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is designed for children ages 3–10 experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or relational disorders. CCPT utilizes play, the natural language of children, and therapeutic relationship to provide a safe, consistent therapeutic environment in which a child can experience full acceptance, empathy, and understanding from the counselor and process inner experiences and feelings through play and symbols.
This therapeutic approach is evidence-based and very effective for helping with the following:
Trauma
Cognitive disorders
Social impairment
Physical and learning disabilities
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Life changes
Depression
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Processing Divorce
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Grief/loss
Many more
Play Therapy Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Play Therapy?
Children often struggle to express their emotions through words. That's where Play Therapy comes in. It's a form of therapy that allows children to communicate their feelings through play, their natural medium of expression. Play therapy is like counseling for adults, but it's developmentally appropriate for children. Through play, therapists can help children gain control over their emotions and circumstances in a safe environment. Watch the videos above for an introduction to play therapy.
What will my child develop in Play Therapy?
Build trust
Learn proper socialization & positive behaviors
Learn proper emotion regulation
Decrease anxiety & externalizing behaviors
Increase problem-solving skills
Improve communication skills
Increase self-esteem
How many sessions will my child need?
It's important to remember that every child is unique, and the treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your child's needs. I will regularly assess progress and keep you informed along the way. On average, Play Therapy consists of around 30-36 weekly sessions, but this can vary depending on the child. Studies have shown that involving family members in the counseling process can help reduce the time a child is in treatment.
How is Play Therapy different than playing at home?
While playing with your child at home is undoubtedly beneficial, it's by crucial to understand that Play Therapy is not your typical playtime at home. Play Therapy is a specialized form of therapy that provides a safe environment for children to express and process their emotions. The playroom is equipped with all the necessary tools to help your child navigate difficult situations, and therapists utilize play to empower your child to gain control over their emotions and circumstances and gain a sense of mastery.
