About Play Therapy

Welcome to the Play Room! Kids are welcome to sit and relax, or dive in to play!
All toys in this room have been hand-selected to help kids express their emotions, process their experiences, and learn new skills.
This doll house was custom-made to allow children to explore family dynamics.
Other toys allow exploring real life scenarios and build competence.
There is a large selection of figurines and dress up items to help express difficult emotions.
A wide range of art supplies are available to help kids express themselves.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a type of child therapy that helps kids by using the natural language of childhood: play! The therapist provides a safe and supportive space for children to work through their problems. This helps them learn how to express themselves, process emotions, and discover healthier ways to cope. Parents often notice their child becoming calmer, more confident, and better able to handle everyday challenges.

Want to know more? Check out The Association of Play Therapy for more info.

Is play therapy right for my child?

Almost certainly yes! Play therapy is the most appropriate method of therapy for children between the ages of 3 to 12. There are several reasons for this.

Kids don’t want to go to traditional therapy.

Sitting still and talking to an adult for an hour is boring. But coming to a playroom where an adult is fully engaged and interested in what the child does is fun.

Kids don’t know how to talk about their problems.

Children often do not have the words needed to describe the depth of their experiences and the intensity of their feelings. They also haven’t fully developed the ability to use abstract reasoning and thinking, so they need to do therapy in a different way than adults.

But kids DO know how to play.

My playroom has been specially designed to have toys that appeal to kids of all ages. Even tweens will find something to do! I use these toys as therapeutic tools to help your child work through what’s bothering them.

How does play therapy work?

I will observe how your child plays and respond with supportive and nonjudgemental guidance. Over time, I will identify themes in your child’s play and interpret what it means. I use this information to help them make changes during therapy. I also share it with you during regular parent sessions so you can learn how to better support them at home.

What kinds of problems can play therapy treat?

Play therapy can help children who are having emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties. It can be especially helpful for children dealing with anxiety, trauma, family changes like divorce, grief, bullying, or difficulties with self-regulation.

Play therapy also supports children with developmental delays, learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or attachment-related concerns.

How do I get my child started with play therapy?

If you’re ready to go, contact me today! We can talk about your child’s challenges, how play therapy can help, and decide if I feel like a good fit to help your family.