What is Play Therapy?

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Play Therapy is an approach to counseling utilized for children. Children learn to understand the world through play. Play Therapy embraces play to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Play can include games, dolls, art activities, sports, make-believe, or any other activity that fits a child developmentally and emotionally.

Play Therapy can be beneficial for children with behavioral issues. Because these children might not have the words to communicate their feelings or might not want to, this allows them a space to express themselves and share their feelings through play.

Play therapists get to know the child’s specific interests and can tailor their counseling space to make it unique for each child. As the counselor observes and interacts with the child, they can understand the emotions that lead to their behaviors. Over time, therapists can encourage children to use play to express feelings instead of expressing them through inappropriate or harmful behaviors.

Play Therapy can also be used for adults to help them connect with their inner creativity and facilitate child-like joy.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Play Therapy

Perhaps you are seeking therapy for yourself due to issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or self-esteem. Perhaps you are seeking therapy for your child because they don't listen, have social difficulties, are anxious, or angry. Or perhaps you are a couple needing help with communication. I am here to help. I strive to understand your experience and create a safe space...
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Nicole Leonard

San Francisco

California

I am a CBT therapist who has been licensed since 2017. I have worked in the field of Psychology since 1992 and have extensive experience working with children, adults and families. I am most interested in working with children, parents, and families but I also work with individual adults. Because of my work in the educational system, I am adept at school-based focus and attention issues,...
My therapeutic style is influenced by solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, existential therapy, and positive psychology. I work primarily with trauma, anxiety and focus related issues, with individuals and families. Areas of expertise include: • Addiction & Recovery • Grief & Loss • Relationships & Connection • Trauma & Resilience • Spiritual & Existential Questioning •...
Hi! My name is Alexandra Zelek, I am a limited licensed mental health therapist at a private practice called the Galvin Growth Group in Novi, Michigan. I have had the privilege of working with a large variety of clients with many different backgrounds, struggles, diagnoses, needs, and goals. I specialize in working with youth, teen, and adult clients with mental health disorders, behavioral...

Erika Pausman

Portland

Maine

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My goal is to provide a therapy experience that is predicated upon compassion, enthusiasm and creativity. I understand that change can be uncomfortable and my treatment philosophy is to provide a supportive and safe therapeutic environment. I specialize in working with Adults, Children, Adolescents and Families. It has been my privilege and passion to practice in the Shenandoah Valley for the p...
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I am a counselor who enjoys helping others to see their potential, work through their struggles, bond families together again, and help individuals reach their personal goals! There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see someone take the courageous step to work through a difficult situation and grow in their self-esteem, self-worth, and identity. I am certified in trauma care and family...
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Jean Michelle Wilcox

Charlotte

North Carolina

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Your Story Matters Therapy group offers therapy and mental health counseling services for children, adults and families in the Omaha Metro Area. Our main office is located in the Modern Work space at 88th and F Street. We also have a downtown Omaha office located in the Old Market and a Council Bluffs office located on the historic 100 Block. Our therapists and counselors expertly interweave...
There are four lines from “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley; “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” It is my belief that we can determine the direction of our lives. I have worked with kids, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, oppositional defiance, and many other...
We are all on a journey of growth and change. Are you feeling as though you need to change to create balance in your life? Reaching out for help takes courage and resilience. In my practice I strive to create a genuine, safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship with clients based in trust, empowerment, and compassion. My approach is holistic, incorporating mind and body to gain the tools to...

Leticia Sanchez Sullivan

Las Vegas

Nevada

( English | español ) In recent years there has been an increase in mental health referrals for young children (3-6 years of age). They are having difficulty in developing emotional and social skills which they need to succeed at home, day care and pre-kinder school. Parents' main complaints are that their child is having frequent "emotional meltdowns", "temper tantrums", "verbal and physical...