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

Lisa J Pierce

Seattle

Washington

Have you ever wondered why a misunderstanding or hurtful experience with someone important in your life produces such strong, painful emotions? Do you have memories of past traumatic experiences pop up and bite you on a regular basis? Would you like to have more fulfilling relationships? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in relationships and trauma. Relationships a...

Shelise Decal

San Diego

California

Humans have a biological need to feel safe and worthy of love. In a world that repeatedly invalidates sensitivity and vulnerability, it’s not surprising that many of us struggle to feel happy, attain goals and find fulfilling romantic relationships. Some of us turn to substances, while others over function. If we are parents, we may find that we accidently repeat hurtful dynamics with our own...
Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. I have been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, while working full time for LAUSD. I was the recipient of the Los Angeles Association of School Psychologists (LAASP) Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 14 years of experience as a psycho-educational assessor, Spike the Psych has successfully identified the primary strengths and...
One of the amazing aspects of therapy is that it provides a unique opportunity for people to have a space where the focus is on their needs and growth. Very few other spaces exist where your needs and well-being can be the priority. This is a key part of the healing power of therapy, which is why I believe it is so important you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. [DURING COVID-19: I am...
Although we share many commonalities, humans are quite complex and unique - I help Clients discover who they are, who they want to be and how to work towards improving their life experience on the journey toward becoming their best self. At this time I am not accepting new Clients; please see our practice website to connect with another therapist. Soy un hablante nativo de Español. Trabajaremos...
Life is both beautiful and terrible. The human experience presents opportunities, obstacles and constant change. Oftentimes, the challenges we face are overwhelming and prevent us from seeing the possibility for growth, while the pace of living interferes with our ability to stay focused on the present moment where creative possibility abides. The distractions we all use to keep us from pain do...
"I just don't get it, I've done everything, why can't you behave for me?" At some point you pictured life with your child 0 to 5 to be filled with "I love you so much", giggles and big hugs. Then reality of being a parent has struck and now your in constant battle with your 5 year old who is going on 16. You cannot make sense of what is going on in their little minds. Your child is looking to y...

Calli Cox

Murfreesboro

Tennessee

Feeling like you can no longer handle what life is throwing at you is one lo the loneliest and most isolating feelings. Feeling like you need help to do something about those feelings is terrifying. But, reaching out is one of the bravest and most courageous things you can do. I am here to reach back and help you along your journey of living a full life. I approach therapy with the understandin...
Bernice Lynch was born and raised in Queens, NY. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from St. John’s University and went on to obtain an M.S. in Addiction Counseling from Capella University. Bernice has been practicing therapy with adults with co-occurring disorders for four years and is a Certified Addiction Counselor with over seven years experience. Bernice has worked with a broad range of...
I am devoted to working with individuals who are curious about when and how their suffering and emotional distress began. In my work, I notice that such suffering is often the result of long established patterns of thinking and acting. Such patterns were at one time essential for the individual to cope with distress but with repetition and the accumulation of life experiences, they can become...
Play is the place where children’s minds, hearts, and souls meet. Through Play Therapy, children are able to heal from distressing events such as, but not limited to, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, depression, adoption, foster care and attachment issues; and to improve in myriad areas such as impulse control, emotional regulation, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. As your child’s therapist, my goal is to...
Currently accepting clients. If seeking support, please complete the request initial intake form at https://healingrootsmh.com/request-initial-appointment. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, adolescents with a range of challenges/explorations, as well as those who identify as LGBTQIA+. I has worked with clients with a large array of diagnoses including anxiety and depression,...

Dina Mark

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Parents- this is a challenging and uncertain time. If you are struggling or your child/teen is struggling, please reach out. I am passionate about empowering children and teens to live their best life. I specialize in stress management, anxiety reduction, social skills, bullying and aggression, emotional regulation, impulse control, executive functioning, personal strength and empowerment,...

Lindsey Kimball

Boston

Massachusetts

Lindsey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts, who came to the Greater Boston area after receiving her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Caldwell University in New Jersey. Lindsey’s goal as a counselor is to assist individuals in navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, emotion management, and...
If you are dealing with trauma, life transitions, anxiety, or depression, I am here to help you. I've served with children, teens, and families for several years and walked with adults and couples through their healing process. You can expect an empathetic therapist that desires to help you through your therapeutic journey. I can help by providing a safe place for you to share your thoughts and...