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

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...

Jeff Skeens

Phoenix

Arizona

Unresolved relational issues. Past trauma that has begun affecting your normal routine. Marriage is going through a hard time. Family needs a tune up. Anxiety has reared it’s ugly head. These are all a part of being human and being in relationship, and it’s OK to ask for help in the midst of them. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. As a marriage a...
I am devoted to guiding those that are called to improve their lives, whether it is to become the first in their family to be a college graduate, to rise to the challenge of becoming a professional in their field of choice, or to overcome years of negative self esteem. My clients want to find positive connection with themselves, their partners, their families, and communities. My clients have...
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of issues including mood disorders, relationship struggles, anxiety, school problems, problematic behaviors, and more. My clients and I work together to understand the origin and meaning of the problems for which they seek help. Interventions are tailored to each client's need and are ever evolving. My approach is engaged, holistic, a...
I believe a client innately possesses the strengths necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life. My goal is to foster those strengths and help clients develop individualized coping strategies to take on life’s challenges. I encourage children and adolescents to explore emotions, social skills, and strengths in a safe environment. Through a therapeutic relationship with the client and their...
Are you a parent who is feeling overwhelmed, confused, uncertain or discouraged? Do you have a child you just can't seem to understand? I take pleasure in helping parents and children tunnel through challenging situations. However, you are the expert on yourself, your child and your family! I am simply here to offer guidance, support and perspective to your given situation. I believe in partner...

Brandon Liu

Chicago

Illinois

I believe in the power and influence that relationships have in shaping who we are and our stories. Therefore, I work from a relational and systemic approach where I seek to understand your multi-storied context and build an open and authentic relationship with you. Your growth and insight are a priority to me and our therapeutic work together. Whether you are going through a tough life...
You may be feeling overwhelmed by struggles with relationships, work, or identity. I can help you turn your own loving attention toward these unhealed wounded areas so that you can experience relief and begin to thrive. I'm a good fit for those feeling stalled in their growth, those seeking wholeness or rebuilding their trust with themselves, couples doing reconciliation work or struggling with...

Alex Albright

Des Moines

Iowa

If you have experienced trauma, loss, significant or unexpected change, family conflict, felt down and depressed, anxious, or all of the above I hope to be of help to you. I work with individuals, children, and families. The portion of therapy I feel underscores all things is joining with the client or building a relationship. I enjoy this part of therapy as much as when using the nuts and bolt...