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

Glaiza Gatdula

Seattle

Washington

I have worked with individuals in a variety of settings since 2010. I also have worked with families in diverse cultural backgrounds such as military families, minority groups, immigrants and refugees. Most of my work focuses on helping clients find their strengths and use them to manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, trauma, and acculturation. I use strengths-based...
There is an ebb and flow to the tides, just like the transitional nature of life. Learning positive ways to cope with these changes helps us live fully. As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), I work with pre-teens, adolescents, and young adults in a relaxed environment that allows for a sense of humor while also promoting hope, self-worth, and growth. My therapeutic approach provides support and...
( English | español ) Therapy is an intimidating process. It requires you to face the struggles keeping you from reaching your full potential. Life is full of transitions. At each, we learn to adapt and adjust. However, these transitions can be difficult and can lead to debilitating symptoms like anxiety, depression, and anger, etc. Perhaps these are not happening to you, but you notice them in...
Life is sending messages from every angle that you need to be more. The more you hear it, the more your belief that you can do better fades. Each day you wake up with dreams that life will change and yet it seems each day is served up the same as yesterday. You wonder if it will ever change. It may be your marriage, your relationship with your parents, addictions that shame you, or anxiety or...
I believe that counseling should be tailored to the individual so I strive to create a unique, safe environment for every person who comes in for help. I work with my clients to help them overcome the issues that are keeping them from moving forward in their life. I have over 10 years experience with treating clients of all ages with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, and Panic Disord...
I am known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling. I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, which means that I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies, according to the client's individual needs. My approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and being non-judgment. I work with clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective. I work with a wide rang...
Johanna has experience in working with individuals understand and heal from traumatic experiences. Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, and/or performance deficits have also benefited from her modalities and approaches. Johanna is passionate about helping individuals navigate the awareness and growth of their sexual, gender, relationship orientation, polyamory, non-monogamy,...

Sunny Lee

Kansas City

Missouri

I am a licensed professional counselor, providing individual, couple, and family counseling. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - https://www.emdrconsulting.com/), which is a highly effective way to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am also trained in play therapy and theraplay (attachment-based therapy with the purpose of building bond between child and...
I value every encounter with an individual. I am grateful to be in a field, as a Therapist, where I can enjoy divine connections daily - thanks to the incredible courage of people. Specifically, thanks to a “yes” to the journey of growth, healing, and one's readiness to get "unstuck." Although I believe that the therapy office is a place where much of an individual’s healing and recovery from l...

Elizabeth Speights

Fort Worth

Texas

**Currently accepting new clients**Evening appointments available**Teletherapy options** Are you having struggles and concerns about your relationship with your teen? Worried about your younger kids who've experienced some life changes, such as a divorce or moving? Do you and your partner feel like you are drifting apart or finding it hard to communicate well? Are you or a loved one struggling...

Carol A Demaray

Billings

Montana

Have you experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, stress or loss? Or have a child who may have Autism, ADHD, Anger issues or Behavioral Difficulties? The hurts and pain can seem overwhelming and disturbing for youth and adults alike. Understanding and a nonjudgmental atmosphere may be what you are looking for, and can be found at Transformed RenU Counseling. Truth and security can go a long way...

Gerri Cadet Mareus

Brooklyn

New York

Feeling unfulfilled with certain aspects of your life? We’re often not aware of why we have these intense feelings or how to manage them. Overwhelming life experiences can contribute to negative beliefs about yourself. These experiences influence the way you perceive the world and impact those important to you. Together, we can alleviate the burden of such intense feelings. My approach to thera...
Military Veteran? Active duty military member, transitioning to a civilian? Spouse of Veteran or active duty military member? I am an Army Veteran with over 15 years experience in managing PTSD, MST, Anxiety, Depression and reentry issues related to criminal convictions. I provide FREE Mental Health Services to Active Duty Military Members, Veterans and their spouses. *Service and Therapy dogs...
Maybe you experience depression or anxiety. Maybe you're struggling in your relationship(s). Maybe it is hard to navigate your day. The good news is by searching for a therapist you have chosen to heal. You are ready for something different and that has momentum! I believe we all have inherent worth, wisdom, and direction. Stressors in life have a tendency to cast a dusting over these strengths...
I specialize in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, relational conflict, struggles in parenting, and attachment concerns. I have worked with clients around adoption and relational loss and am passionate about working with adults and teens experiencing intense emotions. I have a diverse background, having worked with children, adolescents, adults and whole families,...