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

Michaela Levine

Las Vegas

Nevada

I’m offering affordable sessions during this time of crisis. Feeling overwhelmed with life, are you exhausted from feeling anxious and depressed, we can change that together. I value the uniqueness of each individual and am therefore humanistic in my approach, developing individualized treatment plans that best meet the specific needs of each of my patients. I focus on symptoms versus labels, as…

Christina Lucey-Ventura, MA, LMFT

Los Angeles

California

In person and teletherapy available! I am an EMDR trained therapist who works with individuals of all ages, couples, families and groups. I believe that therapy is most transformative when the therapist positions themselves not as an expert or evaluator, but as a non-judgemental & empathic collaborator. My hope is to create a space for you to feel safe and supported and to have your multila...

Rodnnie Santiago-Díaz, MA, LMHC

Boston

Massachusetts

Rodnnie Santiago has worked with clients from all age groups through various modalities for several years. He’s worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Rodnnie's therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and has holistic roots. He also has vast experience working with Latinx communities and integrating culturally-sensitive care.

Larry J Colby

Fredericksburg

Virginia

I enjoy working with children who are struggling with emotional and behavioral regulation. My preferred modality with children is play therapy and santray. The goal in these modalities is to use the power of the therapeutic relationship to help the child build internal regulation and an understanding of how to cope in their world. I also enjoy working with youth and adults suffering from trauma...

Sarah Hayworth

Gillette

Wyoming

I am a long time resident of Gillette with many ties to the community. I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2007 for Kaplan University and worked in the field for several years. In 2009, I returned to school to pursue my masters in counseling. In May of 2013 I graduated for Walden University with my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a licensed professional…

Sarah Hayworth

Gillette

Wyoming

I am a long time resident of Gillette with many ties to the community. I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2007 for Kaplan University and worked in the field for several years. In 2009, I returned to school to pursue my masters in counseling. In May of 2013 I graduated for Walden University with my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a licensed professional…

Olivia Carelli

Stuart

Florida

My goal and life purpose is to provide individualized and compassionate care to adults, teenagers, and families in emotional crisis.