Play therapy is a powerful therapeutic tool. Engaging in play supports emotional well-being, fosters positive mood, and reduces stress. It provides children with a developmentally appropriate way to process experiences, build coping skills, and express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to communicate through words alone.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
What does Play Therapy help?
Play therapy can help children:
- Become more responsible for their behavior and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family or peers
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Play Therapy Clinic
Our Play Therapy Clinic offers a structured, supportive environment where children can express themselves, build skills, and work through challenges in developmentally appropriate ways. Designed for children up to about age 11 or 12, this program combines engaging play-based interventions with parent collaboration to help children grow both in and out of the therapy room.
How It Works
Comprehensive Intake – Parents and child meet with our clinical supervisor and a graduate therapist for an intake and assessment session. Depending on the child’s needs, we may schedule a second intake session before starting treatment.
Individualized Treatment Planning – Together, the supervisor and graduate therapist develop a tailored treatment plan while formulating a diagnosis to guide the work.
Therapy Sessions – The graduate therapist meets individually with the child for weekly 45-55 minute sessions, using creative, play-based approaches matched to the child’s goals and needs. The supervisor observes and/or participates in sessions throughout the process.
Parent Collaboration – Every 4–6 weeks, we offer parent sessions to review progress, share strategies for supporting the child at home, and provide space for questions. While parent participation is optional, we find that engaged families see the best results.
Program Timeline – The clinic runs September through June, but participants can join at any time throughout the year. At the end of each cycle, we determine the best next steps, whether that’s continuing in the clinic, transitioning to traditional talk therapy, or another service.
Who Provides Services?
Our graduate therapists are advanced students in MA, PhD, or PsyD mental health programs. They receive specialized training in play therapy and are directly supervised by a licensed clinician throughout the process.
Is Play Therapy Right for My Child?
Play therapy is typically most effective for children up to around age 11 or 12, when play remains a primary way of learning, exploring, and expressing emotions. It can be especially helpful for children who are experiencing anxiety, sadness, behavioral challenges, social difficulties, life transitions, or the effects of stressful or traumatic experiences.
During the intake process, we carefully assess each child’s needs, strengths, and developmental stage to ensure play therapy is the right approach. If we determine it may not be the best fit, we’ll recommend another form of therapy—such as traditional talk therapy or another evidence-based intervention—that will best support your child’s growth and well-being.