Play Therapy

An evidence based modality that meets children, tweens, and teens where they’re developmentally at to foster growth and positive change.

Talking about feelings can be hard, playing makes them more accessible.

Your child or teen seems constantly worried, sad or even angry. When you ask them what’s going on they’re not able to tell you, or you get the frustrating response of, “I don’t know.” You try to ask them questions or engage them in conversation and it seems like they’re either not paying attention or they’re not understanding the important messages or help you’re trying to give them.

Your child might be having trouble at school but when you try to figure out what’s going on they don’t remember or they’re not able to describe it in a way that makes sense to you. You know your child got in a fight with their sibling or friend, but you can’t understand who started it, or even what the fight was about!

Children and teens’ feelings are complex and they don’t always understand why they are feeling them, or even what feelings they’re having! Their brains are in a constant state of development, meaning they make choices that sometimes don’t make sense to the rational adults around them.

Play therapy is an evidenced-based modality that can help children and teens, 3-14 years old, express themselves, even when they don’t necessarily have the words, or understand what they are experiencing. Through play, children can externalize their internal struggles, fears, and conflicts, enabling the therapist to gain insights into their emotional world.

At Reflect Therapy, our Registered Play Therapist, Rebecca Self, utilizes a blend of directive and non directive play therapy theories to tailor a unique treatment plan for your child. Schedule a free consultation call to learn more about how play therapy can benefit your child or teen.

What Can Play Therapy Help:

Anxiety and depression
Anger and emotional outbursts
Focus and Self Regulation
Traumas and life events- such as moving, divorce, hospitalizations, illness, car wrecks, and so much more
Social Skills
Self-Esteem

Kids don’t communicate like this.

What is the play Therapy process like?

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”-Fred Rogers

Play therapy utilizes the language of play to help children express their thoughts and emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Children engage in various play activities, providing therapists with insights into their psychological world. This flexible approach accommodates different developmental stages and allows children to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and build crucial social and emotional skills. Its effectiveness lies in addressing a range of childhood challenges, fostering emotional regulation, improving communication, and promoting resilience, making it a valuable tool for helping children navigate their emotional landscape.

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faqs

Common questions about play therapy

Playing and play therapy may seem very alike on the surface as they both may involve toys, games, act and other activities. However, play therapy is different in that a trained therapist interacts, observes, and guides the child through the process to reach their treatment goals. There may be toys and games used, but they are utilized to help a child express and integrate the goals they are working on related to therapy.
Older kids, tweens, and teens can still benefit from play therapy! Often these sessions may look like traditional talk therapy with playful elements brought in, such as games or art projects to work on interventions or treatment goals. Teens and tweens may also feel more comfortable in a play therapy setting than a traditional talk therapy setting, since they are allowed to express themselves in a variety of ways.
Caregivers and parents are a huge part of the play therapy process! Our Registered Play Therapist, Rebecca Self, will conduct a parent intake session with you first to learn more about your child’s history, treatment goals, and explain the play therapy process, to answer any questions you may have. Book a free consultation with Rebecca today to learn more!