Child Play Therapy — More Than Just Fun and Games
What is Child Play Therapy?
- Coping with real-life issues such as trauma, divorce, COVID-related issues, violence and more
- Processing and expressing complex emotions that are hard to put into words
- Developing self-confidence and a positive self-image
- Regulating emotions and supporting decision-making
Schedule an appointment with one of our child play therapists today to get started.
Who can benefit from child play therapy?
All children go through an occasional emotional “crisis,” but some children have serious problems, often caused by:
- Neglect
- Family violence
- Divorce, separation or other changes in a family situation
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Chronic illness
- Deafness or other physical challenges
- Grief
- Hospitalization
- Learning disabilities or other mental challenges.
Often, a child needing help displays the following traits or behaviors:
- Poor academic performance
- Poor relationship with peers or siblings
- Passivity, withdrawal
- Bedwetting after toilet training
- Reading problems
- Social immaturity
- Speech difficulties
- Refusal to speak
- Preoccupation with sex
- Excessive worrying, anger, sadness or anxiety
- Phobias
- Aggressive behavior or acting out
How child play therapy works
Child play therapy offers a child a safe place to play out, rather than talk out, his thoughts, feelings and problems. The therapist chooses toys that encourage “fantasy play,” such as clay, sand, water, drawing materials and puppets, as well as toys that enable a child to act out real life scenarios. The therapist builds a warm and supportive relationship with the child, thereby encouraging the child to open up through the symbolic language of play.
During a child therapy session, few limits are set and the child is given complete freedom to control his play and actions. In such a protective yet empowering environment, the child generally leads the therapist to the source of his emotional disturbance through his activity and behavior. The therapist uses developmentally appropriate techniques to help the child let go of negative or restricting feelings and develop coping mechanisms to use in real life.
Effective child therapy for emotional and behavioral growth
Child therapy at Family Care Center is designed to provide young individuals with the tools they need to navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Our experienced therapists work with children of all ages, creating a safe, supportive environment where they can express themselves freely. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioral issues, therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and growth. By using a variety of therapeutic techniques, including play therapy, we aim to promote emotional resilience and improve communication skills, setting children on a path toward long-term well-being.
What does child play therapy at Family Care Center involve?
During the first session, one of our play therapists will describe the treatment process, parental involvement, and treatment goals and termination. Confidentially is reviewed, and parents must sign a consent to treat before therapy can begin.
The therapist conducts a thorough interview with both parents, whether they are together or not, to learn more about the problem: how long it has been present, how they have tried to deal with it and how it affects the child’s life and family members. Then, the child is introduced to the therapist, the playroom and the therapeutic process. Usually, a child will see the play therapist each week. The length of treatment varies.
The child’s level of functioning, during the session and at home, will worsen and improve over the course of therapy. Once the child has worked through his problem and has reached a state of emotional health and a level of functioning that is appropriate for his age and stage of development, he is ready to end treatment.
Appointments in days, not months
Taking the first step on your mental health journey is easier than you might think.
- Call or request an appointment online to speak with our team about care and coverage
- Let us know how we can support you or your loved ones
- Choose a time, provider and location near you - also available virtually
* Family Care Center is in-network with most major health insurance plans!