Find answers to common questions about play therapy, our services, and how we can support your family. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!
Play therapy helps kids express feelings, connect with their body and soothe when upset, solve problems, build healthy relationships and self-esteem—all through play! A trained play therapist guides the sessions to help children/teens feel safe and understood.
In play therapy, a therapist uses play to help kids process emotions and learn coping skills. It’s more than just fun—it’s a way to grow and heal.
Play therapy has been helpful for children ages 3-10 and also with teens. It helps them learn how to manage big feelings and use coping skills during stressful situations. Therapy with infants and toddlers includes their caregivers to help them learn how to build healthy relationships and support their development.
Children often express feelings through play rather than words. The therapist watches, guides, and helps kids build healthier ways to handle emotions and problems.
Play therapy sessions support your child/teen choosing activities that support their self-expression through play with toys, board games, art, sand tray, music and movement and digital play therapy activities with an I-pad. The therapist provides support by acknowledging the child/youth’s experiences, models coping skills that are fun and tailored to their needs and shows unconditional support and care for their worth as a person.
Play therapy helps kids manage emotions, improve problem-solving, and build self-esteem and social skills.
You may see changes in behavior, greater ability to express their emotions, and improved coping skills at home and school.
That’s okay! Play therapy lets kids/youth express themselves through play and expressive arts activities instead of words.
Sessions last about 45 minutes, usually once a week. Most kids need around 20 sessions for noticeable progress.
You have the choice of in-person and telehealth therapy for your treatment sessions based on the type of support your child/teen may need. Telehealth services are provided within the state of California only.
Yes! Parents will have regular parent sessions with the therapist, may join some sessions, and will learn ways to support their child at home.
Yes! We affirm neurodiversity and respect and honor each child and youth’s family and cultural background and experiences. We will work together with your family to utilize your cultural and spiritual values and beliefs as a resource for your healing process as a team.
Parents help by supporting their child, trying out parenting tools with their child at home and staying involved in their progress.
– Virginia Axline