Play therapy

Children express what they cannot yet say. Play becomes the language of healing.

A child playing with toys in a bright playroom

Overview

Young children rarely process hard experiences by talking them through — they process them through play. In play therapy, a trained therapist uses toys, games, art, and story to help a child work through worries, big feelings, and frightening memories in a language they speak fluently.

Play therapy is far more than playtime. It is a structured, research-backed treatment in which the therapist makes deliberate clinical choices — what to reflect, when to join, when to challenge gently — so that play leads to real changes in behavior, regulation, and connection at home and school.

Who this is for

Children roughly ages 3–10 with big feelings or big behaviors
Kids adjusting to foster placement, adoption, or family change
Children who have experienced frightening or overwhelming events
Families who want tools that work at home, not just in the office

What to expect

A welcoming playroom where the child sets the pace
Regular parent check-ins so gains carry into daily life
Playful, developmentally attuned treatment — never a miniature adult session
Clear progress markers shared with you along the way

Approaches we draw on

TraumaPlay
Child-centered play therapy
TF-CBT for young children
Caregiver coaching

Explore more care

Not sure where to start?

You don't need to know which service fits — that's our job. Reach out, tell us a little about your family, and we'll point you in the right direction with care.

Request an appointment

We respond with care, usually within one business day.