What happens during play therapy?

Adults use words to communicate, while children use play.

During the play therapy session, the play therapist provides specifically selected play materials to facilitate the child’s expression of feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors. Careful selection of toys and activities is made with consideration of the impact they will have on the growth and development of the child. The play therapist involves parents in the treatment process as therapeutically appropriate.

At ARI, the play therapist directs activities in a fully equipped play therapy room with sand tray to treat:

  • Behavioral issues brought about by bullying, abuse, grief, loss or other trauma

  • Family issues and attachment injury caused by divorce, separation, and abandonment

  • Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD

  • Emotional dysregulation, social skills deficits, and lack of motivation or self-worth

The benefits of play therapy may include:

  • Emotional expression

  • Enhanced communication skills

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Emotional regulation

  • Increased self-esteem and confidence

  • Healing from trauma

  • Behavioral improvement

  • Strengthened relationships

  • Coping strategies

  • Developmental growth

  • Reduced anxiety and depression

  • Enhanced self-awareness

  • Safe space, reducing shame

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.

Plato

Play Therapists

These ARI therapists specialize in play therapy with children.

Kimberly Mendez Gomez

Therapist

Miranda Thornton

Therapist

Angie Dustin

Therapist

Dr. Melinda Paige

Therapist

Josh Cushing

Therapist

Ready for Help…  Ready for Healing…

To schedule a play therapy session, please call today and we will pair you with a therapist.