Our Services
Play Therapy
Play therapy at Reformation Counseling Center uses evidence-based techniques to help children ages 3 to 12 work through difficult emotions, build resilience, and develop the coping skills they need to thrive. Through carefully guided play, our Registered Play Therapist Candidate creates a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely and begin to process experiences they may not yet have the words to describe.
We use both Play Therapy and Theraplay, an attachment-based, relationship-focused approach, to address emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges in children.
Is This Right for You?
Who Play Therapy Is For
How we can help
Our Approach
Play Therapy
A therapeutic approach rooted in the understanding that play is a child’s natural form of expression. In a structured play environment, children use toys, art, sand, and other tools to act out feelings, resolve inner conflicts, and practice new behaviors. Play therapy is supported by decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness for a wide range of childhood emotional and behavioral challenges.
Theraplay
An attachment-based, structured approach that focuses on strengthening the relationship between the child and caregiver. Theraplay sessions involve interactive, playful activities designed to build trust, security, and attunement between parent and child. Our therapist is a certified Foundational Theraplay therapist.
Sand Therapy
Uses a sandbox and miniature figures to allow children to create scenes that represent their inner world. This nonverbal approach is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma or who struggle to express their feelings verbally.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Adapted for younger clients, IFS helps children understand and work with different parts of themselves in a way that is age-appropriate and empowering.
Attachment-Based Family Therapy
Recognizes that a child’s emotional health is deeply connected to their relationships with caregivers. This approach works to strengthen the parent-child bond as a foundation for the child’s healing.
The Process
What to Expect
Parent Consultation
Play therapy begins with an intake session with the parent or caregiver (without the child present). This session allows the therapist to understand the child’s history, the concerns prompting therapy, and the family’s goals. It also provides an opportunity to explain how play therapy works and what to expect.
Child Sessions
Sessions are typically 45 to 50 minutes and are held weekly. The playroom is equipped with a range of carefully selected toys and materials that facilitate emotional expression and therapeutic work. The therapist follows the child’s lead while gently guiding the process toward therapeutic goals.
Caregiver Involvement
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in the play therapy process. Your therapist will provide regular updates on themes and progress in developmentally appropriate terms, and offer strategies to support the child’s growth at home.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are appropriate for play therapy?
Play therapy is designed for children ages 3 to 12. For older adolescents (ages 13 and up), we offer adolescent counseling, which uses talk-based approaches better suited to their developmental stage.
How is play therapy different from regular play?
While play therapy involves play, it is a structured, evidence-based clinical intervention facilitated by a trained therapist. The therapist observes themes in the child’s play, gently guides the process, and uses the play as a vehicle for emotional processing and skill-building. It is not recreational play.
How will I know if play therapy is working?
Progress in play therapy may be gradual and can look different for each child. Common signs of progress include improved emotional regulation, fewer behavioral incidents, increased confidence, improved social skills, and a stronger connection with caregivers. Your therapist will provide regular updates and track progress toward specific goals.
Does my child need a diagnosis to receive play therapy?
No. Play therapy is appropriate for any child who is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis.
Will my insurance cover play therapy?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about coverage for outpatient mental health services for children. Our team can also help you understand your benefits.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. We’ll listen to what you’re going through, answer your questions, and help you determine if play therapy is the right fit for your child.