What is play therapy?
Children are unable to understand and talk about their feelings the way adults do. Play therapy is a special process that focuses on a child's need to express their feelings through the use of play.
At RCS, our therapists are specially trained in play therapy methods and are able to utilize them to assess and treat children who have been affected by divorce, a death in the family, recent moves, sexual abuse and other traumatizing events in their lives.
Play therapy is not just for kids. Adults benefit too. Sand tray, art, games, and other expressive techniques give adults a way to work through grief, trauma, stress, and life transitions that talking alone does not always reach. Many adults find that play opens doors that stayed shut in traditional talk therapy.
Who play therapy helps
Play therapy is most often thought of for children ages 3 to 12, but creative play techniques are also effective for teens who may be guarded or reluctant to talk and for adults who want a different path to healing. People of all ages come to us for many reasons, including:
- Divorce or separation
- Death of a loved one
- Recent moves
- Sexual abuse
- Trauma
- Anxiety and worry
- Anger and big emotions
- Behavior problems at home or school
- Adjustment to family changes
- Attachment concerns
- Low self-esteem
- Social difficulties
- Grief and loss at any age
- Adult stress and burnout
- Life transitions
What you can expect
Here is how play therapy works at RCS from the first call forward.
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Reach out
Send an inquiry or give us a call. A member of our team will follow up to hear what is going on with your child and match you with one of our Registered Play Therapists.
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Parent intake
Your therapist meets with you first to learn your child's history, your concerns, and your goals. This is your time to ask questions and understand the process before your child ever steps into the playroom.
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Play sessions
Your child meets with the therapist in a playroom filled with carefully selected toys, art supplies, and games. Sessions typically run 45 to 50 minutes. Over time, the therapist recognizes themes and patterns in your child's play and responds in ways that help your child feel understood and build new skills.
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Parent check-ins
Parents are partners in this work. Your therapist meets with you regularly to share progress, offer guidance, and give you practical tools to use at home so growth in the playroom carries over to everyday life.
The approaches we use
Our play therapists draw from several recognized approaches and tailor the work to your child's age, needs, and personality.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
The child leads and the therapist follows. Through tracking, reflecting feelings, and gentle limit setting, children feel accepted, gain confidence, and learn to take responsibility for their choices.
Filial Therapy
Utilizing play therapy techniques, parents are taught to be therapeutic with their children. The parent is taught specific techniques and is observed by the therapist interacting with the child in the play therapy room.
Cognitive Behavioral Play TherapyCBPT
Combines CBT with play to help children recognize unhelpful thoughts, manage anger and anxiety, and practice new coping skills in ways that make sense to a child.
Trauma-Focused Play Therapy
A safe, paced approach for children who have experienced abuse, loss, or other frightening events. Play allows children to process trauma at a distance that feels safe and to rebuild a sense of security.
Play Therapy for Adolescents
Creative and expressive techniques, such as art, sand, games, and storytelling, that engage guarded teens who are not ready to sit and talk.
Play Therapy for Adults
Sand tray, art, and expressive techniques help adults access feelings and memories that are hard to put into words, especially around grief, trauma, and major life changes.
Expressive Arts
Drawing, painting, clay, and sand tray give children and adults another way to show what they feel when words are hard to find.
A note for parents
Bringing your child to therapy is an act of love, not a sign that something is wrong with you as a parent. Here is what you can count on from us:
- Your child will work with a therapist who is specially trained in play therapy, and we have Registered Play Therapists on site.
- You will be kept in the loop. We share progress regularly and give you tools you can use at home.
- Your child's play is confidential in the way that helps them feel safe, and we will explain clearly what that means and when we would need to share information.
- We move at your child's pace. Trust comes first, and deeper work follows when your child is ready.
- When schools, pediatricians, or other providers are involved, we coordinate with them with your permission.
We have Registered Play Therapists on site. Start here.
Whether you are seeking play therapy for your child or for yourself, send us an inquiry and a member of our team will follow up to talk through your needs and schedule a first appointment.
