Children

Every child’s journey is unique. Some children may benefit from just a few months of therapy, while others need longer-term support. We will regularly review progress together and adjust the process to meet your child’s needs.

It varies by child, but most kids benefit from play therapy once they can engage in representational play, which means using toys or imagination to act out ideas or feelings. This usually begins roughly around age four. For younger children, family or parent-focused sessions are often more effective. We can talk through the best kind of support for your child during the free consultation call.

This depends on the child and the goals we have in treatment. Sometimes having the parents participate in some, or all, of sessions is necessary to meet our goals. Other times, children benefit from having a private space to express themselves freely. Parents are always an important part of the process. I meet with caregivers regularly to share insights, provide tools and strategies, and collaborate on supporting the child at home.

If your child is struggling with emotions, behavior, or life changes that feel difficult to manage, play therapy can help. Some parents notice their child withdrawing, worrying more, showing big emotions, or having trouble at school or with friends. Even if you’re unsure, reaching out for a consultation can help clarify whether play therapy is a good fit.

While play therapy is especially effective for younger children, it can also be adapted for older children and even teens. Techniques such as sandtray, art therapy, games, and creative activities enable older kids to express themselves in meaningful ways, complementing traditional talk therapy. 

Each session looks different, because it’s guided by your child’s needs. Some days, your child may use toys, art, or sandtray to express themselves. Other days, we may play structured games or have gentle conversations. The flexibility of play therapy means your child’s voice and pace lead the way.

The frequency of sessions is variable and can be influenced by by scheduling, availability, and family financing. While the standard is to have one session a week, I do sessions every other week when this works best for families. I may also suggest twice-a-week sessions for kids or families going through major transitions or challenges. 

Your support makes a big difference! Being open to listening, validating their feelings, and practicing new skills at home helps reinforce progress. I’ll provide regular updates and suggestions so that you feel confident to support your child outside of sessions.

In some situations it may be considered, but in general, in-person sessions are strongly recommended for child play therapy. Children benefit most from the hands-on play materials, connection, and environment of the playroom. We can discuss your child’s specific needs during the free consultation call, but it’s unlikely that I will recommend telehealth for play-based work.