Children who have experienced considerable change in their lives or who have survived traumatic events need to express and understand their strong feelings.  Through the use of therapeutic play, children are given the opportunity to express their feelings naturally, and safely, thus enabling the healing process to begin.  When a child is helped in this way, a clear message is sent:  “Receiving help is okay and I’m okay too.”  Therapy allows children to internalize this nurturing message and learn healthy self-care skills that carry into adulthood. 

What takes place ‘in the playroom’ can be life-altering for a child.....it can lead to hope and healing.

 Individual Play Therapy sessions can be helpful for:

· Children who are dealing with parental conflict, separation, or divorce

· Children who have been traumatized (sexual, physical, or emotional abuse)

· Children who have been adopted or are in foster care

· Children who are dealing with issues of loss, such as illness or death of a loved one, a significant move, or a major disappointment

· Children who have been hospitalized

· Children who have witnessed domestic violence

· Children who have witnessed accidents or disasters

 Play Therapy can also be helpful for:

· Separation anxiety

· Low self-esteem

· Difficulty adjusting to family changes

· Learning or other school problems

· Sleeping, eating, or elimination problems

· Overcoming social shyness and gaining confidence

· Excessive anger, worry, sadness or fear

· Preoccupation with sexual behavior

· Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches and stomachaches

 
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is to children what ‘talk therapy’ is to adults.  Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys, instead of words.

Does my child need Play Therapy?
Throughout their lives, most children go through difficult times, such as the divorce of their parents, trouble making friends, or adjusting to changes at school or home. Some children need more help than others to get through these times. If you or other adults in your child's life are concerned about your child's behavior, play therapy can help. It is the most appropriate treatment for helping your child work through difficult times and helping you gain a better understanding of what your child is going through

What toys are in a Play Therapy room and why?
Toys are carefully selected for the play therapy room to facilitate creative and emotional expression from children. The types of toys used can be played with in many ways and therefore allow for decision-making in children. They are also very durable and sturdy to allow for repeated use and rough play.  If you would like a tour of the special playroom at In the Playroom, LLC - please contact us.

Why Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is the most appropriate method of treatment for children who are having difficulties coping with life situations. Though children lack the cognitive skills to express themselves with words, they are fluent in the language of play. Play therapy allows them to express themselves in the way in which they are most comfortable.

How long does a child receive Play Therapy?
The length of time a child is seen in play therapy varies from child to child. It depends upon the severity of the trauma, the child's personality, and how the child perceived the trauma. This can be discussed with your child's play therapist during consultation times.

What is the difference between Play Therapy and playing with my child at home?
Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy and understanding in the play therapy room. Play therapy is not the same thing as playing. Play therapy uses the child's natural tendency to "play out" their reactions to life situations, in the presence of a trained play therapist, to help the child feel accepted and understood and gain a sense of control or understanding of difficult situations.

Can I watch my child in Play Therapy?
Just as a counselor who works with adults keeps the information shared in sessions confidential, your child's play therapist will keep the information from their sessions confidential (exceptions apply). However, he or she will meet with you periodically to discuss your child's play in general themes, hear your concerns, and talk about any questions you may have related to your child's progress in play therapy. 

I'm in a custody battle over my child; Can play therapy help?
The play therapy environment is a place where children are accepted and understood. Many children caught in the middle of a custody battle experience lots of feelings, such as anger, fear, and uncertainty. Due to changes at home, children may not feel safe to express their emotions to their parents. Play therapy provides a safe place for children to express these emotions to an accepting and understanding person.

Can a play therapist tell me if my child has been abused?
Through the course of building a relationship and engaging in the process of play therapy, your child's play therapist will watch for themes in your child's play. Over time and across sessions, your child's play therapist may be able to observe enough information to either support or contradict an assumption you may have regarding abuse of your child.