Play is the language of the child.

Why Play Therapy?

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” ~ Friedrich Froebel

Play therapy is a specialized theoretical structure that utilizes the therapeutic powers of play in treatment of psychosocial difficulties. Similar to traditional talk therapy, there are various modalities of play therapy used based on each individual child. All of them centered on the exploration of toys, art, imagination, and more.

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child-centered play therapy focuses on the natural ways children interact with toys and the environment around them. The therapist will meet the child where they are in the playroom while allowing space for emotional exploration. The major attitudes of child-centered play therapy are empathy, congruence, and maintaining a non-judgemental stance.

This model of play therapy is often used in the treatment of various social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.

Adlerian Play Therapy

Adlerian play therapy is a more structured model focusing on achieving positive behavioral outcomes. The therapist focuses on the treatment of the whole child as a unique individual while also considering their social environment.

Rather than having an free flowing play session, they might have specific activities and games aimed to elicit those desired behavioral outcomes.