Why play? 

Play is a child's natural form of communication. Children express and explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through play just like adults express themselves through talking. Therefore, using play in therapy can help children express difficult or confusing emotions in a way that comes naturally to them. Play is a developmentally responsive approach to counseling for young children ages 3-10. 

What happens in play therapy?

To start, a play therapist will call you to complete a phone or video intake. Once your intake and permission forms are completed and your child is scheduled for play therapy, your child's play therapist will meet with you first to talk about the child and your family. 

Your child's play therapist will meet your child in their classroom and spend time in the classroom getting to know your child and their teacher. Your child will be invited to tour the playroom and be given a social story about starting play therapy. 

In weekly play therapy sessions, a play therapist will meet with your child for 30 minutes in the playroom located on the 3rd floor of Helen Gordon Child Development Center. The play therapist will pick up your child from their classroom and walk them to the playroom at the beginning of their scheduled time and return them to their classroom at the end of their scheduled time in the playroom.

The play therapist will respond to your child's play and verbal communication. The play therapist will reflect your child’s feelings, set therapeutic limits when needed, and will help your child express themselves in ways that are beneficial. The play therapist will also be available to talk with parents and teachers (with parent permission) as needed to support the child at home, in the classroom, and to share the child's progress in play therapy. Parents are always welcome to reach out to schedule a time to talk with their child's play therapist.