In the same manner which adults utilize talk therapy to process emotional material, build insight, and experience relief, children use play to organize complex feelings, including anxieties, conflicts, and fears. Expressing strong and/or threatening emotions within the context of play helps children integrate them, lower their intensity, and build resilience.

Client-led play therapy is a highly effective and evidence-based approach, allowing children to build emotional understanding and self-regulation skills while providing relief. I also work closely with parents, weaving in concrete problem solving and coping skills, and exploring avenues to strengthen connection.

A brief review of the evidence base and research foundation underlying play therapy intervention is listed below, and can be accessed at this link.

Ray, D. C, & McCullough, R. (2015; revised 2016). Evidence-based practice statement: Play therapy (Research report). Retrieved from Association for Play Therapy.