Why Play?

Children communicate through play. Play is the child's language and is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play therapy allows children to express themselves freely without needing the vocabulary that adults have in typical talk therapy. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization, and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice the skills and roles needed for survival. 

Who Benefits from Play Therapy?

Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old. 

Play therapy helps children:

• That their feelings are acceptable
• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
• Respect themselves
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
• Express their feelings responsibly
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
• Learn to experience and express emotions.
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
• Acceptance of themselves
• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.
• Be responsible for their own choices

Learn more about Play Therapy

HRCS Policy regarding Child Therapy & Litigations:

When working with a child as the child therapist, I DO NOT and will NOT take on a second role, such as the court evaluator, parent therapist, mediator, or expert witness for one parent. If you are involved in divorce or custody litigation, my role as a therapist is not to make recommendations to the court concerning custody or parenting issues as I'm not a CFI (Child & Family Investigator) or PRE (Parental Responsibilities Evaluator).