Play Therapy

Counseling for children in Lancaster, PA

What is Play Therapy?
Children experience big feelings and challenges just like adults do, but they often don't yet have the words, insight, or coping skills to understand and express what they're going through. Instead, children naturally communicate through play.

Play Therapy uses a child's natural language, play, to help them explore emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy ways to understand life's challenges. Through toys, games, creative activities, and art, children can safely express themselves while learning to recognize their emotions, understand their body's signals, and build skills for feeling more regulated, connected, and confident.

In Play Therapy, we create a supportive space where your child can work through difficult experiences, build emotional awareness, develop problem-solving skills, and practice new ways of responding to challenges. Through the therapeutic relationship and the power of play, children can gain confidence, resilience, and a greater understanding of themselves.

Play Therapy may be a good fit for children ages 3–12 who are struggling with emotions, behaviors, self-esteem, or adjusting to significant life changes. You may notice your child seems anxious and worries frequently about school, friendships, or safety. Perhaps they appear sad, angry, withdrawn, or have difficulty making and keeping friends. Some children benefit from Play Therapy after experiencing a major life transition, such as a parent's divorce, the loss of a loved one, a move, or a traumatic event.

Whether your child's school or pediatrician has recommended counseling, or you're simply noticing that something doesn't seem quite right, we're here to help. We can talk through your concerns, learn more about your child's needs, and determine whether Play Therapy may be an appropriate next step.

What to Expect in Play Therapy
1. A complete history of the child, family unit, and clinical concerns and strengths is gathered by the therapist in the initial session meeting with the parents/caregivers.

2. A play therapy observation and assessment is conducted in the next few sessions by the therapist meeting with the child, sometimes this can also include parents/caregivers or the family unit.

3. Consultation is provided with the parents/caregivers once the assessment is completed and we will discuss further treatment goals, interventions to be used in session and suggestions of activities/skills to be worked on at home.

4. Ongoing play therapy focused sessions based on determined goals.

For many families, understanding why a child behaves the way they do is just as important as addressing the behavior itself. Our Circle of Security Parenting group helps caregivers learn to read emotional cues and respond in ways that support regulation and security at home. Learn more about this attachment based approach here.

The Association for Play Therapy is a nationally recognized organization that provides valuable resources and information for parents.  Below is a quick video further explaining the power of play therapy:
https://youtu.be/reJpo-GaopM