Childhood is precious.

This special time is also one of incredible growth for our little ones. Children struggling with mental health difficulties often manifest those in their behavior – “acting out,” for instance.

For parents and caregivers, it can be a challenge to determine what is normal or age-appropriate.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults.

This form of therapy uses play to help children express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. It allows a child to explore their thoughts, emotions and events in their life at their own pace and in a way in which they are most comfortable.

 

Play therapy is the most appropriate method of treatment for children who are having difficulties coping with life situations. Though children lack the cognitive skills to express themselves with words, they are fluent in the language of play.

Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy and understanding in the play therapy room. Play therapy is not the same thing as playing.

Play therapy uses a child’s natural tendency to “play out” their interactions with life situations, in the presence of a trained play therapist, to help that child feel accepted and understood and gain a sense of control or understanding of difficult situation

Signs of Stress or Mental Illness in Children

 
Read More

Benefits of Play Therapy

 

Read More

What Can Play Therapy Help Treat?

 

Read More

Horizon’s Play Therapy Center

We have a wonderful and culturally sensitive playroom to address all childhood challenges from anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, aggression, ODD, ADHD and other behavioral issues.

Why play therapy? Play is essential to human growth, development, learning and cultivating relationships. Play is a natural process that regulates emotions, reduces anxiety, promotes creative thinking and problem-solving, and elevates self-esteem.

We provide a wide range of expressive therapies for children and tweens that include play therapy, sand tray therapy and art therapy.

 

For more information

ARTICLES

Why Play Therapy?

Why Play Therapy?

There are so many reasons why I love play therapy. Where do I begin? Play is essential and inherent to children. Play is also essential to brain development....

read more
Play Therapy Works

Play Therapy Works

This video introduces and promotes the value of play, play therapy, credentialed play therapists, and membership in the Association for Play Therapy.

read more