Play Therapy

How Does Play Therapy Work?

The foundation of play therapy is based on the understanding that a child’s language is play; children naturally use play as a tool to process everyday circumstances. Play therapy provides an avenue for children to both process and heal from difficult life experiences with sustainable healthy changes.

What is a Registered Play Therapist?

A Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has undergone extensive specialized education, training, and field experience. A RPT is a licensed mental health professional who has earned a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a mental health field with considerable general clinical experience and supervision. In addition to their general clinical experience they have also earned over 100 hours of advanced, specialized training, experience, and supervision in play therapy.

How Long Does Play Therapy Typically Take?

Each play therapy session consists of 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the child’s developmental stage and attention ability. Sessions typically occur weekly. A 10-15 minute parent check-in is expected at the beginning of each session for children 12 and under. Research suggests that it takes an average of 20 play therapy sessions for the child to resolve their problems, however some children may improve much faster while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to treat.