Through a variety of activities, play therapy utilizes the therapeutic power of play to transform current life issues.  It is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy.  Play is the primary tool.  Language is secondary.  Play therapy differs from ordinary play in that the therapist helps children address and resolve their own problems.  Play therapy builds on the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationship to the world.

Sessions may be with an individual or with groups of children.  A variety of therapeutic play techniques are used according to the child’s age and wishes such as sand trays, dolls, puppets, blocks, bubble blowing and more.

Through play, the child is given strategies to cope with difficulties they may be powerless to change.  It can also provide the therapist with valuable insight into what the child is experiencing as many children can or will better express their needs and feelings through imagination and play.