Play therapy

The roots of a child's ability to cope and thrive, regardless of circumstance, lie in that child's having had at least a small, safe place in which the companionship of a loving person, that child could discover that he or she was lovable, and capable of loving in return.

-Fred Rogers

Therapy with Children is different than adult therapy

Therapeutic approaches for children differ from those for adults due to developmental stages. Early childhood therapy involves significant parent involvement, focusing on attachment and learning emotional language, boundaries, and regulation. Elementary-aged children work on peer relationships, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, with parents helping identify stressors at home and school. Adolescents can verbalize more but still benefit from art, journaling, and games.

Children primarily communicate through play, using figures, dolls, sand, games, and art. Unlike adults, who can express emotions verbally, children are still learning to identify their feelings. Play helps them understand their world. Working with therapists, they learn to name and manage emotions through games, dramatic play, and bibliotherapy.

Parent FAQs

How does playing with toys help my child?

Play is a child’s language. Children process their experiences through imaginative play. Each toy in the playroom has been specifically chosen for children to use to act out, create and process their world. Your child’s therapist will inform you of insights into your child’s play during parent check-ins.

How old does my child need to be to participate?

Children of all ages can participate in therapy. Young children under the age of 5 years will most likely require shorter sessions due to shorter attention spans and require more parent involvement.

How often does my child need to come to therapy?

Effective therapeutic work is conducted through weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Once a child shows progress in achieving their goals and parents are confident in supporting their child's needs, the frequency of sessions will transition to monthly maintenance sessions, eventually leading to the conclusion of therapy.

How many sessions will it take to see improvement?

Progress depends on several factors, including therapist-client rapport, the child's safety in sharing, therapy consistency, and parental support. The therapist will keep you updated on your child’s progress.

How can I help my child?

Parental involvement is a significant factor in a child's therapeutic progress. The therapist will provide opportunities for parent check-ins and sessions. Applying new parenting techniques and maintaining communication with the therapist about any challenges or achievements is essential. The therapist may also supply useful resources to aid in achieving the child's goals.

How do you use EMDR with children?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories. EMDR can involve play, sand tray activities, or traditional methods like a light bar. Therapists trained in EMDR will prepare your child thoroughly before starting the treatment.

For more information on EMDR please click here.

What is age of consent?

In Colorado, minors aged 12 and older can seek psychotherapy services with full confidentiality. While this may concern some parents, therapists understand the importance of parental involvement. They will help your child build self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. Additionally, therapists offer parent check-ins to address concerns, answer questions, and develop supportive parenting strategies.

Will I know what my child discusses in therapy?

Please note the age of consent. Children 12 and older have full confidentiality, except in cases of suicide ideation, self-harm, abuse, or threats to others. For children under 12, confidentiality is not guaranteed, but therapists may request patience to help build rapport and encourage self-expression.

Can I be in the playroom during the session?

This varies, as sometimes children benefit from the additional support and security of having a parent or caregiver present. If therapy aims to repair or strengthen the attachment between parent and child, the therapist will use specific games and activities for both. In cases where a child relies on parents to answer or participate, it may be more beneficial for the parent to step out, allowing the child to speak up, make choices, and develop autonomy. The child's therapist will communicate with the parent about goals and provide recommendations for participation. Parent check-ins are integral to the therapeutic process, as the parent has detailed knowledge of the child, and the therapist aims to collaborate to develop a plan that benefits the child.

Do you diagnose my child?

Your child's therapist will collaborate with you to ascertain whether a diagnosis is necessary and if it would benefit the acquisition of additional support in school or at home. Should it be required, your child's therapist will provide a referral to an external mental health professional who is specialized in further assessment.

My child is neurodivergent, can you help them?

Your child’s therapist is skilled in working with various populations and issues. Sometimes, it's beneficial for the therapist to collaborate with other providers like OT, PT, a psychiatrist, or a pediatrician. If needed, a referral will be made to a specialist better suited to your child’s needs.

Child FAQs

What is therapy?

Therapy is a place where you can sort out thoughts and feelings that may cause distress. Your therapist works with you to find new ways to think about challenging experiences and to understand where these thoughts originate. Play can also be an important part of therapy; let your therapist know what activities you enjoy and are interested in. Your therapist will try to incorporate these into your sessions. By the end of therapy, you will have a better understanding of yourself and your experiences.

Do we just talk in therapy?

Not unless you want to but there will be many games, toys, and activities to explore. Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable space for you. Your therapist wants to learn about you and incorporate your interests into therapy. Therapy isn't always serious; we want you to enjoy your experience and have fun while addressing your thoughts, feelings or difficult experiences.

Am I going to have to talk about hard things?

Your parents brought you to a therapist because they are concerned about an experience or feelings you have. The therapist will create a safe space for you to explore these issues. You and your therapist will decide how long to address them and include time for fun. Your input on the session is important, and the therapist will check in on your comfort level. Your thoughts on therapy matter.

Can I bring my own toys to therapy?

There are lots of toys in the playroom, chosen just for you and your therapeutic experience. However, should you have one toy that makes you feel safe or perhaps a special drawing that you would like to share with your therapist, they are welcome into the office.

What are the rules of the playroom?

There are three important rules in the playroom:

Keep yourself safe

Keep others safe

Keep the toys safe

The playroom is designed for exploration through touch, sight, smell, and sound. It is considered a "yes" room where anything can happen. You are allowed to use the toys as you choose, provided that safety rules are followed.

Do I have to clean up the playroom?

In most cases cleanup is not required. Your job in therapy is to have fun, explore, and learn about yourself. Now sometimes exploration uses lots of tools such as paint, glitter, figures and sand. This is what your therapist calls “good work taking place” but may require a little teamwork to reset the playroom.

How long to do I have to be in the playroom?

The typical session is 50 minutes. Sometimes your therapist will meet with your parents right before or after your session. You will wait in the waiting room where there are games and puzzles to keep you busy. You are always in control of your sessions; if you are ready to be done before the 50 minutes let your therapist know.

Will my parents know what I talk about?

If you are 12 or older, your conversations with your therapist are confidential unless you are harming yourself, being harmed, or plan to harm someone. If you are under 12, your parents can know what you discuss in therapy. Your therapist will help you talk to them confidently when you are ready.

Our playroom

Get to Know

In the playroom therapist and child partner together to build courage to address distressing experiences, confusing thoughts and emotions and will witness hope emerge for a happier future.

Cozy corner

The cozy corner, filled with pillows and soft toys, helps children calm their nervous systems. It's a safe space for discussing difficult experiences or calming down when feeling strong emotions.

The Sand Tray

The sand tray is a container for holding special worlds created by the client as they process their experiences. Anything can help in the tray and both therapist and client are witnesses to the story that emerges.

Figures

Figures can symbolize more than their physical appearance. A dinosaur might indicate anger or a sense of power. A superhero could signify hope for the future, whereas a fence may represent security and safety.

Art

Collages, painting, coloring, and sketching are vital for self-expression, turning inner thoughts and feelings into art. This creative process helps reduce stress and regulate the nervous system.