Counseling for children in Lancaster, PA
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 express what they’re going through. 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.
What Is Play Therapy?
A safe place for your child to work through the things that feel too big for words.
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.
Could Play Therapy be right for your child?
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 don’t need to know for certain that Play Therapy is the right fit before reaching out. Whether your child’s school or pediatrician has recommended counseling or you’ve simply noticed that something doesn’t seem quite right, we’re here to help you understand what your child may need and determine an appropriate next step.
Your child may benefit from Play Therapy if they:
Have difficulty managing or expressing big emotions
Seem anxious or worry frequently about school, friendships, or safety
Struggle with self-esteem or confidence
Have gone through a major life transition, such as a parent’s divorce, the loss of a loved one, or a move
Are experiencing behavioral changes or challenges
Have trouble making or keeping friends
Have experienced a traumatic event
01.
Parent/Caregiver Intake
We’ll begin by gathering a complete history of your child, family unit, clinical concerns, and strengths during an initial session with parents or caregivers.
02.
Play Therapy Observation & Assessment
Over the next few sessions, the therapist will meet with your child for play therapy observation and assessment. At times, parents or caregivers may also be included to better understand the family unit and your child’s needs.
03.
Parent/Caregiver Consultation
Once the assessment is complete, we’ll meet with you to discuss treatment goals, interventions that may be used during sessions, and activities or skills you can work on together at home.
04.
Ongoing Play Therapy
From there, your child will begin ongoing Play Therapy sessions focused on the goals identified for their individual needs.
“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm. Not join their chaos.”
— L. R. Knost
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy
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Every family's experience looks a little different, depending on what's bringing you in. Sometimes parents join sessions, and sometimes your child meets with their therapist on their own. Either way, you'll usually have a chance to check in at the start or end of each session. Sessions are 55 minutes and typically start out weekly or every other week.
Your therapist may take a child-centered approach, following your child's lead and trusting the process of play. Other times, they'll bring in more structured play, art, or sand tray activities to help your child learn about big feelings or practice tools for bringing calm or regulation into their bodies. Throughout it all, your therapist pays close attention to the themes, feelings, and patterns that show up. Some sessions will feel light and fun, while others, especially when your child is working through something big, may feel harder. Both are part of the process, and your therapist will help you and your child feel safe and supported every step of the way.
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Very young children are often best supported through their relationship with you. We typically see children starting at age 3 or 4, however for younger children we may be able to support you through parent consultations or our Circle of Security Parenting group. Connect with us and we'll talk through what might fit your family.
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Plenty of preteens and teens still benefit from hands-on, creative approaches, just not ones that feel like they're for "little kids." For older children, our therapists often use art therapy, sand tray, EMDR, or talk therapy, depending on what feels most comfortable and effective. We'll help match your child with the right approach.
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Yes, play therapy can help kids who struggle with focus, frustration, impulsivity, or meltdowns. It gives them a place to build emotional regulation skills, strengthen self-esteem, and practice new ways of handling hard moments. If your child has ADHD, play therapy works well alongside other supports like school accommodations or care from their pediatrician.
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It depends on your child and what they're working through. Some children make meaningful progress in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support, especially after trauma or major life changes. We'll check in with you regularly about progress and goals, so you'll never be left wondering where things stand.
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Your child needs to feel that the playroom is their safe space, so we don't share every detail of what they say or play. We will keep you updated on the themes we're noticing, progress toward goals, and ideas for supporting your child at home. And if we ever have a concern about your child's safety, we will always let you know.
You'll also stay involved along the way. Parents often join for parts of sessions, and when one-on-one time with your child is more helpful, we'll schedule regular parent check-ins instead. We believe kids get the most out of therapy when their parents or caregivers are part of the process.
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Keep it simple and positive. For younger kids, something like "You're going to meet someone whose job is to help kids with their feelings, and you get to play while you're there" works well. It also helps to let your child know you'll be nearby and that they can ask questions anytime.
Helping you understand the behavior beneath the surface.
Want to learn more about Play Therapy?
The Association for Play Therapy is a nationally recognized organization that provides valuable resources and information for parents and caregivers who want to better understand how Play Therapy works.
This video offers a quick introduction to Play Therapy and explains how children can use play to communicate, process emotions, and work through experiences.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ATTACHMENT-BASED PARENT APPROACH
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 better understand their child’s emotional needs, recognize the cues behind their behavior, and respond in ways that support regulation, connection, and security at home.
Wondering if Play Therapy is the right next step?
You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out. If you’re concerned about something your child is experiencing, we can talk through what you’re noticing, answer your questions, and help determine whether Play Therapy may be an appropriate next step.