Play Therapy

“Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems just as in certain types of adult therapy an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.” — Virginia Axline

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a counseling modality that is a way for children to express themselves—using the language of a child, which is play.

When children are struggling with big emotions, changes, or experiences, they often cannot put it into words the way adults do. These tend to come out in actions or behaviors. That’s where play therapy comes in. In the therapy sessions, your child will utilize toys, games, art, and stories to help them explore and express their thoughts and feelings.

Your child will lead in the sessions—they choose how to play—while receiving support and observation from the therapist. This gives your child the freedom to express themselves safely and build trust/rapport, confidence, connection, and work through emotions. Every child is unique, and I base my approach on their needs and response to therapy. In certain instances, I may be more directive, however, in most instances the sessions will remain child-led.

Through play, your child can learn to process emotions like anger, sadness, fear, confusion, and more. Play therapy can help with anxiety, behavior issues, grief, trauma, family changes, and more. It’s a powerful way to support your child’s emotional health and help them build healthy ways to cope and communicate.

Francesca has specialty trainings in play therapy techniques from Jacksonville University, Florida Association of Play Therapy, and Association of Play Therapy.

What role does the parent hold in play therapy?

While not in the sessions, parents are an essential part of the team! The playroom is where the therapeutic work begins—your relationship with your child is where healing continues.

Each session I will usually meet with the parents for the first few minutes to go over what you are seeing at home or to give feedback. If at any time, there is anything that needs to be discussed, you can always reach out to me to schedule a phone call. During the first few sessions, there may not be much to report as rapport is being built. After 4–6 sessions, I will schedule a parent consultation to go over treatment goals and any other feedback I can provide, or updates from you as the parent.

“Just because you know a child’s story, does not mean you know their experience.” — Dr. Sue Bratton