Play Therapy

Play Therapy in Center City, Providence

Play therapy is a combination of individual and family therapy. Typically the trained therapist meets with the child and his or her parent(s) for the first part of the session and spends the remainder of the session one on one with the child in the playroom. The therapist uses various play materials to help children express what is troubling them. Play therapy is most useful for children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. Families often seek this developmentally appropriate treatment modality when their children are affected by divorce, ADHD, bereavement, trauma, peer difficulties, aggression, school misbehavior and other issues that negatively impact the child. Play-Family Therapy can also be used preventively when parents feel that the situation may decline without attention to a particular concern. Children use play to master feelings, concerns and confusing or unsettling life events. Play therapy provides children with a clinical setting in which they can create lasting resolutions that can be safely discovered, rehearsed, mastered and adapted into lifelong strategies.

When seeking therapy it is always preferable to choose a therapist who has experience in helping clients with similar issues. For example, while most therapists have some knowledge about sexuality issues, sexual problems are best managed by a therapist who concentrates on sexual function/dysfunction issues and has received specialized training in these areas. Similarly, someone seeking help for an eating disorder is best helped by a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.

For a better understanding of our therapists’ specialties, please refer to our biographies in the About Us section of the site as well as our Information Center where you can read many self-help articles written by our therapists. You may also contact our Director, “Alex” Caroline Robboy, CAS, ACSW, LCSW at (215) 570—8614 to discuss your particular situation.