Most children, especially younger ones, find it difficult if not impossible to express their feelings verbally. Many professionals believe that most children are incapable of consistently identifying and putting words to their emotions until at they are at least 11 years old, if even then. That is one of the reasons why most children when asked by an adult why they just did what they did answer, "I don't know." In many cases this is an honest response. This is even more true for children who have been traumatized by sexual, physical or emotional abuse. For this reason, traditional "talk-therapy" usually doesn't work for children, not even for some teenagers.

Instead, many child therapists use a technique called "play therapy." This therapy is based on the observation that while children may not be able to talk about their problems, when given the right tools and a safe place, they will act out and often resolve the issues which are troubling them. It can also be a good diagnostic tool for assessing the kind and extent of abuse a child has experienced, the level of dysfunction in the child's background, or their ability to learn, develop social skills and make judgments. As someone once said, "A child's play is a child's work."

Our play an art therapy rooms are equipped with an extensive selection of materials that help children express themselves ... including

a doll house, a sandbox, games, a basketball hoop, lots of art supplies, even a punching bag ... and new items are being added almost weekly.  

While it looks like what it is ... play ... play therapy is hard work. Your child will be under constant observation and I am usually highly engaged in whatever activity they choose. If you're the parent of a hyperactive child, you are aware of how much activity this can mean.

If you have any further questions about play therapy, please call or write.