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Play therapy

Play therapy

How young children do therapy: through play, with a trained clinician guiding it and parents as partners.

Schedule an appointment Therapists who use it

12 of our 62 therapists use this approach.

Young children don't have the words or the abstract thinking to sit and talk about their feelings. They do have play, which is how they make sense of the world, rehearse what frightens them and show what they can't say. Play therapy uses that: a trained clinician, a room set up for it, and toys and materials chosen so a child can work through what's going on at their own level.

It isn't just playing. The therapist reads the themes, reflects feelings, sets limits, and gently steers toward what the child needs to work through. Parents are involved throughout, because the changes have to hold at home.

What we use it for

Is it a fit?

Typically for children from about three to ten or eleven, and sometimes older children who aren't ready for talk therapy. Used for anxiety, behavior problems, trauma, grief, big life changes and adjustment to divorce or a new sibling.

What the evidence says

Play therapy has a solid research base for children's emotional and behavioral problems, and child-centered play therapy is recognized as an evidence-based practice. PCIT and TF-CBT, which both use play-based methods, are among the best-supported treatments for young children's behavior problems and trauma respectively.

Common questions

How young can a child start?

Our clinicians see children as young as three or four. For the youngest, a large share of the work is with parents.

Will I know what's happening in sessions?

Yes. Your therapist will meet with you regularly to explain what the play is showing and what to do at home, while keeping the playroom a safe space for your child.

Is play therapy a trademarked method?

No. Play therapy is a general approach practiced by clinicians with specific training in it. Some of our clinicians also hold training in specific play-based models such as PCIT and sandtray.

Where to find it

Based on our clinicians' current specialties, this approach is offered at seven locations:

Closer to Surfside Beach, Greenville, Anderson or online? Call (843) 894-0000; the right therapist may be available by video, or we'll suggest the nearest office with the right fit.

Ready when you are.

Call us or submit a short intake form. A Patient Account Representative will match you with a therapist, and most new clients have their first appointment within a few business days.

Schedule an appointment Call (843) 894-0000