Play Therapy for Children

Serving clients at Lakewood · Centennial · Northglenn · Telehealth available statewide in Colorado

 

Play is children’s language. Long before they have words for their experiences, children communicate through play—working through fear, loss, confusion, and trauma in the only language they’ve mastered. Play therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that uses play as the primary therapeutic medium, meeting children exactly where they are developmentally.

What We Offer

  • Anxiety and fearfulness in young children
  • Grief and loss (including pet loss and family changes)
  • Trauma and abuse processing
  • Divorce, family transition, or new sibling adjustment
  • Behavioral challenges in young children
  • Social skills and peer relationship difficulties
  • ADHD-related struggles in early childhood
  • Selective mutism

How It Works

Play therapy sessions take place in a specially equipped playroom with a range of toys, art supplies, sand trays, and expressive materials. The therapist follows the child’s lead while observing themes and patterns in play, offering reflections and gentle interventions. Parents receive regular updates and are often involved in filial therapy components.

Who This Is For

Play therapy is most appropriate for children ages 3–12. It is particularly valuable for children who struggle to verbalize their experiences, have experienced trauma, or are going through significant life changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is play therapy ‘real’ therapy?
Yes. Play therapy is backed by decades of research and is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by the Association for Play Therapy. Children process and heal through play the way adults process through words.
Will I know what happens in sessions?
Your therapist will provide regular parent updates while maintaining the therapeutic confidentiality that allows children to feel safe in the playroom.
How long does play therapy take?
Duration varies based on the child’s needs. Many children show meaningful improvement within 10–20 sessions.
Does my child need to talk in sessions?
No. Many children, especially those who have experienced trauma, benefit from play therapy precisely because verbal expression is not required.