Play Therapy

What is play therapy?

Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."

Additional information here.

What is Play Therapy at Rivertown Wellness?

At Rivertown Wellness, we integrate evidenced-based and developmentally appropriate play therapy modalities to work with children and families.

Children Ages 3-8
The play therapist will use exclusively child-centered play therapy techniques.

Children Ages 9-11
The play therapist will use an integrated approach, utilizing CCPT techniques, sand tray, art and cognitive behavioral play therapy techniques.

What Can Parents and Caregivers Expect from Rivertown Wellness Play Therapy?

At Rivertown Wellness, we believe in the power of family. Regular parent consultation is part of the therapeutic process. The play therapist will work directly with your child for a minimum of 8 weekly sessions. An initial parent consultation will begin treatment and parents will be asked to schedule an additional consultation after 4 to 5 sessions and throughout the counseling process. If beneficial, the play therapist may ask that a parent or family member participate in play therapy sessions with the child. Research also backs this supportive work in certain circumstances.*

Parent consultation includes:

  • Behavioral support

  • Specific attachment-related skills aligned with CCPT

  • Psychoeducation related to child development and social and emotional growth

  • Treatment planning information

  • Progress monitoring, including a worksheet individually designed to track your child’s progress in therapy

  • Regular communication providing an overview of your child’s therapeutic processing as well as any pertinent information

  • If needed, additional collaboration with your child’s school to support academic, social and emotional success (Additional fees may apply for observation or consultation time.)

*You can find additional evidence-based information here.

When Does Play Therapy End?

In order to provide the best care, the length of play therapy treatment is based upon the individual child, family and specific concerns. There are several evidence-based markers demonstrating positive outcomes after 12-16 weekly appointments for short-term intensive treatments, however data supports the most significant positive outcomes after 30-40 weekly sessions.*

The play therapist will actively communicate with parents/caregivers regarding positive therapeutic growth demonstrated in session, balancing parent reports regarding school and home and any relevant assessment measures to determine therapy frequency and termination. To best care for your child, the play therapist asks that if you choose to end treatment for any reason, you communicate this with the therapist and allow for a final session for closure.

*You can find additional evidence-based information here.

Research Supports Play Therapy & CCPT

Rivertown Wellness will be happy to provide additional research to support the treatment of specific childhood concerns upon request.

You can access a summary of findings from a Play Therapy Meta Analysis here.