Play Therapy

For children ages three to twelve, play can be a more effective means of self-expression than even words. It follows that the psychotherapeutic approach known as play therapy is one of the premier approaches for helping children process their repressed thoughts and emotions to achieve healing and growth.

Therapeutic play is appropriate for all children. For those with social and emotional challenges, play therapy teaches better communication skills and behaviors, allowing more positive interactions with others. Learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, and autism spectrum disorders also respond to play therapy. And for children who are experiencing or have experienced stress in their lives, including divorce, trauma, family crisis, illness, and changes in their environment, this therapy has been proven effective as well.

These sessions take place in a safe, comfortable environment and sometimes involve the parent or caregiver. After an intake interview, your therapist will choose from many treatment approaches to find the ones best suited to the individual child. Storytelling, play-acting, dolls, dancing, and music are a few of the many options available. Observing and interacting with your child through these creative activities allows the therapist to reach him or her on a deeper level, freeing up thoughts and feelings that the child is unable to express in other ways.

This cathartic and healing treatment is not only for children, either. Adults can also benefit from play therapy, both on their own and with the help of one of our skilled therapists.

Speak with a Play Therapy Specialist in Newport Beach.

Our highly-trained Newport Beach play therapy professionals are ready and able to help you through the process at every turn. To start your journey, contact one of our therapists in Newport Beach that specializes in play therapy.

Curry Psychology Group offers play therapy in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Santa Anna, Fountain Valley, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and all of Orange County. If you have any questions about play therapy or are not sure about how to get started, contact us anytime!