Play therapy is a psycho-therapeutic approach used mainly for children aged 3 to 12. This approach uses a variety of techniques that help children to explore repressed thoughts and emotions through play. ​
Is your child withdrawn, hyperactive or overly hostile? Have you noticed your child is struggling academically or socially and you are unsure of what’s causing their problems? Are you concerned something is wrong and are not sure how to fix it?
​Play therapy is effective for the diagnosis and treatment of children because they are often unable to articulate what they are feeling and thinking. When asked what is wrong, it is often impossible for them to express their emotions or the thought processes that underlie their behavior.
Therapists trained in play therapy are able to help children express what is bothering them in a way that is natural to them. By observing the patterns of a child’s play, the therapist can determine the root causes and underlying issue that are driving the child’s behavior. ​

​When is therapeutic play  used?
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​Therapeutic play helps children dealing with many of the same issues adults deal with, such as exposure to domestic violence, trauma, abuse, death or any family crisis that causes significant stress in their lives.

Play therapy can also help children who are coping with emotional or behavioral disorders. What some people do not understand is that young children also suffer from very adult problems such as depression, anxiety, and grief.

​ In addition, therapy is also effective for children dealing with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social problems.

Effectiveness of play therapy
Play therapy is effective in alleviating mild to moderate emotional and psychological conditions that are preventing a child from reaching his or her potential. Well designed studies have shown it is also useful in helping children modify their behavior such as those struggling with ADHD, anxiety and withdrawal as well as Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

​Therapy that is developmentally appropriate will allow the child to communicate in a natural way.

We have experienced therapists in our five different locations within the Greater Chicago area that can help your child deal head-on with developmental and emotional issues, in a fun and engaging way.
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