PLAY THERAPY & PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES
Kids walk through life with fresh eyes and wonder. They are curious and innocent, eager to investigate their surroundings and explore. Yet, depending on their age and development, children may not have the level of awareness and skills to express themselves.
When experiencing difficult emotions, kids might not know how to articulate or even understand what’s happening. And if they do, they may not trust people around them to let them in. So they can act out, become irritable or aggressive, and rebel against teachers, peers, and loved ones.
PLAY CAN BRIDGE the COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN ADULTS and children.
When kids play, they are free to express their feelings and thoughts. It’s a safe and fun opportunity to be themselves and dream of a world without judgment or fear.
Play therapy leverages the creative freedom of play to understand what children may be going through and help them channel their problems.
What is Play Therapy for Kids in New Jersey?
Play therapy is a treatment method that addresses emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges through play.
While it’s mainly used in children under 12, play therapy can help individuals of any age. Sessions are conducted by a mental health professional who will work with your child in an individual or group setting. Therapists may also meet with parents and caregivers as necessary.
Play therapy is more than casual playtime. The goal is to support your kid in exploring their feelings, expressing themselves, and managing difficult experiences. Activities may vary depending on your child’s unique preferences and needs, including playing with toys, drawing, doing arts and crafts, and more.
Directive Play Therapy
The play therapist chooses toys and games to be used during the session and guides your child through structured activities.
Nondirective Play Therapy
Your child can pick the toys and games they like and play freely with minimal structure or instruction from their therapist.
In both cases, your kid will have access to a comfortable playroom with tools curated for therapeutic purposes. The play therapist will observe, monitor, and participate as needed.
Does my child need play therapy?
Many children struggle to make sense of their emotions and environment. They may not know how to ask for help or navigate their inner and outer worlds.
And sometimes, we might miss or misinterpret the signals—especially when they are different than adults’ common warning signs.
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, play therapy can help:
- Anger or aggression
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns for no clear reason
- Difficulties at home, school, or extracurricular activities
- Disobedience or rebellious behavior
- Frequent crying or whining
- Irritability or mood swings
- Problems with social skills
- Regular tantrums or outbursts
Play therapy can also aid children who experience:
- Abuse or violence
- Anxiety
- Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism and other developmental or learning differences
- Depression
- Divorce or separation
- Injury, medical condition, or procedure
- Loss
- Stressful events
- Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
When untreated, these issues can severely affect children’s learning and development.
If your kid is experiencing any of the above symptoms or challenges, play therapy can support them.
BENEFITS of Play Therapy for Kids in New Jersey
01
Expressing Themselves Freely
The playroom is an open area for children to come and play as they wish. Play becomes their language, their way of mirroring how they think and feel, and their soothing mechanism.
As play therapists, we will observe your child in their magical world and prepare treatment accordingly. They might be wary at first—but with time, they may feel more comfortable sharing their hidden struggles on their terms. For instance, they may not want to talk, but they might be open to drawing what’s on their mind or acting it out with toys.
Recognizing Emotions
As we spend time playing with your child, we will begin to understand the thoughts and emotions they may not be able to voice.
We will teach them how to identify and communicate what they feel, thus informing your actions as a caregiver. This will foster a stronger bond between you and your kid and help you address their needs.
02
03
Managing Challenges and Building Skills
Play therapy can support children in dealing with stressors, trauma, and difficult life events. Through the power of play, they can process unresolved painful experiences and learn valuable coping strategies that will lead to healthier behaviors.
Play therapy activities may also encourage your child to make better decisions, problem-solve, and gain social skills.
the LOVE PLAY GROW Approach
Look for STRENGTHS
We start by recognizing and celebrating the inherent strengths within each individual and family. Our therapists observe and identify the positive attributes, talents, and coping mechanisms that are already present.
Identify WEAKNESSES
Acknowledge and address challenges and weaknesses in a supportive and non-judgmental manner by creating a safe space for children and families to express their concerns and vulnerabilities.
Build SKILLS where it's HELPFUL
We work collaboratively with children and families to develop and enhance coping mechanisms, communication skills, and emotional regulation tools based on strengths & challenges.
Schedule your get started call today!
Where Love and Play Nurture Growth, Together, Through Every Stage of Life
GET STARTED with PLAY THERAPY for KIDS
get started at love play grow
Schedule Get Started Call
15-20 min call to learn more about which service(s) would be best for you & your family.
Attend Initial Sessions
Play therapy starts with an initial meeting, where we get to know you and your child (if that’s the case) and establish treatment goals.
Following Sessions
Following sessions will involve meeting one-on-one with the client and may include caregivers or family members as needed. Sessions are generally scheduled weekly and last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Play Therapy in New Jersey at Love Play Grow
We offer Play Therapy to children, teens, and young adults living in New Jersey, including Wayne, Pequannock, Pompton Plains, Oakland, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Ridgewood, Kinnelon, Montville, and other nearby areas.
Each individual has a different story, so not all play therapy sessions are alike. We honor your uniqueness by providing treatment tailored to your needs or the needs of your loved one.
Top-Rated Play Therapist in NJ
Love Play Grow is a HOLISTIC PLAY THERAPY and Professional Counseling Boutique for Kids, Teens, Adolescents, Adults, & Families in New Jersey
Expert care and guidance for ADHD, learning disabilities, OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, behavioral issues, parenting issues, divorce, sibling issues, etc. Love Play Grow is where love and play, nurture growth, through every stage of life.
Not sure if play therapy or professional counseling is best for you or your family? We have a Get Started Call for that.
Get Started with Play Therapy & Professional Counseling
Book a Get Started Call
Schedule a 15-minute Get Started Call to learn more about which service(s) would be best for you and your family.
Get Familiar with Our Process
During your get started call, we will answer questions, review our process, and schedule the initial sessions.
Attend the Initial Sessions
Your therapist will get to know you and your family and offer a supportive plan to help you and your family reach your goals.