Play Therapy

Play comes naturally to children, which is part of why play therapy is such an effective path. At Open Door Wellness Center in Great Falls, Montana, play therapy with Hilary Bartoszek, LCSW(C), is one of many options to help children thrive. Booking a visit is fast and easy with online scheduling, or families can always check appointment availability by phone.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of therapy that involves allowing children to explore their emotions and cope with trauma through play. Because most kids associate playtime with fun and relaxation, combining play with physiological therapy is a great way to help kids access and share their feelings. 

Building a strong and trusting bond with their mental health practitioner is essential for success in children’s therapy. Play therapy offers the opportunity for your child to let their guard down and feel comfortable in the presence of their practitioner, which paves the way for therapeutic success. 

What kinds of issues can play therapy help kids work through?

Play therapy helps resolve or improve a wide range of common children’s mental health issues. Some of the concerns that bring kids to Open Door Wellness Center for play therapy include:

• Parental divorce
• Eating disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Anxiety or depression
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Traumatic injury
• Loss of a family member
• Domestic violence

These are just a few of the issues that play therapy can assist with. Many other mental health concerns are a good fit for top-quality play therapy. 

What happens during play therapy?

One of the ways kids explore their world is through play. During your child’s initial visit, their practitioner might want them to begin playing with specific toys or games on their own. Or they might want to begin engaging in one-on-one play with the child right away. The decision on how to shape play therapy depends on each child’s unique needs and responses. 

Play therapy sessions last less than an hour. The first few visits may focus on building rapport and trust between your child and their practitioner. Over time, the therapist guides your child through therapeutic activities like role-playing, storytelling, creative visualization, and other techniques. 

Like all good therapy, play therapy is highly personalized. Your child’s therapist pays close attention to which aspects of play best address areas of concern and guides each session accordingly. 

Some teens and adults also benefit from play therapy, especially in cases where there are developmental disorders, a history of trauma, or even substance abuse. If you’d like to learn more about how this approach might help your child, yourself, or a loved one, call the office to schedule a visit or book online in just a few clicks.