Is Play Therapy Just Playing? A Look at the Science and Structure Behind It
To someone peeking into a play therapy room, it might look like a child is simply playing with toys, drawing pictures, or building something in the sand. And it’s true—children are playing. But what’s happening beneath the surface is much more intentional and deeply therapeutic than it may appear. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, […]
Why It’s Okay If Your Child Doesn’t Talk About Therapy Sessions
It’s natural to be curious about what happens in your child’s therapy sessions—especially if you’re bringing them week after week and they come out saying very little. You might wonder, “Did they even do anything?” or “Why won’t they tell me what they talked about?” These are valid questions, and the short answer is: it’s […]
Building Secure Attachment Through Play: A Guide for Parents
Attachment is the emotional bond that forms between a child and their caregiver. When that bondfeels safe, consistent, and loving, it helps children build secure attachment. Children with secureattachment know they can turn to their caregiver for comfort, safety, and connection—especiallywhen they’re upset, unsure, or overwhelmed. This sense of security becomes the foundation foremotional regulation, […]
Meltdowns vs. Tantrums: What’s the Difference, and How Can Play Therapy Help?
As a parent, it can be hard to know what’s going on when your child is overwhelmed. Are theyhaving a tantrum—or is it something deeper, like a meltdown? Understanding the difference canhelp you respond with more clarity and compassion—and play therapy can support your child inlearning to manage those big feelings over time. Tantrums are […]
Understanding Your Child’s Play: What Themes Might Be Telling You
If your child is in play therapy, you may occasionally wonder, “What does this play mean?” It’s anatural question—especially when your child repeats the same story over and over, acts outaggressive scenes, or builds elaborate worlds that seem chaotic or strange. In play therapy, thesepatterns are called themes, and they can offer meaningful insight into […]
What Progress Looks Like in Play Therapy (And What It Doesn’t)
One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How will I know if play therapy isworking?” It’s a thoughtful and important question—but the answer may look different thanexpected. Because play therapy is a nonverbal, relationship-based process, change often unfolds graduallyand in subtle ways. Progress doesn’t always look like a child talking about their feelings […]
Creating “SMART” New Year’s Resolutions
Creating “SMART” New Year’s Resolutions Resolutions are commonly created and discussed around the start of a new year. People make resolutions to continue good practices, change a behavior, or accomplish a personal goal. However, when the initial energy and excitement of the new year wears off, many people do not adhere to their resolutions. One […]
Tips for Communicating with Family During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a stressful time for many reasons, including increased obligations to spend time with family members. You may not get along with family members or the political climate may be increasing family tension. Communicating with family members during the holiday season can be challenging. In this article, we aim to highlight […]
How to Stay Sane this Holiday Season
Maintaining Mental Health During the Holiday Season Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season is not always “the most wonderful time of the year” for many people. Although the holiday season can be fun and filled with joy, it can also be a challenging time. Stress, loneliness, and high expectations can contribute to the “holiday […]
What is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma is broadly defined as the trauma that gets passed down from a trauma survivor and affects the well-being of subsequent generations. Intergenerational trauma is also referred to as transgenerational trauma or multigenerational trauma. Traumatic experiences can be systemic (e.g., war, genocide, poverty, natural disasters, etc.) and can also occur on a micro-scale (e.g., […]