*Play therapy services are offered in Spanish and French as well as English

Children communicate their thoughts and feelings through the language of play more naturally than they do through verbal communication. Children may struggle to express the feelings or emotions they are going through verbally, so the ability to play out what they are thinking provides the child with a safe sense of release. The toys are the child’s words and the therapist is the child’s thoughts. As the child plays, the therapist begins to recognize themes and patterns or ways of using the materials that are important to the child. Over time, the play therapist helps the child begin to make meaning out of the play. The parents/guardians are the final link that is needed to this chain in making sure the child can reach his or her highest potential. The parent is an important part of the child’s growth because the progress has to be maintained and effective not just in session, but in the home as well.

The parent is introduced into the therapy process when appropriate to make sure the child knows that everyone is taking part in his or her progression. The child wants to feel heard, loved, protected and understood. The therapist is there to help the children and the parents. The parent will be educated throughout the process on what is being worked on in the session when needed and appropriate to know how to continue the work in the home, and for the rest of the child’s life.

The aim of play therapy is to decrease mild to severe emotional and behavioral difficulties that may interfere significantly with a child's normal functioning as well as their social skills inabilities.

At 31 Stories, the child may be helped by their therapist in working on a variety of areas that play therapy has been seen to be useful. These areas include and are not limited to the following: