Play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to help children ages 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play. Therapeutic play takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.

Play therapy responds to the unique developmental needs of young children, who often express themselves better through play activities than through verbal communication. The therapist uses play and other creative activities to communicate with the child and observe how the child uses these activities to express thoughts and feelings that are not expressed in words.

 

There are two approaches to play therapy:

  • Nondirective play therapy is based on the principle that children can resolve their own issues given the right conditions and the freedom to play with limited instruction and supervision.

  • Directive play therapy uses more input from the therapist to help speed up results. Play therapists use both approaches, depending on the circumstances.

Locations

2100 Hemmeter Road
Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone (989) 799-2100
Fax (989) 799-2637
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-6:30pm
Friday: 8am-5:30pm

 

615 S. Euclid
Bay City, MI 48706
Phone (989) 439-1513
Fax (989) 439-1512
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-6:30pm
Friday: 8am-5:30pm

 

1000 N. Johnson
Bay City, MI 48708
Phone (989) 895-8666
Fax (989) 778-3317
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-6:30pm
Friday: 8am-5:30pm

 

5912 Eastman Avenue
Midland, MI 48640
Phone (989) 799-2100
Fax (989)799-2637
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-6:30pm
Friday: 8am-5:30pm