Grace Dougherty
Intern
Autism and ADHD
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Child Play Therapy in Fairfax, VA
Through play therapy, children can express emotions, improve communication, and build healthier coping skills.
Children Tell Their Story Through Play
Through engaging and flexible play therapy sessions, children can express emotions, improve communication, and build healthier coping skills.
Play therapy is an interactive form of psychotherapy that connects a child with a trained therapist in an environment of enjoyment. Through toys and activities, the child can tell the story of their thoughts in a comfortable way.
Sessions may use group play, directive play or nondirective play, depending on the child.
Support at Each Stage
- Ages 3 to 5, early childhood support: separation anxiety, outbursts and tantrums, family transitions, early behavioral concerns
- Building emotional skills: worry, friendship and social challenges, family changes or conflict, school stress
- Growing responsibilities: self-esteem, anxiety and stress, emotional overwhelm, peer relationships
What Play Therapy Can Address
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Autism
- Depression
- Insomnia
- PTSD and trauma
- Behavioral problems
- Eating disorders
When Extra Support May Help
- Emotional changes, such as more worry, sadness or anger
- Behavioral changes at home or school
- Social challenges with friends or siblings
How Parents Stay Involved
The level of involvement varies by age and goals.
1
Intake
A parent shares history and concerns with the therapist.
2
Updates
The therapist checks in about how sessions are going.
3
Observations
Parents share what they notice at home and school.
4
Guidance
Parents receive ideas to support the child between sessions.
Clinicians Who Offer This
Clinicians whose own bios list this work. Ask the intake team who has openings that fit your schedule and insurance.
Gillian Hodge
Intern
Children and teens, Person-centered
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Fees for Child Play Therapy
Intake session $200. Therapy sessions $175 per session. We accept many insurance plans. Call (571) 264-8192 to verify your benefits.
Offered in person at our Fairfax office.
Questions About Child Play Therapy
- What is play therapy?
- Therapy where a child uses toys and activities, with a trained therapist, to express thoughts and feelings.
- What ages is it for?
- Typically ages 3 to 12.
- How do I know my child needs therapy?
- Look for emotional changes, behavioral changes or social challenges that last. The office can help you decide.
- Do parents participate?
- Yes, through updates, observations and guidance.
- How long does it take, and is it only for behavior?
- It depends on the child and goals. Play therapy also helps with worry, grief, trauma and family changes.
Related Pages
Ask About a Play Therapist
Call the office, tell us your child's age and what you are seeing, and we will suggest a therapist who works with young children.