Play therapy helps children express emotions, build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, increase confidence, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and develop healthier ways of relating to others. It can be beneficial for children experiencing anxiety, ADHD-related challenges, behavioral concerns, social difficulties, life transitions, grief, low self-esteem, and other emotional or developmental challenges.

Children often communicate through play more naturally than through words. In play therapy, children use toys, games, art, imaginative play, and other therapeutic activities to express emotions, process experiences, and practice new skills. Through the therapeutic relationship and carefully selected interventions, children develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.

Many parents seek play therapy when their child is experiencing anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficulty managing big feelings, ADHD-related challenges, friendship difficulties, low self-esteem, behavioral concerns, school stress, family transitions, grief, or significant life changes. If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, struggling emotionally, or having difficulty coping with daily challenges, play therapy may be helpful.

Yes. Play therapy can help children express worries, process fears, build coping skills, and develop confidence. Because children often struggle to articulate anxiety verbally, play provides a developmentally appropriate way to work through difficult emotions.

Play therapy can support children with ADHD by helping them improve emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, flexibility, self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Parent involvement is often incorporated into treatment to help support these skills outside of sessions as well.

No. While parents often seek support for behavioral concerns, play therapy focuses on understanding and addressing the emotions, experiences, and needs beneath the behavior. As children develop emotional awareness and coping skills, improvements in behavior often follow naturally.

Yes! Parent involvement is often an important part of the therapeutic process. Depending on your child's age, needs, and treatment goals, parent sessions may be incorporated throughout treatment to discuss progress, gain insight into your child's experiences, and develop strategies to support them at home.

Most children begin with weekly sessions to build consistency, establish a therapeutic relationship, and support progress toward treatment goals. Recommendations may change over time based on your child's needs and progress.

Every child is different. The length of treatment depends on factors such as your child's goals, presenting concerns, developmental needs, family involvement, and the complexity of the challenges being addressed. These recommendations will be discussed throughout treatment.

Absolutely. Many parents come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to best support their child. Parent involvement is often an important part of the treatment process, and parent sessions may be incorporated throughout treatment when appropriate. These sessions provide a space to discuss your child's needs, better understand their behaviors and emotions, learn practical strategies, and feel more confident supporting them at home. You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

Play therapy sessions are offered in person at Weinman Wellness Center in Timonium, Maryland.

Play therapy is primarily offered in person, as children often benefit from engaging directly with the therapeutic environment, toys, games, and materials available during sessions. In some situations, established clients may be able to temporarily switch to virtual sessions for circumstances such as illness, travel, transportation challenges, or other occasional needs. Virtual sessions are determined on a case-by-case basis and must be discussed with your clinician. Please note that clients must be physically located in Maryland at the time of any virtual session.

The first step is scheduling a free 15-minute consultation. We'll discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether play therapy may be a good fit for your child and family.