Play Therapy & Practice FAQs

Why play therapy?

Play therapy is the appropriate modality for children because of their brain development. The emotional and creative parts of a child’s brain develop much faster than the parts of their brain that control language, making it challenging for children to express themselves verbally at times. Play therapists are trained to be able to interpret themes from sessions to understand what a child is communicating, which leads to greater insights for children and their families so long-lasting changes can be made. Play therapy is also often more engaging for children than traditional talk therapy, allowing for children to feel motivated to come to sessions. Research has shown that play therapy is effective for children for a variety of presenting challenges, including anxiety, depression, aggression, self-control, disruptive behaviors, attachment issues, grief and bereavement, self-concept/self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, and more.

What challenges can play therapy help with?

- Challenging behaviors at home and at school, including disruptive behaviors

- Aggression

- Challenges related to neurodivergence

- Anxiety, separation anxiety, panic, and phobias

- Depression, suicidality, and self-harm

- Navigating major life changes, including separation, divorce, and grief

- Trauma and PTSD

- Challenges with expressing and/or regulating emotions

What makes Synergetic Play Therapy unique?

Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) is a research-informed model of play therapy that highly focuses on healing through the therapeutic relationship. SPT is informed by research in neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and attachment theory. SPT focuses on experiential learning, as children first learn via modeling as the therapist acts as an external regulator before trying out different ways to respond to and regulate through their own feelings. SPT helps children re-pattern their responses over time so they become more resilient and their capacity for various feelings and challenges widens. Compared to other forms of play therapy, SPT puts a heavy emphasis on experiential learning to lead to nervous system re-patterning, which helps with long-term healing and gives children lifelong skills. For more information, visit https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/what-is-synergetic-play-therapy/.

What is discussed during a consult call?

I offer free 15-minute phone consultations before scheduling an intake appointment so we can decide if we are a mutual fit for each other. During this call, we briefly discuss concerns and what you are looking for in services, as well as logistical pieces such as scheduling compatibility and medical decision-making, as everyone who has medical decision-making for your child will need to sign off on services before starting. We also have ample time for you to ask any questions you might have.

How are sessions structured?

Sessions typically start on a weekly or biweekly basis. As children progress, they may move to biweekly or monthly sessions before discharging from services. Sessions are 40 minutes one-on-one with children and are followed by 10 minutes of a parent-only meeting to discuss themes, supports, and progress. Sessions are typically non-directive, meaning they are child-led to give children the space to explore and process what they need to. Directive interventions are used in sessions as needed based on identified goals.

What is available for scheduling?

I offer both after-school and weekend appointments to accommodate busy family schedules - reach out directly for the most up-to-date availability. I offer telehealth appointments for parent-only meetings, such as intakes and parent coaching sessions. Telehealth may be appropriate for some clients, but I generally schedule individual child therapy sessions in person.

How do you work with separated and/or divorced families?

Many of the families I work with are going through separation or divorce. When parents have shared decision-making rights, both parents will need to sign consent forms before services can start, and we also require that you provide a current copy of your parenting agreement for our records. During the intake process, we will discuss in detail what each parent’s involvement will look like, including how parents will receive updates, parent meetings, and financial pieces. The goal is to figure out an agreement that works for everyone so we can work as a team to support your child. It is important to note that as a play therapist, it is not my role to make custody or parenting time recommendations. I work closely with a referral network that specializes in supporting parents navigating contentious divorce and/or co-parenting if outside referrals are needed.

What is the fee for sessions? Do you accept insurance?

My session fee is $140, with limited reduced fee slots available. I accept Victims’ Compensation and am also partnered with Second Wind Fund Grant, a non-profit that fully reimburses for 12-20 sessions if your child is considered at-risk for suicide, meaning your child can access services for free - reach out for more information to find out if your child would qualify. I do not accept insurance but do provide superbills in case your insurance provides out-of-network benefits (see the Fees & Insurance page for more information). Working outside of insurance allows for our work to put your child’s needs first and foremost, rather than insurance dictating service needs, as insurance can be stringent about what meets medical necessity for covered services and requires a diagnosis.

What is the typical frequency and duration of sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes, split into 40 minutes of individual therapy and 10 minutes for a caregiver meeting. Sessions typically start on a weekly basis, but can start on a biweekly basis if that is appropriate for your child’s needs. The duration of treatment typically lasts 18-25 sessions but depends on your child’s specific challenges and the complexity of stressors your child is facing. Frequency and duration of treatment are discussed in depth during the intake process, along with goals for treatment.