Play is how children make sense of the world. Toys are their words, and play is their language. When a child has been through something frightening or overwhelming, play therapy gives them a safe, structured way to express what happened, regain a sense of control, and build new ways of coping. Parents are part of the process, so the progress made in the playroom carries over at home.

Is play therapy right for your child?

Play therapy is designed for children ages approximately 3 to 12. Parents often reach out when they notice:

• Nightmares, sleep problems or new fears
• Tantrums, aggression or sudden changes in behavior
• Clinginess, withdrawal or regression (bedwetting, baby talk)
• Repetitive play about a frightening event
• Struggles after a divorce, move, loss, medical procedure, accident or abuse
• Anxiety, sadness or trouble at school

What to expect

Play therapy usually moves through five phases:

1. Engagement. Your child gets to know the therapist and the playroom and begins to feel safe.
2. Assessment and exploration. Through play and parent meetings, we understand your child’s experience, strengths and needs.
3. Therapeutic work. Your child works through difficult feelings and experiences in play, at their own pace.
4. Integration and skills. Your child practices new coping, regulation and relationship skills, and parents learn how to support them.
5. Closure and transition. We celebrate progress and plan for the future.

Sessions are 55 minutes and $175 for children (→ Fees & Policies). Parents meet with Dr. Hourmanesh regularly to share updates and learn ways to help at home.

Approaches we use

Dr. Hourmanesh chooses from several evidence-informed play therapy approaches based on your child’s needs:

• Child-centered play therapy: your child leads, and the therapist follows
• Directive play therapy: structured activities with specific goals
• Cognitive behavioral play therapy: building coping skills through play
• Trauma-focused play therapy: gently processing traumatic experiences
• Theraplay: playful activities that strengthen the parent-child bond (→ Parenting)
• Filial and family play therapy: parents learn to use play at home
• Group play therapy: children practice social skills with peers (→ Group Trauma Therapy)
• Sand tray for children who express themselves through scenes and figures (→ Sand Tray)

Why work with Dr. Hourmanesh

Dr. Hourmanesh is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), the highest credential from the Association for Play Therapy, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She is also trained in EMDR, Internal Family System (IFS), TF-CBT, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), so play therapy can be combined with other evidence-based trauma treatment when needed (→ About).

Frequently asked questions

Isn’t my child just playing? Play therapy looks like play, but it is guided by a trained therapist with specific therapeutic goals. For children, play is the most natural way to communicate and heal.

Will I be involved? Yes. Parent involvement is essential. You’ll meet with Dr. Hourmanesh regularly, and some sessions may include you directly.

How long does play therapy take? It varies. Many children show changes within a few months; children with complex trauma may need longer. We review progress with you regularly.

Help your child feel safe again. Request an appointment or call (801) 441-8943 to talk about whether play therapy is a good fit.