Play Therapy in Keller, TX

While playtime may look like it’s all fun and games through the eyes of an adult, play is an important outlet for children that allows them to process their emotions, build problem-solving skills, and shape their perspective of the world around them. Play therapy leverages the comfort and familiarity of playtime to allow children to express their thoughts and feelings while working through challenges presented by trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, or emotional struggles.

What Is Play Therapy?

Child’s play therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy for young children that uses play as a way for children to express their thoughts and feelings. By using toys, art, and other creative mediums, children can articulate complex emotions and experiences. Play therapy is guided by a Registered Play Therapists RPT™, but children are free to interact with different toys and activities, which lets them take an active role in shaping each therapy session.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit From Play Therapy

Play therapy is appropriate for young children, typically from ages 3-9. It can be beneficial for children who have experienced trauma or abuse, children with behavioral issues, children who have had trouble communicating or making friends, children with low self-esteem, and children adjusting to major life changes like parental divorce or a new sibling. This type of therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced emotional or physical abuse or trauma, such as bullying or the death of a parent.

Our Approach at Keller Child & Family Therapy

At Keller Child & Family Therapy, we work closely with each child to facilitate healthy boundaries in relationships, social skills, decision-making skills, and learning right from wrong. Each child’s journey is unique, as our Registered Play Therapists RPT™ will take communication cues from each child, being mindful of their temperament and mood throughout each session.

As we guide your child through different play therapy activities like puppetry, drawing, role playing, and storytelling, we explore different emotions and relate play activities to real-life experiences.

What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?

At first, play therapy sessions may be mostly observational. The therapist will allow your child to explore the space freely, choosing toys and activities they want to engage with and playing with few restrictions or guidelines. As therapy progresses, playtime may become more structured with directive play to work through specific experiences or highlight certain feelings. Play therapy sessions usually include only the child and the therapist, but parents or siblings may be asked to join.

How Play Therapy Helps Your Child Grow

Play therapy lets your child explore complex emotions in a comfortable and approachable way. It allows them to better regulate their emotions and expression, build confidence, and improve their social skills. It can also help with cognitive and academic growth by encouraging problem-solving skills and creativity.

Play Therapy for Specific Needs

Play therapy techniques are highly adaptable, so they can be tailored to many specific needs. For example, children with learning disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders may benefit from play therapy because it emphasizes non-verbal communication and creative emotional expression.

What Sets Our Play Therapists Apart

Not every therapist who uses play in sessions is a credentialed play therapist. Earning the Registered Play Therapists RPT™ designation requires meeting rigorous standards that go far beyond a general counseling license:
Advanced Education — A master’s degree or higher in a mental health field, with demonstrated coursework in child development, personality theories, psychotherapy principles, and child/adolescent psychopathology.
150 Hours of Play Therapy–Specific Instruction — Specialized training in play therapy theory, techniques, applications, and ethics — delivered through APT-approved providers.
350+ Hours of Direct, Supervised Play Therapy Experience — Hands-on clinical work with children and families, completed under the guidance of an RPT-Supervisor (RPT-S™).
35+ Hours of Play Therapy–Specific Supervision — Ongoing mentorship and clinical oversight to ensure best-practice standards are upheld.
Active State Licensure — A current license to independently provide clinical mental health services.

Schedule a Play Therapy Session for Your Child

Schedule an Appointment
If you think play therapy may be a good fit for your child, we encourage you to contact us to set up a session.

Play Therapy FAQs

How do you measure progress in play therapy? We utilize standardized assessments, structured observations, and parental feedback to measure your child’s progress. Throughout the course of their sessions, your child may change their play style and preferences and communicate more readily with the therapist. They may also exhibit fewer problematic behaviors at home or in school.

How many play therapy sessions will my child need? Your child’s journey will depend on their unique needs and temperament. Generally, play therapy will last for about 20 sessions. Sessions are about 30-45 minutes in length.

Does play therapy really work? Play therapy has been extensively researched and is an evidence-based therapeutic modality that’s developmentally appropriate for young children experiencing trauma, emotional challenges, or major life adjustments.