Play and Grow

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Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that helps children express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play—their natural language of communication. At the Play Therapy Institute of Columbus, we specialize in Child Centered Play Therapy, grounded in the belief that the relationship between the child and therapist is the main vehicle of change. Through play children are able to process emotions, gain insight into their thoughts, build coping skills, and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment. We promote emotional growth, resilience, and healthy relationships by meeting children where they are and empowering them to explore and make sense of their world.

Expressive arts therapy is a creative, projective approach that helps individuals explore emotions, process experiences, and build self-awareness through art, play, movement, storytelling, and other forms of expression. Rather than relying solely on words, this approach allows clients of all ages to explore internal thoughts and emotions in ways that feel more accessible. This makes expressive arts especially effective for those who may struggle to verbalize their thoughts and feelings by honoring each person’s unique way of expressing themselves. The Play Therapy Institute of Columbus provides expressive arts therapy experiences for all ages in individual, family, and group settings.

Sandtray therapy is a hands-on, expressive, approach that allows individuals to create scenes and "worlds" in a tray of sand using miniature figures to help them explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and generally nonverbal way. Through the process of building and reflecting on these scenes, clients  of all ages can express emotions that may be difficult to put into words, gain insight into their inner world, and work through challenges at their own pace. Sandtray therapy supports emotional healing, self-awareness, and problem-solving, and is especially effective for processing trauma, transitions, and complex thoughts and feelings. The Play Therapy Institute of Columbus has a dedicated Sandtray Therapy room with multiple trays to choose from.

Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Play Therapy are therapeutic approaches that intentionally incorporate trained animals into the counseling process to support emotional growth, connection, and healing. Interacting with animals can help individuals feel more relaxed, safe, and engaged, making it easier to express thoughts and emotions, build trust, and develop coping skills. Animal Assisted Play Therapy can allow children the opportunity to learn social skills, impulse control, and frustration tolerance. The Play Therapy Institute of Columbus uses a trained therapy rabbit in sessions with clients of all ages to enhaces all therapeutic goals.