Play Therapy

Who we help

• Children (ages 3-12)
• Young Teens
• Families

Treatment approaches

• Child-Centered Play Therapy
• Directive Play Therapy
• Sand Tray Therapy
• TraumaPlay™
• EMDR
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

What is Evidence-Based Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a specialized, research-backed form of counseling that uses toys, games, art, and imaginative activities as tools for self-expression. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can be challenging for young minds, play allows children to "talk" about their feelings in a natural, non-threatening way. Our Play Therapists are experts in child development and mental health, drawing from proven techniques. Sessions are tailored to your child's unique needs, ensuring a fun yet deeply therapeutic experience.

Benefits for Your Child

Play therapy offers numerous advantages, leading to lasting positive changes for children and families.

• Emotional Regulation — Helps children identify and manage big feelings
• Anxiety Treatment — Supports healing from difficult experiences like loss, divorce, or trauma
• Behavioral Improvements — Addresses ADHD, aggression, social challenges, and ODD
• Improved Family Communication — Builds stronger family bonds through play
• Boosted Self-Esteem — Encourages creativity and helps children feel more confident

Who Benefits from Play Therapy?

Play therapy is ideal for children ages 3–12, but we adapt our approach for teens as needed. It's particularly helpful for kids dealing with:

• Anxiety or depression
• Family transitions (divorce, new siblings, moving)
• School refusal and academic stress
• Grief, loss, or trauma
• Developmental delays

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment designed for young children (ages 2–7) with emotional and behavioral concerns. In PCIT, a trained therapist coaches parents in real time — often through a one-way mirror or earpiece — as they interact with their child during play. The therapy unfolds in two phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), where parents learn to follow their child’s lead using warmth, praise, and reflection to strengthen the parent-child bond; and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), where parents practice giving clear, consistent instructions and appropriate follow-through. Research shows PCIT significantly reduces defiant and aggressive behavior, improves the parent-child relationship, and builds children’s self-esteem — all within a supportive, play-based framework.

• Reduces tantrums, defiance, and aggressive behavior
• Strengthens the parent-child bond through positive interaction
• Coaches parents with real-time guidance during sessions
• Builds children’s confidence and emotional regulation
• Evidence-based with proven long-term outcomes

Our Holistic Approach

At CCD, play therapy is integrated into our wider mental health support system. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and occur in our welcoming, child-friendly spaces equipped with specialized toys, art supplies, and sensory tools. We prioritize a collaborative, compassionate approach: you’ll receive regular updates, and parents are involved through family sessions to reinforce progress at home.

Symptoms and conditions we treat

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Aggression
• Social challenges
• ODD
• School refusal
• Grief & loss

Locations

We provide play therapy through telehealth, our Newark office, and school-based programs throughout Delaware.

• Newark, DE
• Wilmington, DE
• Dover, DE
• Middletown, DE
• Milford, DE
• Seaford, DE
• Georgetown, DE
• Sussex County, DE

Get started

We accept most Delaware Medicaid plans, Aetna, and Highmark. To get started, complete new client paperwork at ccddelaware.com or call the office at (302) 292-1334.