Play Therapy for Children
Children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling. Play therapy provides a supportive, age-appropriate space where children can express themselves, process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges in ways that feel natural to them.
Does This Sound Like You?
Children often communicate their emotions through behavior, play, and changes in everyday routines. You may recognize some of these experiences:
Big Emotions
Emotions can feel difficult to manage.
Anxiety & Fears
Worries or fears affect everyday life.
Behavior Changes
You’ve noticed changes in your child’s behavior.
School Challenges
School or attention difficulties are causing stress.
Family Changes
Family changes are difficult to adjust to.
Low Confidence
Your child struggles with confidence or self-esteem.
How Therapy Can Help
Play therapy can help children express emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges in ways that are appropriate for their age and development.
Express Emotions
Provide children with ways to communicate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Build Coping Skills
Develop healthier ways to manage frustration, worry, stress, and other difficult emotions.
Improve Self-Regulation
Build skills for managing emotions, behaviors, and reactions more effectively.
Build Confidence
Support self-esteem, problem-solving, and greater confidence in navigating everyday challenges.
Our Approach to Play Therapy
At Positive Minds Therapy, we understand that children experience and express emotions differently than adults. Our approach uses developmentally appropriate strategies to help children feel comfortable, supported, and understood.
Play-Based Interventions
Use play to help children express emotions and build skills.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Build healthier connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Emotional Regulation Skills
Help children understand and manage strong emotions.
Personalized Care
Therapy tailored to your child’s needs and development.
Childhood & Related Challenges
Children’s emotional and behavioral challenges can often overlap with difficulties at home, school, or in relationships. Understanding the bigger picture can help us provide support that reflects your child’s individual needs and development.
Why Choose Positive Minds Therapy?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials—it's about feeling understood, supported, and confident that you're receiving personalized care. At Positive Minds Therapy, we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a welcoming environment where lasting change is possible.
Carefully Matched Therapists
Find a therapist whose experience and approach fit your needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Therapy tailored to your goals, experiences, and needs.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Choose the flexibility of secure online sessions or meet with your therapist in our comfortable Patchogue office.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer daytime and evening appointments to help therapy fit into your busy schedule.
A Supportive Environment
We provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Evidence-Based Care
We use proven therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Meet Our Therapists
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, stress, or other life challenges, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Explore a specialty below to learn more.
Justin Benson, LCSW-R
Founder & Clinical Director
Doris Minder, LMSW, CASAC-T
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Katherine Arita, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Trauma • Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation
Hugh O'Henry, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Anxiety • Depression • Trauma
• Grief • Relationships
Natasha Cruz, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Depression • ADHD
• Trauma • Relationships
Genna Somers, LCSW
Licensed Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Anxiety • OCD • Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my child could benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy may be helpful when emotional, behavioral, social, or family challenges begin affecting your child’s everyday life at home or school.
2. What ages is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally used with children, but the specific approach depends on your child’s age, development, needs, and concerns.
3. Why use play instead of just talking?
Children may have difficulty putting complex emotions into words. Play and creative activities can provide developmentally appropriate ways to express feelings, explore experiences, and build skills.
4. What concerns can play therapy help with?
Play therapy may help children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, family changes, school stress, peer difficulties, and other emotional challenges.
5. Are parents involved in play therapy?
Parent involvement varies depending on your child’s age, needs, and treatment goals. Your therapist may meet with parents to gather information, discuss progress, and support strategies at home.
6. How long does play therapy take?
There is no set timeline. The length of treatment depends on your child’s needs, goals, progress, and the concerns being addressed.
7. How do we get started?
Complete our intake form and tell us a little about your child and your concerns. We’ll help determine whether play therapy is appropriate and match your child with a therapist based on their needs and current availability.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're looking for play therapy for your child in Patchogue or support for your family, our team is here to help your child build coping skills, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Have questions? Contact our office and we'll help you find the therapist that's right for you.