Play Therapy

Play Therapy

“Play therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.”  

- Virginia Axline

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a technique where by the child’s natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. Play therapy creates a safe atmosphere where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and restrictions, and work through their problems.


This method allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something that cannot be done in the child’s everyday environment. Play therapy provides the tools and the atmosphere to help children express themselves, work on their problems, try out different solutions, and learn more effective coping methods. Through play and the guidance of a therapist who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out his/her feelings, bringing these hidden emotions to the surface where s/he can face them and cope with them.

At first, you might wonder why anyone would suggest play as a way to overcome children’s problems. Here’s why play therapy is often recommended for children: Play is the primary way children learn about the world, understand how different things work, express their thoughts and feelings, develop their physical skills, develop their mental skills, and develop effective social skills and bonds.


As children grow, their use of language becomes more sophisticated, but throughout childhood, they usually express much more of themselves in their play. We can understand our children better if we understand their play. By watching children we often learn more about their thoughts, feelings, motivations and struggles than by talking with them. Play has been called the “language of childhood”.

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Play therapy is for...

  • Children dealing with parental conflict, separation or divorce
  • Children struggling with social skills
  • Children who have been traumatized through sexual, physical or emotional abuse
  • Children who have been adopted or are in foster care
  • Children who have been hospitalized
  • Children who are dealing with issues of loss, such as illness or death of a loved one
  • Children who have witnessed domestic or non-domestic violence
  • Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Children who have experienced serious accidents or disasters

Get in touch with a therapist

Our therapists understand that each child and family unit is unique, so therapy will be customized to best fit your needs. In addition, for your convenience we offer after school and weekend appointments.

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Find a therapist

Visit our staff page and easily find a therapist that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.

Benefits of play therapy

  • Facilitates a child’s expression of feelings
  • Creates or enhances healthy bonding in relationships
  • Develops a sense of trust in self and others
  • Promotes self-confidence and a sense of competence
  • Reduces anxiety about traumatic events in the child’s life
  • Defines healthy boundaries
  • Promotes appropriate behavior

Signs to be aware of:

  • Separation anxiety
  • Excessive anger, worry, sadness or fear
  • Difficulty adjusting to family changes
  • Aggressive behavior (hurting self or others)
  • Behavioral regression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Excessive shyness
  • Learning or other school problems
  • Sleep, eating or elimination problems
  • Rejection by peers or difficulty being accepted by peers
  • Physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches that have no medical cause

Common themes in children's play:

  • Anger/sadness
  • Nurturing/rejection/security
  • Trust/relationship/abandonment
  • Boundaries/intrusion
  • Power/control
  • Self-esteem/self-worth/empowerment
  • Fears/anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Identity
  • Loyalty/betrayal
  • Loss/death
  • Loneliness
  • Adjustment/change
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Get in touch

As experienced, licensed and professional therapists, our goal is to help you resolve your challenges.  Our door is always open to help you through any crisis.

  • Where to find us

    Our office is located at 640 N River Rd #108

    Naperville, IL 60563

  • What to expect

    We understand that making this type of request is often a difficult step, so we will do our best to guide you through the process.


    Your contact will be handled by one of our Client Care Specialists. Once we connect with you, we will ask you for some information. Questions may include:


    How can we help?

    What is your availability for an appointment time?

    What is your health insurance?


    Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be sent an email confirmation with new client paperwork.

  • How to contact us

    Call us at 630-718-0717 ext. 240 or email us at clientcare@fvinstitute.com.

Child and Teen Contact

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