play therapy
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than you can in a year of conversation." Plato
​​​The Association of Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
​
​
​
​
​
​
Why Play Therapy?
Play is a natural language for children. Research tells us that play is fundamental to children’s development and allows them to learn how to regulate their emotions, develop problem solving skills, express themselves creatively, discover more about who they are, enhance social skills, boost self-confidence, and promote self-efficacy. Through the externalizing process of play, children can freely express and explore their inner world.
Who can use it?
Play therapy is most often utilized with children 3 years old to 12 years old although it is growing with adults. Play therapy can help address an array of behavioral and emotional challenges including, but not limited to, academic and social development, anxiety, major life adjustments such as divorce, moving, grief and lost, and trauma.
​
What can parents expect?
During a play therapy session, a specialized therapist can utilize toys and play-based activities to effectively communicate with children and support their work towards healing, resolving conflicts/problems, and integrating their experiences and feelings. When caregivers ask their kiddo about their session, parents may hear, “I got to play and create! Can I come back tomorrow?” Meanwhile, they were able to process and work through a recent stressful situation with a friend through the process of play.
Visit the Association of Play Therapy to learn more!
Sand Tray Therapy
​
​
​
​
Sand Tray Therapy is a therapeutic intervention and expressive modality using a non-verbal and verbal exploration with a sandbox and toy figurines. Children can create scenes & worlds reflective or significant of their inner thoughts, struggles, traumas, emotional understanding & concerns.
​​​​
​
​
​
When is it most useful & with whom?
Most children at any age with any presenting issues can benefit from this creative method! Some specific examples of when Sand Tray is most commonly productive and useful are struggles with language of any nature whether it is a speech delay or selective mutism, coping with uncomfortable emotions, friend dynamics, low self-esteem, traumatic experiences, separation/divorce and more.
​​
Expressive Arts Therapy​
​
​
​
Expressive Arts Therapy is a multi-arts approach incorporating visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative expressive outlets.
​
​
​
What does this look like in the play room?
In many forms of free play, the expressive arts is already a natural & intrinsic interest for a child's self expression. Children have an innate drive to touch, make, move, sing or pretend as a way to communicate their world, perspective, experiences & needs. While there is a range of options available in our play spaces, most offices are equipped with or have access to art materials, musical instruments, costumes, carpeting or a rug, cushions, a Bop Bag, sand tray and of course a wide selection of toys.​​
​
Any form of outward expression reflective of an internal thought, emotion or intuition is a step towards understanding, healing and stimulating towards growth and new perspectives! ​​​
our play therapists
All play therapy offices & clinicians are equipped with a Sand Tray & art supplies
Dianna Briggs Morse
LCSW, RPT
Director of Play Therapy
Registered Play Therapist ​
​
Ages 4 & up, Teens, Adults​
Specializations: parent coaching, anxiety (social, OCD tendencies, separation, and generalized anxiety), neurodivergent learners, self-esteem, attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation, depression, life transitions, ADD/ADHD. Additionally Trained in Synergetic Play Therapy.
Jordan Kerben
LMFT, RPT
Registered Play Therapist
​
​Ages 5 & up, Teens, Adults​
Specializations: anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, highly sensitive people, self-esteem, emotional development/regulation, ADHD & life transitions. Additionally Trained in Sand Tray Therapy Lvl 1 & EMDR
Kaylah Bias
APC, NCC
Play Therapist
Certified Positive Parent Educator​​
​
Ages 3 & up, Teens, Parents
Specializations: anxiety, depression, emotional development & regulation, changing family dynamics, self-esteem/self-image. Additionally trained in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Currently pursuing RPT.
Under the Supervision of Laura Ladefian
Leah Rydel
LPC, NCC
Play Therapist ​
Ages 3 & up, Teens, Parents
Specializations: anxiety, depression, emotional development & regulation, coping skills, changing family dynamics, self-esteem, positive growth mindset and self-empowerment. Additionally trained in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy. Currently pursuing RPT.
1708 Peachtree Rd NW Ste 204
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel: 678.222.2987