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        • Charlottesville North
          • Micaela Bates, Psy.D
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          • Alexandra Werntz, Ph.D.
          • Amanda Sovik-Johnston, Ph.D.
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        • Charlottesville East
          • Jesse Dice, MSW, LCSW
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          • Markita Jackson
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          • Terah Johnson, MSW
          • Dalia Gladstein, M.Ed.
        • Crozet
          • Liz Bordogna, MA
          • Dayna Kumar, LPC
          • Mackenzie Nelson, MA, Resident-In-Counseling
          • Markita Jackson
          • Sean Flannery, Ph.D., Psychologist
          • Addison Halverson, MFT, MS
        • Arlington/Alexandria
          • Jodi Harris, LCSW
          • Kristin Miller, MA, NCC, Resident in Counseling
          • Amanda Ercilla Treviño, LCSW
          • Pat Ryan, LCSW
          • Constance Zubairu-Kanu
        • Falls Church
          • Jodi Harris, LCSW
          • Pat Ryan, LCSW
          • Kate Bowen, LCSW
          • Amanda Ercilla Treviño, LCSW
          • Marisa Beck, MS
        • Lynchburg, VA
          • Dayna Kumar, LPC
          • Kristin Miller, MA, NCC, Resident in Counseling
          • Justin R. Smith, DO, Psychiatrist
          • Kathleen Van Allen, LPC
          • Emily Chuang
        • Pediatric Associates Downtown
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          • John “JT” Thompson
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(434) 202-4080 | hello@virginiafamilytherapy.com

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Clinician Hours 8am-8pm depending on Clinician

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Amanda Sovik-Johnston

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Play Therapy

Play therapy makes a difference. Play is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom and, most importantly, helps us express ourselves.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems, and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them.

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.”

What does Play Therapy help?

Play therapy helps children:

  • Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
  • Develop new and creative solutions to problems
  • Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
  • Learn to experience and express emotion
  • Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others
  • Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
  • Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities

Play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training and experience. With my knowledge and background, I am confident that you and I can set your child up for success.

If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, contact me today for a free consultation.

Contact Today

Locations in:
Charlottesville West
Charlottesville East
Crozet
Falls Church/Fairfax VA

Teletherapy across Virginia

(434) 202-4080
hello@virginiafamilytherapy.com

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