Play therapy is a way of connecting with children through their play experiences. Throughout play therapy, the therapist is a positive presence to allow the child to feel accepted. This acceptance allows the child to “work through” their problems in their play. Our experience conducting play therapy has surprised us at how amazing and intelligent children are. Children are able to “work through” most of their problems through play. However, there needs to be a positive adult presence of acceptance in order for that play and work to be therapeutic. After the therapist has helped your child get to a positive point in their therapy, they will typically teach parents how to interact with their children in this positive way as well. This turns the parent into that positive adult presence of acceptance, re-building that attachment relationship. We currently accept children as young as twelve months old for play therapy. If you see a need, please contact us to schedule an appointment. For more information about play therapy see the website for the Association for Play Therapy.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PLAY THERAPY: Many mental health professionals may use play in their work with individuals (mostly with children), however only those with extensive and specialized training, supervision, and experience can call themselves Registered Play Therapists. Currently there are only 3 Registered Play Therapists in the Magic Valley (Twin Falls, ID and surrounding areas). Dr. Whitehead is one of those therapists. He is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, meaning he can supervise other therapists wanting to earn the credential as a Registered Play Therapist. 

To see who else is a Registered Play Therapist in your area, please visit the Association for Play Therapy website and search for “Registered Play Therapists” using this tool: https://www.a4pt.org/page/TherapistDirectory