Play is the natural language of children. At Therapy SRQ, Christine Murawski, M.A., LMHC uses evidence-based Play Therapy to help children in Sarasota express themselves, process emotions, and develop healthy coping skills.
Play Therapy is a structured, theoretically grounded approach to therapy that uses play as the primary medium of communication. Through carefully selected toys, games, art materials, and creative activities, children can express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have the words for.
Play Therapy is recognized by mental health professionals as an effective treatment for children ages 3 through 12, and adapted techniques can also benefit older children and teens. At Therapy SRQ in Sarasota and Venice, FL, Christine Murawski, M.A., LMHC holds specialized certification in Play Therapy and brings expertise and warmth to every session.
Play Therapy can help children work through a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma, grief, divorce adjustment, social difficulties, and low self-esteem. During sessions, children learn to:
Additionally, parents are often involved in the process, learning strategies to support their child’s growth at home. Furthermore, our play therapy rooms are thoughtfully designed to create a safe, welcoming environment for children.
Specifically, play therapy is a therapeutic modality used to treat a variety of childhood emotional and behavioral conditions. The following ICD-10 diagnostic codes represent conditions commonly treated through Play Therapy at our Sarasota and Venice offices:
In fact, play therapy helps children express and work through these conditions in a developmentally appropriate way. Our therapist will assess your child’s specific needs and tailor the approach accordingly.
What age is Play Therapy appropriate for?
Play Therapy is most commonly used with children ages 3 through 12, though adapted techniques can benefit older children and teens as well. The Association for Play Therapy (APT) recognizes play therapy as a developmentally appropriate intervention that meets children where they are and uses their natural language of play to facilitate healing and growth. Our Sarasota therapist tailors each session to your child’s age and developmental stage.
How does Play Therapy differ from regular play?
While Play Therapy may look like play to an observer, it is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach guided by a trained professional. The therapist carefully selects toys and materials, observes patterns in the child’s play, and uses specific techniques to help the child process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build healthier ways of relating to others. The American Psychological Association recognizes the effectiveness of play-based interventions for childhood emotional and behavioral challenges.
What issues can Play Therapy help with?
Play Therapy addresses a wide range of childhood challenges including anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, trauma, grief, divorce adjustment, social difficulties, and low self-esteem. According to the CDC, early intervention through appropriate therapeutic modalities like Play Therapy leads to better long-term mental health outcomes for children. Our Sarasota and Venice offices provide a safe, nurturing environment for your child’s healing.
Will parents be involved in the Play Therapy process?
Yes, parent involvement is an important part of the Play Therapy process at Therapy SRQ. We regularly communicate with parents about their child’s progress and provide strategies to support therapeutic gains at home. In some cases, we incorporate parent-child interaction techniques directly into sessions to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
If your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, Play Therapy may be the right fit. Therapy SRQ serves families in Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, and Nokomis.
Therapy SRQ provides specialized Play Therapy for children throughout the Suncoast region. Our offices in Sarasota and Venice, FL serve families from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Nokomis, Osprey, Siesta Key, and surrounding Sarasota and Manatee County communities. Our certified Play Therapist creates a safe, welcoming environment for your child’s healing journey.