Beyond Play

Step into Our Play Therapy Haven

Welcome to our Play Therapy Center, where healing takes form through the natural language of play. Our focus is on providing a nurturing space for children, adolescents, and adults to freely express their thoughts and feelings. Through the transformative power of play, we facilitate a therapeutic journey that transcends words, allowing individuals to explore and navigate their inner world in a supportive and understanding environment. Embrace the profound healing potential that unfolds when the language of play becomes a conduit for self-expression and growth.

Our Environment

Immersive Play and Art Therapy: Your Sanctuary for Self-Discovery

Step into our unique therapy office, a haven where play and art elements converge to create a transformative environment. Each office, though identical in structure, boasts its own distinctive theme, crafting a nurturing space filled with play and opportunities for self-discovery.

In this specially designed setting, we seamlessly integrate toys, miniatures, and art supplies to facilitate a therapeutic journey that goes beyond words. It’s a space where individuals of all ages can explore, express, and discover themselves through the language of play and artistic creation. Embrace the enchanting atmosphere tailored to nurture growth, self-expression, and healing on this profound journey of self-discovery.

Our Services

  • Play Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Sand Tray Therapy
  • Creative Visualizations
  • Dramatherapy
  • Puppets & Masks
  • Dance & Movement
  • Clay & Playdough

Who does it Benefit?

Play Therapy is a versatile therapeutic approach addressing:

Emotional Difficulties

Behavioral Problems

Developmental Challenges

Learning Disabilities

Loss

Separation/Divorce

Socializing Issues

Developmental Trauma

It’s effective not only for children but also adolescents and adults, utilizing the universal language of play to promote healing

Grow Through Play

Empowering Growth Through Play Therapy

Play Therapy fosters transformative growth by:

Encouraging Responsibility: Developing strategies for positive change

Expressing Emotions: Creating a safe space for emotional exploration. 

Cultivating Empathy: Fostering respect for self and others.

Learning Social Skills: Navigating relationships effectively.

Processing Trauma: Addressing past experiences in a therapeutic setting.

Building Confidence: Promoting self-efficacy and empowerment.

Encouraging Creativity: Exploring innovative solutions to challenges.

Through play, individuals find self-expression and resilience, fostering personal development in a nurturing environment.

Play Therapy for Children

Unlocking Potential: The Multifaceted Benefits of Play Therapy

Play Therapy serves as a dynamic and holistic approach that brings forth a multitude of benefits, including:

  • Enhances Communication Skills
  • Improves Motor Abilities
  • Addresses Emotional Challenges
  • Supports Communication Difficulties
  • Provides Safe Expression Outlet
  • Builds Self-Esteem
  • Develops Problem-Solving Skills
  • Teaches Coping Strategies
  • Facilitates Emotional Healing
  • Enhances Social Skills

 

In embracing the language of play, individuals embark on a transformative journey that extends beyond verbal communication, fostering holistic development and well-being. Play Therapy becomes a powerful ally in the multifaceted growth of children and individuals facing diverse challenges.

Play Therapy for Adolescents

Transformative Outcomes of Play Therapy

Engaging in Play Therapy yields a spectrum of transformative outcomes, including:

  • Promotes Accountability
  • Develops Coping Skills
  • Cultivates Self-Respect
  • Builds Empathy and Respect
  • Alleviates Anxiety
  • Facilitates Emotional Expression
  • Strengthens Social Skills
  • Fortifies Family Relationships

 

Through the dynamic medium of play, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and positive change, achieving a holistic transformation that extends to various aspects of their lives. Play Therapy serves as a catalyst for building resilience, enhancing interpersonal connections, and fostering emotional well-being.

Men in Counseling

Play Therapy for Adults

Play Therapy Across the Lifespan: A Source of Joy and Healing

  • Infuses Joy
  • Relieves Stress
  • Enhances Learning
  • Facilitates Emotional Healing
  • Addresses Trauma
  • Fosters Connections
  • Promotes Self-Discovery
  • Improves Relationships
  • Develops Social Skills

 

Play and laughter are powerful agents in building and sustaining strong, healthy relationships. Through Play Therapy, individuals of all ages can tap into the joy, healing, and connection that play brings, fostering a positive impact on their overall well-being.

Free Play

Unlocking Potential Through Free Play: A Holistic Developmental Journey

Embracing the concept of free play, also known as unstructured play, proves to be a catalyst for comprehensive development. This form of play, without predetermined rules or guidelines, offers individuals the freedom to explore, create, and discover.

Free play becomes a dynamic platform for holistic growth, acknowledging and promoting the interconnected nature of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. It lays the foundation for a well-rounded, resilient individual ready to navigate the complexities of life with creativity and adaptability.

Empowering Through Play: A Catalyst for Essential Life Skills

Participating in play, whether structured or unstructured, serves as a powerful vehicle for cultivating crucial life skills. Here are the diverse ways in which play becomes a facilitator for personal development:

  • Promotes Life Skills
  • Encourages Problem-Solving
  • Supports Healthy Development
  • Increases Physical Activity
  • Fosters Autonomy and Confidence
  • Enhances Social Interactions
  • Teaches Coping Skills
  • Develops Navigation Skills

Play, in its various forms, emerges as a dynamic and versatile tool that not only entertains but also actively contributes to the development of essential life skills, ensuring individuals are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities life presents.

Why play? The animal and human connection

Celebrating the Universality of Play: A Shared Essence

In the exploration of play, both in humans and animals, a profound connection emerges, revealing a shared essence of playfulness. The more we delve into the study of play, the more evident it becomes that there is no real divide between us and our animal counterparts. We share a common ground in play:

Chasing, Rough and Tumble, Climbing: Humans and animals alike exhibit a penchant for activities such as chasing, rough and tumble play, and climbing, demonstrating shared patterns of play behavior.

Playing Games and Collecting Treasures: The inclination to play games and collect treasures transcends species, illustrating a common thread in playful behavior.

Emotionally Uplifting Union of Play Spirits: Observing play in animals reveals an emotionally uplifting union of play spirits, emphasizing the deep instinctive and fundamental need for play.

This shared playfulness challenges the notion that the urge to play is solely a learned behavior originating from “higher centers.” Instead, it reflects a profound instinctive and essential biological need embedded in our subcortical brain, mirroring the play behavior observed in other mammals. Play, far from being confined to developmental stages, emerges as a lifelong enriching force that nourishes and connects us throughout the entire human life cycle. As we unravel the science behind play, a new landscape emerges, highlighting the myriad ways in which play behavior contributes to the holistic well-being of humans. In honoring play and playfulness, we recognize a timeless and universal aspect of our shared existence.

 

Where Healing Begins...

Life must be lived as play ~ Plato

Articles to Explore

Beyond Healing

The Secret Power of Play

Beyond Healing

Unlocking the Inspiring Power of Play: Perspectives from Dr. Jaak Panksepp

Beyond Play

Get in touch

Location: 14845 S. Founders Crossing, Homer Glen, IL 60491

Telephone: (708) 737-7968

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: By Appointment!