Play Therapy in Arvada, CO

Supporting Children and Families Through Connection

At Life Reimagined Therapy Group in Arvada, CO, we offer play therapy for children and families through a relational and systemic lens. We believe children communicate through play in the same way adults communicate through words.

Play therapy creates a developmentally appropriate space where children can express emotions, process experiences, and build emotional regulation skills, all within the context of safe and supportive relationships.

Because we are all Marriage and Family Therapists, we understand that a child’s struggles do not exist in isolation. They are shaped by family dynamics, attachment relationships, and life experiences. Our work always includes attention to the larger relational system.

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that uses play as a child’s primary language for expression and healing.

Through carefully selected toys, creative activities, and therapeutic presence, children are able to:

  • Express feelings they may not have words for

  • Process anxiety, stress, or big life changes

  • Strengthen emotional regulation skills

  • Build confidence and self-understanding

  • Improve relationships with caregivers

Play therapy is especially helpful for children experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, social difficulties, family transitions, or emotional overwhelm.

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child-Centered Play Therapy is a non-directive approach that allows children to lead sessions while the therapist provides attuned, reflective support.

In this approach the therapist:

  • Follows the child’s lead

  • Reflects emotions and experiences

  • Builds emotional safety and trust

  • Supports the development of self-regulation and resilience

This method strengthens a child’s internal sense of security and promotes growth through the power of a consistent, attuned therapeutic relationship.

Filial Therapy

Play

Filial Therapy actively involves parents or caregivers in the therapeutic process. In this model, parents are coached and supported in learning therapeutic play skills that they then practice directly with their child.

Filial Therapy Helps:

  • Strengthen parent-child attachment

  • Improve communication

  • Reduce behavioral challenges

  • Increase parental confidence and emotional attunement

Rather than therapy happening only in the therapist’s office, filial therapy empowers caregivers to become active agents of change within their child’s daily life.

How Do We Decide Which Approach Is Best?

The choice between Child-Centered Play Therapy and Filial Therapy depends on several factors including:

  • The child’s age and developmental level

  • The presenting concerns

  • Family dynamics

  • Parent readiness and availability

Sometimes therapy begins with individual play sessions and later integrates parents more directly. Other times, a filial model is introduced early to strengthen attachment and relational patterns at home. Our therapists collaborate with families to determine the best path forward.

How Play Therapy Supports the Whole Family

Play

Because we practice from a relational lens, play therapy often includes parent consultations and ongoing collaboration. We help families:

  • Understand what their child’s behavior is communicating

  • Strengthen emotional connection

  • Respond to big feelings with confidence

  • Break unhelpful relational patterns

You can also learn more about our broader family therapy services and how they integrate with child work on our Family Therapy Page.

Begin Play Therapy in Arvada, CO

If your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, or life transitions, play therapy can offer a supportive and effective path forward.

Our team at Life Reimagined Therapy Group in Arvada is here to support both your child and your family system.

No Cost Consultation