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Resources
Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Thrive Through the Power of Play
At A Time To Play Therapy, we believe in the power of education and information to empower families, caregivers, and professionals. We’ve gathered a variety of resources—studies, articles, videos, and books—that highlight the effectiveness and techniques of play therapy, offering insight into how it supports emotional growth and healing in children.
We are committed to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices in play therapy. Understanding the latest research not only helps us provide the best care for children but also empowers families and professionals to recognize the profound impact play therapy can have.
This page is dedicated to highlighting some of the most important studies, insights, and videos related to the field of play therapy. Explore our featured research spotlights, watch engaging video content, and discover how play therapy is helping children worldwide.
Wilson, B. J., & Ray, D. (2018). Child‐centered play therapy: Aggression, empathy, and self‐regulation.
Journal of Counseling & Development, 96(4), 399–409. doi: 10.1002/jcad.12222
Robinson, H., Ray, D. C., & Lemberger-Truelove, M. E. (2024). Impact of child-centered play therapy on the mindful expressions and social-emotional competencies of Head Start preschoolers.
International Journal of Play Therapy, 33(2).
Dillman Taylor, D., Thompson, K., Frawley, C., Mendoza, S., & Blount, A. (2023). Understanding the effect of COVID-19 on two children with autism and their caregivers: A case study research design.
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities.
Parker, M. M., Glickman, C. P., Smelser, Q., & DeRaedy, M. (2021). Therapeutic or traumatic: An exploratory study of play therapists' perceptions of toys guns and aggressive toys in the playroom.
International Journal of Play Therapy, 30
Agarwal, S.M., Ceballos, P., Cartwright, A., Quinn, C., & Walker, M. (2022). Parents of preadolescents’ experiences of child–parent relationship therapy.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 8(2),85-100.
For more in-depth research and additional spotlight videos on the benefits and techniques of play therapy, visit the full
Research Spotlight Collection. https://cpt.unt.edu/research-spotlight
Explore a range of studies and insights that showcase the power of play therapy in helping children grow emotionally and behaviorally.
The Play Therapy Outcome Research Database is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the effectiveness of play therapy. With over 100 comprehensive studies included, this database offers detailed insights into the methodologies and results of interventions used across a variety of settings. Each study is meticulously summarized, offering a clear view of how play therapy has been applied to treat conditions such as anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, and more.
We are excited to introduce a comprehensive study presented at the 52nd European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT) 2022 congress, highlighting the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) in managing aggressive behavior and conduct disorders in children.
This study, titled “Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy and Aggressive Behavior and Conduct Disorders: A Single Case Study,” focuses on an 8-year-old child who underwent 20 sessions of CBPT over six months. The research explores how structured play therapy activities—such as puppetry, storytelling, and expressive arts—contributed to improved problem-solving, emotional regulation, and behavior management.
Key insights from this study include:
A step-by-step look at the intervention process, including pre- and post-treatment assessments.
Data collected from parents and teachers showing the positive behavioral shifts over time.An emphasis on the versatility of play therapy techniques in promoting emotional growth.
This study reinforces the importance of integrating play into therapeutic processes to help children work through challenging emotions and behaviors in a safe and constructive manner.
A Time To Play Counseling
Recommended Books on Play Therapy
At A Time To Play Therapy, we believe in equipping parents, therapists, and educators with the best resources to understand and implement play therapy. Below are some of the most highly recommended books, each offering unique insights into using play as a therapeutic tool. Whether you're a professional seeking new techniques or a parent looking to better understand your child's emotional world, these books will provide valuable knowledge and practical strategies to support children on their healing journey.
Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders
This book is a must-read for both new and seasoned therapists, offering a variety of play-based activities to address challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, trauma, and more. It includes dozens of powerful techniques that can be used in individual, family, and group therapy settings.
70 Play Activities for Better Thinking, Self-Regulation, Learning & Behavior
Packed with step-by-step guides, worksheets, and activities, this book helps improve children's cognitive skills, self-regulation, and behavior through fun and engaging play therapy techniques. It’s perfect for both therapists and educators seeking to enhance their toolkit.
Big Behaviors in Small Containers: 131 Trauma-Informed Play Therapy Interventions for Disorders of Dysregulation
This book focuses on managing dysregulated children through trauma-informed interventions. It offers 131 practical, ready-to-use play therapy interventions to help children with emotional and behavioral challenges, providing a comprehensive guide for professionals
Telemental Health with Kids Toolbox: 102 Games, Play and Art Activities, Sensory and Movement Exercises, and Talk Therapy Interventions
As remote therapy becomes more common, this book provides a flexible toolkit of creative interventions for use in telehealth sessions with children. It’s an essential resource for therapists transitioning to virtual sessions without losing the essence of play therapy.
Enhance Emotional Expression
Builds Problem-Solving Skills
Strengthen Self-Esteem
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Express, Heal, and Grow through the Language of Play
Why Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a powerful tool that helps children express themselves in a way that words cannot. Through creative approaches like sand tray therapy, AutPlay, and expressive arts, we create a safe and inclusive space for children to navigate their emotional landscape, build coping skills, and develop resilience.
Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, empowering them to overcome anxiety, behavioral issues, trauma, and more.
CONTACT US
Find Us on a Map
We work closely with families to foster resilience and emotional well-being. Contact us today to learn how we can help your child thrive through creative, therapeutic play.
225 E Franklin St., Tupelo, MS.
Call: (662) 350-3328
We are dedicated to helping children grow emotionally, express themselves, and overcome challenges through the power of play. Our compassionate team uses evidence-based therapies, such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and expressive arts therapy, to create a safe and nurturing environment.
A TIME to PLAY
225 E Franklin St, Tupelo, MS 38804
United States of America
(662) 397-3383
Monday - Friday
from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM
We are dedicated to helping children grow emotionally, express themselves, and overcome challenges through the power of play. Our compassionate team uses evidence-based therapies, such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and expressive arts therapy, to create a safe and nurturing environment.
A TIME to PLAY
225 E Franklin St, Tupelo, MS 38804
United States of America
(662) 350-3328
Monday - Friday
from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM
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