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Counseling How

Play Therapy

The Power of Play Therapy in Child Development and Emotional Healing

Foundations offer play therapy to help children express feelings and cope with changes through imaginative play, providing a safe environment for emotional growth and resilience development.

Transformative Play Therapy: Healing Starts Now

At our center, we redefine the therapeutic experience with our specialized play therapy services. Understanding the urgency of mental health challenges, we offer an unparalleled advantage of faster appointment settings—guaranteeing consultations within 24 to 48 hours. This ensures timely support when you need it the most. Our play therapy is facilitated by exceptionally trained counseling professionals who are educated and deeply compassionate. We stand out by taking exemplary care of our counselors, ensuring they’re in the best position to take care of you.

Our play therapy approach is direct and effective; we cut through the noise to focus on healing and growth. Our team commits to delivering the highest quality of care with a foundation built on accountability. Our counselors are not just here to guide you through; they’re here to empower you to be the best version of yourself. Our dedication to excellence in play therapy means we’re constantly striving to provide our clients with the most supportive and transformative environment.

Look no further if you’re looking for a play therapy service that prioritizes quick access, superior training, accountability, and genuine care. Our counselors are ready to help you embark on a healing and personal growth journey. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and experience the transformative power of play therapy. Let us be a partner in your journey to wellness.

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Guaranteed counselor matching to meet your needs. Experience personalized therapy that’s right for you. Start your journey with a therapist you can trust.

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Do You Feel...

What brings people to counseling rarely arrives as one clear moment. More often it builds quietly: a feeling that lingers, a pattern that keeps repeating, a sense that something is off. If any of these sound familiar, reaching out to Foundations is a simple first step.

Behavioral Changes

Sudden shifts in behavior, such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or regression to earlier developmental stages, can indicate that a child is struggling to process emotions or experiences. Play therapy offers a safe space for them to express and understand these feelings through play.

Difficulty with Emotional Regulation

Frequent temper tantrums, excessive crying, or difficulty calming down may suggest a child lacks the skills to manage their emotions effectively. Play therapy helps children learn to identify, express, and healthily regulate their feelings.

Social Withdrawal

If a child starts to isolate themselves, shows disinterest in interacting with peers, or struggles to make friends, it could point to underlying emotional or social issues. Through play therapy, children can improve their social skills and build confidence in their interactions.

Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits

Significant alterations in appetite or sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, can be signs of stress or emotional distress in children. Play therapy can help address the root causes of these changes in a comforting environment.

School Difficulties

A noticeable decline in academic performance or an increase in school-related anxiety, avoidance, or behavioral problems might indicate that a child is facing emotional or social challenges. Play therapy provides a means to explore these issues and develop coping strategies.

Experiencing Trauma

Children who have experienced traumatic events, such as loss, abuse, or witnessing violence, may benefit from play therapy. It offers a non-verbal way to process their experiences, express emotions, and receive support in a non-threatening manner.

Anxiety and Fears

Excessive worry, fears, or anxiety about routine activities can be debilitating for children. Play therapy allows them to confront these fears in a controlled, creative environment, helping them find strategies to cope with anxiety.

Difficulty with Transitions or Changes

Resistance or extreme reactions to changes such as moving, changing schools, or parental separation might indicate that a child needs support. Play therapy helps children adapt to change and build resilience.

Grief and Loss

Children who are grieving the loss of a loved one may struggle to express or understand their feelings. Play therapy provides a therapeutic outlet for grief, helping children navigate their emotions in a supportive setting.

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Answers to Common Questions

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help people, especially children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges. This approach allows them to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences naturally and self-guided.

At what age is play therapy most effective?

Play therapy is most effective for children aged 3 to 12 years. However, its principles can also be adapted to help teenagers and adults, especially those who may benefit from non-verbal forms of therapy.

How long does a play therapy session last?

A typical play therapy session lasts between 30 and 50 minutes. The frequency and total number of sessions depend on the individual's needs but are usually conducted once a week.

What are the costs associated with counseling or therapy sessions at Foundations?

At Foundations, each counseling or therapy session is $200. Your first consultation is always free, and you are able to meet with as many counselors as you need until you find the perfect match.

Does Foundations accept Insurance?

No. Foundations is private pay and does not bill insurance companies. If your plan has out of network benefits, we can give you documentation to submit for possible reimbursement, so check with your plan first. Paying privately keeps your counseling out of insurance records, avoids a required diagnosis, and lets you choose your counselor and how long your sessions last.

What if I need to reschedule my counseling session?

There is no charge for any session cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.

Are you available in the evenings or on weekends?

Yes. Foundations offers early morning, daytime, evening and Saturday appointments, and online sessions can add flexibility. Call 970.227.2770 or book online, tell us what times work for you, and we will match you with a counselor whose schedule fits.

How does play therapy differ from regular play?

Unlike regular play, play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that a trained therapist guides. It specifically aims to help individuals address and resolve their problems.

What issues can play therapy address?

Play therapy can address a wide range of psychological issues and concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, ADHD, autism, academic and social difficulties, grief, and family issues.

Can parents participate in play therapy?

Yes, in some cases, therapists may involve parents in play therapy sessions, known as filial therapy, to improve the parent-child relationship and to teach parents therapeutic play skills to use at home.

How do I know if my child needs play therapy?

If your child is exhibiting behavioral changes, emotional distress, difficulties with social interaction, or has experienced trauma, play therapy might be beneficial. Consulting with a play therapist can help determine the right approach.

Will play therapy make my child more dependent on the therapist?

No, play therapy aims to empower children by developing their problem-solving skills and resilience, thus reducing dependency on the therapist over time.

How long will my child need to be in Counseling?

It depends on your child's age, what they are dealing with and how often they come. Some children make clear progress in a few months, while children working through trauma, grief or big family changes may need longer. Your counselor will share what they are seeing, check in with you about changes at home and school, and talk with you about when to space sessions out or finish.

What happens in a play therapy session?

Your child spends the session with toys, art supplies, games or other play materials chosen to help them express feelings. The counselor follows your child's lead, reflects what they notice and sometimes guides the play toward a skill or a hard topic. To your child it often looks like play, but the counselor is watching for themes and building the trust that makes change possible.
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Colorado Licensed Counselors

Yes
Not Always

Appointment Scheduling Within 48 Hours

Yes
No

Counselor Match Concierge

Yes
No

Expert In-house Counselor Training

Yes
No

All Counselors Are Employees

Yes
No

In-person Or Online

Yes
No

Local Company & Ownership

Yes
No

Community Involvement

Yes
No

Pay Per Session

Yes
No

First Visit Free

Yes
No
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Find the Right Match

We understand that the journey to emotional well-being begins with connecting you to the right counselor. That's why we proudly offer our unique Counselor Match Guarantee. We don't just pair you with any counselor; we meticulously match you with someone who aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and goals for healing and growth. If the initial pairing needs to be corrected, we encourage you to explore our diverse and experienced team until you find the perfect fit.

Your comfort and progress are paramount, so we ensure you always have a supportive and confidential environment to pursue your journey of self-discovery and healing. Choose us as your trusted partner in this transformative experience—because your well-being deserves the utmost care.

Begin your journey today and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow. Let us guide you to emotional wellness with our dedicated and compassionate counseling services.

Meet Our Counselors

Meet the Play Therapy Team

5 counselors Fort Collins 1 Loveland 4

See Everyone See Everyone

Jamie

Lofquist M.S.W., LCSW Get to Know Me

Mariah

Milne M.S.W., LCSW Get to Know Me

Karen

Ragland M.A., NCC, LPCC, CCTP Get to Know Me

Ryan

Battaglia M.S., LPCC Get to Know Me

Katie

Tiffany M.S.W., SWC Get to Know Me
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Testimonials

Excellent care given to their clients with great respect for everyone's privacy and a passion for helping families.

Caitlin M

I enjoyed working with two of the counselors at Foundations. Both listened to me and helped me to begin to see patterns that I hadn't before.

Kristie

I received compassionate, competent help. Every session was helpful and productive. The therapist was a perfect match for me and was always accessible and truly cared about my welfare.

Tony C

I have had great experience with foundations! I have made a lot of self improvements since I started and only continue to grow and become a better husband and dad for my family! I highly recommend foundations!

Travis G

Great place to go to gain understanding and tools to help yourself become your very best!

Winter

Foundations has been a wonderful experience. You can tell how much they care about you as an individual.

Alexis G

Great and helping services! Genuine caring and help! Help was available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Gene C

Great customer service and care. My counselor was excellent!

Chloe

Quick appointment availability. Great counselor and opportunity to change to another if conflicts arose.

Heather H

Very kind, knowledgeable, and helpful counselor. Highly recommended.

Phillip J

Foundations has wonderful counselors that are very normal down to earth people. Pleasantly surprised by my experience.

Bradley M

My wife and I would recommend foundations counseling. Balancing the psychology and Christian approach to challenging subjects in our marriage was a huge blessing. Thank you!

Charles S

Awesome counseling company that is also easy to work with. Mary Kelly is amazing and has helped me so much and I really enjoy my appointments!

Megan M

Foundations was really able to bring my family closer. We can never repay you for that, everything was amazing and we really appreciate everything you guys did for our family.

Kevin D

I tell all my friends that this has really been my secret lately to being more active, happy and healthy.

M Peterman

My family found this place for me and its been a blessing.

George M

Lots of insight. Very helpful.

Gina G

My daughter has been going here for months and looks forward to her visits here. I highly recommend Foundations for your therapy needs!

Miles A

My journey is private, but the free consult was definitely worth my time.

M Burnham

My love and I are strong believers in Christ who are working towards engagement and marriage. I would highly recommend Foundations Counceling. Relationships are the ultimate investment!

Bethany X

My relationship with my counselor at Foundations Counseling has been more helpful than I ever could have imagined. I would HIGHLY recommend Foundations for anyone pursuing help, growth, or freedom in their life.

Amanda H

I love it! I have been going here for over a year and it is some of the best staff I have ever worked with.

Carli B

Right from the start, Foundations has been very accommodating and compassionate to our needs. I am very pleased with counseling services.

Paul B

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Take the first step towards healing and personal growth with Foundations. Schedule your free consultation now and discover how our expert therapists can support you in achieving your mental health and wellness goals. 

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The Perfect Match

Our Counselor Guarantee

Start your journey with a therapist you can trust, and experience personalized therapy that’s right for you. Meet with as many counselors as you need until you find the perfect fit.

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