Loyola University New Orleans Play Therapy Center

10/15/2026

Happy Thursday everyone!

Believe it or not, a child’s social and emotional development begins at birth! The early experiences children have with their caregivers play a significant role in this process. The following link allows you to learn more about some of the skills and behaviors that are typically observed during each stage of social and emotional development. These skills are categorized by age-range (i.e. 1-2, 2-3, etc.), so we recommend looking for the range that most closely represents your child or the child that you are working with, whether not it is his/her actual age. Much like physical or language milestones, the social and emotional skills depicted on this link can be used to determine which skills you may expect to see next.

10/14/2026

Shout out Louisiana / LAPT If you happen to be attending the Association for Play Therapy International Conference this week - join us for a social on Friday 12:40 ish- 2:15 ish (the break is 12:30-2:30) Louisiana Association for Play Therapy

10/09/2026

Happy Fall Friday everyone!

"Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child's natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to 'play out' his feelings and problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual 'talks out' his difficulties."

Virginia Axline

10/07/2026

Dr Steen would like to know what workshop topics you are interested in! Comment down below!!

10/05/2026

Hope everyone is excited for another Myth Monday

Myth: Play therapy is too “soft” to help with serious problems.

Truth: Play therapy is frequently used to address trauma, anxiety, grief, behavior challenges, and more. It’s grounded in neuroscience and child development, and provides tools that match how kids actually process difficult experiences. Just because it’s playful doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful.

10/02/2026

How long does play therapy take?

Every child is unique. Some children show noticeable changes within a few weeks, while others benefit from ongoing support over several months. Your therapist will check in with you regularly about your child’s progress and goals.

10/01/2026

♡ in loving memory of Louis Guerney - a pioneer in play therapy

Our hearts are heavy with the news of the passing of Dr. Louise Guerney, a pioneering force in play therapy and the co-developer of Filial Therapy.

Through her groundbreaking work, Louise illuminated the healing nature of the parent-child relationship through play. Her contributions helped shape the field of play therapy, and continue to impact therapists, families, and communities around the world.

We are deeply grateful for her dedication, compassion, and lasting impact on our field. Dr. Louise Guerney’s work lives on in every parent and therapist who enters a child’s world through play, and in every child who is met with greater understanding, connection, and acceptance.

09/30/2026

How Does Play Therapy Help?

Play therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where children can express emotions, solve problems and learn new skills. Through play, children can begin to understand difficult experiences, practice healthy ways to cope and build confidence.

Play therapy may help children:

Express feelings they may have difficulty putting into words
Learn healthy ways to manage strong emotions
Develop problem-solving and coping skills
Address behavioral and emotional concerns, including anxiety, depression, attention difficulties and other challenges.

09/28/2026

Myth Monday is back!

Myth: If my child won’t talk about their feelings, therapy won’t work.

Truth: Play therapy is designed for children who aren’t ready—or able—to put their emotions into words. Instead, they show what they’re feeling through play, themes, and behaviors, and the therapist helps them work through it safely. A child doesn’t need to be verbal or articulate for therapy to be meaningful and effective.

09/25/2026

"From the first touch of the sand, there is often a palpable release of tension, as the body begins to find its natural rhythm again."

— Bonnie Badenoch