Jill Vetstein is pictured next to a child who is drawing in a play therapy session in her Natick MA therapy office.

Child Play Therapy

IN-PERSON IN NATICK, MA

Jill Vetstein Child Therapist observes a child during play therapy
Jill Vetstein Child Therapist observes a child during play therapy

Who is this for?

Children ( toddlers- 10) who:

✦ experience anxiety or excessive worry

✦ have big emotions or emotional reactivity

✦ show behavioral challenges at home or school

✦ struggle with transitions or change

✦ have social or peer challenges

✦ are navigating family changes or stressors

✦ have sensory needs

✦ are dealing with PANS/PANDAS

✦ are highly sensitive, intuitive or deeply attuned to others and their environment

What I do

I use a child-centered play therapy approach, following your child’s lead and supporting what they naturally bring into the session.

I model regulation throughout the play process and guide your child in moving through what they are experiencing.

I integrate mind body approaches and tools to support emotional processing. For families who are open to it, I may also incorporate Reiki and energy healing.

The focus is not just on behavior, but on understanding and supporting what is underneath it.

What to expect

We begin with a 2-hour parent assessment to understand your child’s history, current challenges, and your concerns. I share my perspective and recommendations so we can determine the best path forward.

From there, we decide together on the frequency and format of therapy. When I work with a child, I also work with the parents.

In most cases, children meet with me on their own so they can express themselves freely. Parents may be invited in when it supports the child or the relationship.

During sessions, your child engages in play in a way that feels natural to them. Over time, they begin to express, process, and move through what they are experiencing.

Parents receive ongoing support and guidance to better understand their child and how to support them outside of sessions.

What is Play Therapy?

Child play therapy provides a space for children to express and process what they are experiencing in a way that feels natural to them.

Children do not always have the words to explain what they feel. Play becomes their language and gives us a way to understand and support what is happening internally.

This work helps children process emotions and experiences that may show up as anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional reactivity, sensory challenges, or difficulty adjusting to change.

Learn more about play therapy from these videos from the Association of Play Therapy.

Introducing Andrew

Play Therapy Works!

Benefits of child play therapy

Many children experience:

  • improved emotional regulation

  • reduced anxiety

  • healthier expression of emotions

  • increased confidence

  • positive behavior changes

  • better coping and problem solving

  • greater ease in daily life

This is an illustration of a blue and purple butterfly. It appears in Jill Vetstein's logo.

Your child has incredible gifts, strengths, and potential.

I’M HERE TO HELP THEM DISCOVER IT.

Schedule a consultation for your child to learn more about Child Play Therapy.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Kind Words From Clients

  • “We found Jill at a time when our daughter was struggling, and we had no idea how to parent her. She was becoming overwhelmed by her emotions and we were moving from crisis to crisis all day long. With Jill’s help, she (and we) have learned and practiced ways to experience big feelings and frustrations and not fall apart, or maybe fall apart, and then get back together and move on. Our daughter has grown so much in self-awareness, self-compassion and patience with herself and others. I’m also so thankful she has developed a therapeutic relationship with Jill now while she is young that can be a support to her as she gets older and faces new challenges to her sometimes fragile sense of self.”

    - Child Therapy Parent

  • “Jill was incredibly helpful to our family at a very challenging time. Jill made my son feel comfortable enough to share his thoughts and she gave him the strategies that he uses in his everyday life. Her guidance for me as a parent was invaluable. Jill’s various approaches and vast knowledge has forever made an impact on our lives.”

    — Child Play Therapy Client

Have Questions?

Explore modalities, practices and other frequently asked questions here.

Jill Vetstein | Blue Butterfly in hands

It’s time to invest in yourself!

I understand you may have questions about my process and whether I’m a good fit for you. Connecting with me is the best way to get your questions answered and learn more about how we can work together.

CONTACT ME
CONTACT ME