Play Therapy

Why Play Therapy?

Think about how adults go to counseling. We sit down and talk about our problems. But for a young child, sitting on a couch and explaining "anxiety" or "trauma" is nearly impossible. Their brains aren't built to process complex feelings through words yet.

Play therapy bridges that gap. In our specialized playrooms, your child uses toys, art, and movement to "act out" what they are feeling. Our clinicians are trained to watch these patterns and help your child work through their struggles without the pressure of having to explain them.

Is Play Therapy Right for My Child?

If you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, play therapy can help. Many parents in the Sioux Falls area come to us when their child is dealing with:

• Big Outbursts: Frequent tantrums, aggression, or "acting out" at home or school.
• Big Feelings: Feeling extra worried, sad, or having trouble separating from you.
• Life Changes: Moving, a new sibling, divorce, or the loss of a loved one.
• School Struggles: Difficulty making friends or getting along with teachers.
• Traumatic Events: Helping a child make sense of a scary or confusing experience.

What to Expect

When you bring your child to our Sioux Falls office, they won't feel like they are "going to a doctor." They are coming to a place where they get to be themselves.

1. A Safe Space: Our playrooms are filled with specific toys—like dollhouses, sand trays, and art supplies—that help kids express different emotions.
2. Expert Support: Your child will work with a clinician who understands child development. We don't just "watch them play"; we interact in a way that helps them build confidence and learn better ways to cope.
3. Parent Partnership: You aren't left out of the process. We work closely with you to share progress and give you simple tools to use at home.

Meet Our Sioux Falls Play Therapy Team

You deserve to know your child is in expert hands. Our clinic features a team of Registered Play Therapists (RPT) and clinicians undergoing specialized training.

By choosing Encompass Mental Health, you are accessing a group of professionals who have dedicated their careers to child mental health. We believe that the earlier a child gets support, the easier it is for them to grow into happy, confident, and resilient individuals. We are proud to serve families across the Sioux Falls community with high-quality, compassionate care.

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s help your child find their voice through play.