Imaginal Approaches to Therapy

Imaginal & Depth Psychology Therapy

🌟 Self-Compassion & Kind Inner Voice
Children learn to replace harsh self-talk with supportive inner dialogue.

• Practicing “talking to yourself like a good friend”
• Learning that mistakes are part of learning and growth
• Creating compassionate statements children can use during frustration

💛 Builds emotional resilience and healthy self-esteem.

🧭 Problem-Solving Pathways
Children learn step-by-step strategies for navigating challenges.

• Identifying the problem and possible solutions
• Practicing “pause → think → choose” decision-making
• Role-playing real-life situations like peer conflict or frustration

🧠 Strengthens executive functioning and flexible thinking.

🎧 Mindful Listening & Attention Training
Children practice focusing their attention and noticing subtle changes in their environment.

• Listening for quiet sounds or rhythms
• Attention games that strengthen concentration
• Practicing shifting focus from worry back to the present moment

🌱 Helps improve focus and reduce anxious rumination.

🧩 Emotion-Thought-Behavior Connections
Children explore how feelings, thoughts, and actions interact.

• Mapping “thought → feeling → action” patterns
• Practicing alternative responses during difficult situations
• Learning that changing thoughts can change behavior

💡 Helps children understand and influence their emotional responses.

🌈 Strengths & Identity Building
Children explore their personal strengths and develop a positive sense of self.

• Identifying personal strengths and talents
• Creating “strength stories” through art and play
• Recognizing times they handled challenges well

✨ Builds confidence and internal motivation.

🌍 Perspective Taking & Empathy Practice
Children learn to understand the feelings and viewpoints of others.

• Practicing “How might they feel?” exercises
• Role-playing social situations
• Exploring multiple viewpoints through storytelling

🧠 Strengthens social awareness and relationship skills.

🌿 Mindful Reset Tools
Children develop personalized calming tools they can use in daily life.

• Creating a “calm plan” for stressful moments
• Practicing quick reset strategies for school or home
• Identifying body signals that indicate stress is rising

💛 Encourages independence in managing emotions.

Imaginal & Depth Psychology Therapy

At Rocky Mountain Art & Play Center

Imaginal and depth psychology approaches help children explore their inner emotional world through symbols, stories, imagination, and play. Rather than asking children to explain their feelings directly, we help them express emotions through images, characters, metaphors, and creative storytelling.

Children naturally think in pictures, imagination, and stories. Imaginal therapy honors this natural language of childhood and helps children safely explore difficult emotions, fears, and experiences through symbolic play and creative expression.

At Rocky Mountain Art & Play Center, this approach is deeply integrated with the Emotion Garden / Emotion Greenhouse, where feelings are represented by plants, characters, and symbolic stories that help children understand their emotional world in a safe and playful way.

Our imaginal and depth psychology approach draws from Jungian psychology, symbolic play, expressive arts therapy, and relational depth therapy, all adapted for children.

Imaginal therapy helps children develop:

• Emotional awareness and insight
• Healthy expression of feelings through symbols and play
• Self-understanding and identity development
• Imagination and creative problem solving
• Emotional resilience and inner strength
• A sense of meaning and personal growth

Below are some of the ways we use imaginal approaches in therapy.

🎭 Symbolic Play & Storytelling
Children use imagination, toys, and storytelling to express experiences that may be difficult to talk about directly.

• Creating stories that mirror emotional experiences
• Acting out inner conflicts through characters
• Using play scenes to explore feelings and solutions

🧠 Symbolic play allows the unconscious emotional world to be safely explored.

🌙 Dreams, Images & Metaphors
Children often express their feelings through images rather than words.

• Talking about dreams, drawings, and imagination
• Exploring the meaning of symbols that appear in play
• Helping children understand the messages within their inner stories

✨ Encourages deeper emotional insight and reflection.

🎨 Creative Expression & Imaginal Art
Art becomes a way for children to show what their inner world feels like.

• Drawing emotional landscapes or gardens
• Creating characters that represent feelings
• Building symbolic scenes that represent experiences

💛 Creative expression gives children a safe voice for complex emotions.

🪴 Inner Strength & Personal Meaning
Children learn that their feelings are part of their personal story and growth.

• Identifying strengths through symbolic characters
• Rewriting stories of fear into stories of courage
• Building a sense of inner wisdom and resilience

🌱 Helps children develop confidence in their ability to navigate emotions.

✨ Why Imaginal & Depth Psychology Therapy Works

Children naturally understand the world through imagination, symbols, and stories. When therapy speaks this language, children can explore emotions safely and meaningfully.

At Rocky Mountain Art & Play Center, imaginal therapy helps children learn that:

✨ Feelings can be understood through stories and symbols
✨ Imagination can help solve emotional challenges
✨ Every emotion has a place in the garden of the self
✨ Big feelings can become brighter futures.

Therapy at Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center

Where Big Feelings Become Brighter Futures

Gentle, evidence-informed care for children and families

At Rocky Mountain Art & Play Center, we help children transform overwhelm into skills and confidence—one playful, meaningful session at a time. Our team brings over 45 years of combined experience supporting kids with anxiety, ADHD, ODD, attachment challenges, school stress, disability-related needs, and big emotions. We blend Play Therapy with expressive arts, Montessori-informed strategies, and depth-psychology wisdom to meet each child exactly where they are.

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of psychotherapy for children. Through toys, stories, sand, art, movement, and imagination, kids express what words can’t yet hold. In the safety of the playroom, they practice problem-solving, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and healthy communication—skills they can bring home and to school.

Why play?
Because play is a child’s natural language. In play, the nervous system softens, curiosity awakens, and new patterns take root.

Who We Help

We provide individualized sessions for children experiencing:

Anxiety, separation anxiety, and worries about school or peers
ADHD, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and focus challenges
ODD, defiance, meltdowns, and emotional dysregulation
Attachment-related struggles, grief, and big life transitions
Disability-related challenges and sensory needs
Mood concerns, low confidence, and social skills delays
Ages typically served: toddlers through pre-teens (and teens as appropriate). Parent coaching is available for all ages.

How Our Play Therapy Works

1) Thoughtful Intake & Assessment

We begin with a parent consultation to understand strengths, concerns, history, and goals. When helpful, we offer Assessment & Identification to clarify learning, attention, social-emotional, and sensory profiles—so care plans truly fit your child.

2) Individual Play Sessions

Children meet with a dedicated clinician in a warm, well-equipped play space (sandtray, art, stories, building, movement). Sessions focus on regulation, expression, and practicing new behaviors safely.

3) Parent Collaboration

You’re the most important person in your child’s growth. We provide coaching, home strategies, and school-friendly tools so progress sticks beyond the playroom.

4) Review & Refine

We set clear goals, track wins, and adjust supports as your child grows. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why.

Our Integrated Approach

Every child is unique. We craft a personalized blend of:

Child-Centered Play Therapy & Sandplay

Choice, safety, and symbolic play allow children to express experiences that may be difficult to put into words while building confidence and emotional resilience.

Expressive Arts & Movement Therapy

Drawing, storytelling, music, and movement help children process emotions, release stress, and rehearse healthy coping strategies.

Attachment-Based & Relational Work

Guided interactions help children and caregivers strengthen connection, practice repair after conflict, and build emotional safety in relationships.

Montessori-Informed Structure

Predictable routines, hands-on materials, and independence-building activities help children feel competent, capable, and secure.

Depth Psychology & Imaginal Approaches

Using metaphor, symbolism, and storytelling children explore their inner emotional world through imagination and play and through a symbolic emotional mapping system as a way to work with feelings they have.

Polyvagal-Informed Nervous System

Regulation Body-based tools such as breathing, rhythm, sensory grounding, and bilateral movement help calm the nervous system and support emotional regulation.

Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Skills

Children learn practical tools for noticing thoughts and feelings, calming their bodies, and responding to challenges in healthy ways.

CBT, DBT & ACT-Informed Coping Skills

Evidence-based strategies help children develop flexible thinking, distress tolerance, problem-solving skills, and values-based decision making.

Parent Coaching & Family Support

Parents learn practical strategies to support emotional regulation, strengthen connection, and reinforce skills at home.

Goals Kids Work Toward

Name feelings and needs
Use “calm-down” tools before a meltdown
Wait, take turns, and handle “no” without losing control
Repair after conflict (apologize, rebuild trust)
Ask for help and advocate at school
Grow confidence, resilience, and self-compassion

Why Families Choose Us

Whole-child lens: Behavior is communication; we listen to what’s underneath.
Creative, developmentally smart: Play and arts meet kids where they learn best.
Parent partnership: Practical tools you can use the same day.
Experienced team: 45+ years combined in children’s mental health.
Trauma-aware & neurodiversity-affirming: Safety, dignity, and strengths first.
Aligned with home & school: We collaborate with your village.

What a First Month Can Look Like

Week 1: Parent consult + gentle child intake play session
Week 2: Regulation and relationship-building through play
Week 3: Targeted skill practice (transitions, frustration tolerance, repair)
Week 4: Parent coaching + progress check + home plan refresh

Get Started

Ready to help your child turn big feelings into brighter futures?

Get Started

FAQs

How long are

sessions?

Typically 45 to 50 minutes. Younger children may benefit from shorter, highly structured time.

How involved are parents?

Very. We include brief check-ins, dedicated coaching sessions, and practical at-home routines.

Do you offer assessments?

Yes—our Assessment & Identification services clarify strengths and needs to guide care and school support.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, however, we are primarily private-pay and can provide superbills upon request. (Please ask us about your options.)

What age group benefits most from Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is ideal for children ages 2–12. Because play is their natural language, it allows younger kids to express and resolve emotional challenges in ways that feel safe and meaningful. Older children and preteens may also benefit, especially when sessions are tailored with art, story, or sandplay elements.

Can Play Therapy help with behavior problems like lying, stealing, or aggression?

Yes. These behaviors are often signs of unmet emotional needs or difficulties with impulse control. Through play, children learn to understand their feelings, make better choices, and develop empathy—all within a safe and non-shaming space.

How long will my child need Play Therapy?

Every child’s journey is unique. Some children show improvement after a few months; others benefit from ongoing support, especially if challenges are longstanding or related to trauma or developmental differences. We’ll review progress regularly and collaborate with you to determine the right length of treatment.

What should my child bring to sessions?

Just themselves! We provide all materials—art supplies, sand, toys, games, and sensory tools. Comfortable clothing is recommended since sessions can get creative or a little messy.

What if my child doesn’t want to come to therapy?

This is common, especially at first. We take time to build trust and curiosity. Our playroom environment is warm, engaging, and child-led, helping children feel ownership of the process. Parents are coached on how to talk about therapy in empowering ways before and after sessions.

How do parents stay involved?

Parent collaboration is key. We provide regular updates, progress reports, and parent-only coaching sessions that teach practical tools you can use at home. Your participation strengthens and accelerates your child’s growth.

Can siblings participate?

Sometimes, yes. We may include siblings in specific sessions when it supports relationship repair, empathy building, or family harmony. Each family’s plan is customized to their needs.

Do you coordinate with schools or other providers?

Absolutely. With your consent, we collaborate with teachers, school counselors, pediatricians, or occupational therapists to ensure consistency and support across environments.

Is Play Therapy the same as regular playtime?

Not quite. While both involve play, Play Therapy is guided by a trained clinician who uses play intentionally to help children express emotions, resolve conflicts, and learn self-regulation. It’s play with a purpose.

What if my child doesn’t talk much during sessions?

That’s completely okay. Many children express themselves through play, art, or movement long before they feel ready to use words. The play itself communicates their inner world. As trust deepens, language and insight naturally begin to emerge.

How will I know if Play Therapy is working?

You’ll begin to notice small but meaningful changes—fewer meltdowns, quicker recovery after frustration, more openness to connection, or better problem-solving at school. We also provide regular progress reviews and parent check-ins so you can track your child’s growth over time.

Do you offer support for parents, too?

Yes. We believe healing happens in relationships, not isolation. We offer parent coaching sessions that focus on emotional attunement, effective communication, setting boundaries with empathy, and reinforcing therapeutic skills at home. When parents feel equipped and supported, children thrive.

Characteristics Parents Might See as a Result of Therapy with Rocky Mountain Play Therapy®

Greater Empathy: Your child may become more attuned to the feelings of others, showing increased understanding and compassion in their interactions.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: As children recognize their strengths and progress, you may notice a boost in their confidence and self-worth.
More Effective Problem-Solving Skills: Your child might start approaching challenges with a more solution-focused mindset, applying critical thinking to find resolutions.
Increased Resilience: Look for signs of your child bouncing back from setbacks more easily, demonstrating persistence in the face of difficulties.
Stronger Peer Relationships: You may observe improved friendships and social interactions as your child learns to connect more effectively with peers.
Willingness to Take Responsibility: Your child might begin to take ownership of their actions, acknowledging mistakes and learning from them without fear of judgment.
Greater Independence: You may see your child making decisions and solving problems on their own, showcasing their growing autonomy.
Enhanced Focus and Attention: As emotional challenges decrease, your child may exhibit improved concentration, leading to better performance in academic settings.
Positive Coping Strategies: Instead of resorting to negative behaviors, your child may adopt healthier ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
Decreased Anxiety: You might notice a reduction in anxious behaviors, with your child approaching new situations with more confidence and calmness.
Healthier Boundaries: Your child may begin to understand and respect personal boundaries, both for themselves and others, leading to more balanced relationships.
Curiosity and Openness: You may see your child exhibiting a greater willingness to explore new ideas and experiences, showing a desire for growth and learning.
Positive Attitude Toward Challenges: Your child may develop a more optimistic outlook, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Better Stress Management: You might notice your child employing effective techniques to handle stress, such as deep breathing or talking through their feelings.
Improved Academic Engagement: Your child may show a renewed interest in schoolwork, participating more actively and taking pride in their accomplishments.
Increased Initiative: Your child may begin to take the lead in group activities or family discussions, showing confidence in their opinions and ideas.
Heightened Sense of Responsibility: You might see your child taking on age-appropriate chores or tasks, contributing to the family and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Greater Emotional Vocabulary: Your child may expand their emotional vocabulary, allowing them to express a wider range of feelings accurately.
Enhanced Creativity: Engaging in therapy can stimulate creative expression, leading your child to explore new artistic or imaginative outlets.
Ability to Reflect: Your child may develop the ability to reflect on their actions and emotions, fostering self-awareness and growth.
Social Awareness: You might observe your child becoming more aware of social dynamics, understanding the impact of their actions on others.
Improved Impulse Control: Your child may show increased control over impulsive behaviors, leading to more thoughtful decision-making.
Ability to Set and Achieve Goals: Your child might begin to set personal goals, both big and small, and work diligently to achieve them.
Reduction in Perfectionism: You may notice a decrease in perfectionist tendencies, allowing your child to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
More Effective Conflict Resolution: Your child may learn to navigate conflicts with peers and family members more effectively, promoting healthier relationships.
Stronger Sense of Identity: Engaging in therapy can help children develop a clearer sense of who they are, including their values and aspirations.
Enhanced Gratitude: You might see your child expressing gratitude more frequently, recognizing the positive aspects of their life.
Increased Motivation: As therapy progresses, your child may exhibit a newfound motivation to pursue interests and hobbies they enjoy.

Through their transformative theraputic journey with Play Therapy of Denver, your child will not only gain essential skills but will also develop a stronger sense of self and the confidence to thrive in various aspects of life. Together, we can celebrate these milestones and continue to build a foundation for a successful future.

Helping Big Feelings Find Calm –

Through the Power of Art, Play, and Connection.

Specialized behavioral health services for children navigating behavioral challenges, anxiety, ADHD, defiance, emotional overwhelm and, more.

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