Finally. Therapy for kids that looks at the whole picture.
What is Play Therapy?
You might think of play therapy as “just playing,” but it’s much more. A Registered Play Therapist™ has specialized training to guide play in ways that promote healing and growth. In our sessions, toys, art, movement, and storytelling become powerful tools for children to:
Work through big emotions like anger, sadness, or worry
Build confidence and self-esteem
Strengthen social skills and problem-solving
Learn healthier ways to express feelings
Recover from trauma, loss, or life changes
Feel more regulated and connected in daily life
At The Real Work in Beaverton our play therapists use neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed practices to meet kids where they are. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, behavior challenges, or transitions, play therapy offers a safe, supportive space for growth.
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Absolutely. Meta-analyses show non-directive play therapy is as effective (or even more effective) than traditional psychotherapy for children, with strong results across diverse backgrounds and challenges. Learn more at Association for Play Therapy
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Play Therapy helps kids ages 3-10 with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, behavior challenges, adjustment challenges to big changes like a move, separation, or new sibling, and more to develop emotional resilience, confidence, and self-expression.
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You might consider play therapy when your child is struggling emotionally, socially, or behaviorally, and talking it through isn’t enough. Play therapy uses toys, art, movement, and imagination to help children express feelings, process experiences, and learn new skills in ways that feel safe and natural.
Parents often choose play therapy when their child:
Has big emotions that feel overwhelming (anger, sadness, anxiety, or fear)
Struggles with behavioral challenges (outbursts, withdrawal, aggression, difficulty following rules)
Is experiencing life changes (divorce, loss, moving, new sibling, school transitions)
Shows signs of trauma or stressful experiences they can’t talk about
Has ADHD, is autistic, or has regulation struggles and benefits from nontraditional ways of expressing themselves
Feels isolated, shy, or disconnected in social settings
Needs help building confidence, problem-solving skills, or coping strategies
At The Real Work, our team of Registered Play Therapists™ in Beaverton specializes in helping children ages 0–15 navigate these challenges with empathy and expertise. Through guided play, children learn to:
Understand and manage their feelings
Build trust and connection with others
Develop new coping and problem-solving skills
Heal from loss, trauma, or stress
Strengthen their sense of self and belonging
Our approach is child-led, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming, ensuring that each child feels safe, respected, and supported in their unique way.
👉 If your child is showing you through their play, behavior, or emotions that something feels “too big,” play therapy can give them the tools and support to thrive.
Brain Science + Relationships.
Welcome. We are glad you found us. The Real Work is a small, carefully designed, mental health practice created specifically for parents and children. Everything we do is informed by the latest research in child development and relational neuroscience. We aren’t here to give advice or put a Band-Aid on behavior. We believe that all behavior is a form of communication so, no matter what your child has been going through, there is a way to see them for who they really are, and provide true support for healing and growth.
Why relationship-based therapy?
There is so much noise and information out there about mental health, skills trainings, coaching programs, and self-help books! These can be helpful, but are not a substitute for a deep relationship with a therapist who is trained to have your back, and help you understand yourself, your past, and your relationships.
Integrative, brain-based, child therapy.
If you’ve been searching for excellent mental health care for yourself or your child, we are it. If quick fixes and behavioral changes haven’t worked, we might be the next step for your family. Clinicians at The Real Work blend training in interpersonal neurobiology, child development, Attachment Theory, Somatic Psychology and play therapy to support children ages 3 and above. .
Cutting-edge parent support.
Our infant mental health and parenting experts hold training in early childhood development. We have so much compassion for what it’s really like to be a parent--the parts you are afraid to talk about. You can be real here, and know that we understand.
Occupational Therapy for Kids
Pediatric Occupational Therapy can help children develop the crucial skills of attuning to and comprehending their body's signals. Occupational Therapy incorporates purposeful movement with enriching experiences that encourage exploration and growth, based on your child’s individual differences, sensory profile and functional needs. Our OTs create a secure and enjoyable space for your child. In this nurturing environment, your child will receive personalized support to seamlessly integrate and navigate the intricacies of everyday sensory experiences.
Areas of Specialty
Parenting Challenges, Childhood Anxiety, Fears/Phobias, Trauma, Social/Emotional Challenges, ADHD, Depression, Mood Changes, Adjustment To Divorce/Separation, Relationship Challenges, Neurodevelopmental Differences, Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing Differences.
Getting Connected With Us
We can’t wait to meet you!
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What are you looking for?
If you schedule a consultation, we will reach out at the contact info you provide, and ask a few questions to help us tailor our recommendations for one of our therapists.
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Personalized suggestions.
We’ll share who, from our team, is the best fit for your needs, preferences, and availability.
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Pick the right therapist.
You’ll be connected via a free, 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists, to see if it’s a good, clinical fit.
FAQs
How often do you meet for therapy?
Therapy is relationship-based, which means we will spend a great deal of time establishing a trusting relationship. This takes time. Typically we meet with children and families weekly for at least 6 weeks or until symptoms become more manageable, then scale back to every other week if you prefer. Many families stay with us for years, enjoying the support as life happens. Each person is unique, so keep in mind that this is just a general plan based on the evidence base and our experience.
Do you bill insurance?
No. We are private pay, which means you pay our full fee for service. However, our licensed clinicians are able to provide you with a receipt for services that you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network benefits. Please bring this up at your consultation if you’d like more info on this option.
How does Play Therapy work?
Great question! Play Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps children express themselves and solve problems in their natural language—play and physical expression. Rebekah Springs, LMFT RPT has a page on her website that explains more! Take a look HERE.
Starting therapy is really brave, and chances are you’ve been through a lot before this moment. We want to make this simple. We want you to feel respected, safe, and seen.
— Rebekah Springs, The Real Work’s founder