Parent-Child Play Therapy
What is Parent-Child Play Therapy?
Parent-Child Play Therapy at The NorCal Center for Men is an innovative, evidence-based approach that uses the power of play to strengthen the relationship between parents and their children. Led by our expert therapist, Francis, this therapy helps families address behavioral challenges, foster emotional connection, and create a more harmonious home environment. It’s particularly effective for children ages 2-12 and their caregivers.
We use the Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE) model, a structured yet flexible program that blends play with therapeutic techniques. PC-CARE focuses on:
- Improving communication through playful interactions
- Reducing challenging behaviors like tantrums, defiance, or withdrawal
- Teaching parents practical skills to support their child’s emotional and social development
Sessions typically span 6-8 weeks, with each meeting building on the last to create lasting change.
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Play is a child’s natural way of communicating, and PC-CARE harnesses it to:
Strengthen Bonds
Shared play builds trust and mutual understanding.
Improve Behavior
Parents learn to reinforce positive actions and reduce negative ones.
Boost Emotional Skills
Children develop self-regulation and empathy through guided play.
Empower Parents
Gain confidence with strategies that work in real life, not just in theory.
Imagine a couple struggling with frequent misunderstandings. Through therapy, they might learn to pause, reflect, and use “I feel” statements—turning a potential fight into a productive conversation.
Who Can Benefit?
This therapy is ideal for families dealing with:
Behavioral issues (e.g., aggression, anxiety, or difficulty following rules)
Strained parent-child relationships due to stress, transitions, or misunderstandings
Parents seeking to better understand and connect with their child
For instance, a parent frustrated by their child’s constant meltdowns might discover through play therapy that their child feels unheard—and learn how to respond in a way that calms the storm.
Session Details
$500 (includes a detailed assessment and treatment plan)
$250 Each
- In-person at our Sacramento office:
- 1104 Corporate Way, Sacramento, CA 95831