Play therapy in Davenport, Iowa
Kids are wired to play. It's how they heal, too.
A small, solo practice helping children, teens and families through play, creativity and conversation. With Melissa Barrett, LISW.
Why play
Play is a child's first language.
They show what they can’t say.
Kids often can't sit down and explain what's wrong, but they can show it.
Big feelings get a safe place.
Toys, sand, art and games give them a safe way to work through big feelings.
New skills, at their own pace.
Play is where children practice new skills, one small step at a time, at a pace that fits them.
My approach
Adlerian at the core, integrative in practice.
Adlerian theory looks at the whole person in the context of their relationships, and pays attention to things like belonging, encouragement and each person's strengths.
My theoretical foundation is Adlerian. I build from that base and take an integrative approach, drawing on other methods when they fit the child or family in front of me.
Services
How we work together.
Play Therapy
Play is how kids naturally communicate. Sessions use toys, games and creative materials so children can express feelings in their own language.
Sandtray
Building scenes with miniature figures in a tray of sand: a hands-on way to show what can be hard to put into words.
Expressive Arts
Drawing, painting and other creative work as a way to explore feelings and tell your story. No art skills needed.
Talk Therapy
Good old-fashioned conversation, for older kids, teens, parents and adults who'd rather talk it out.
Getting started
Two easy ways in. Three simple steps.
Request a consultation
Have questions, or want to see if we're a good fit? Leave your name and the best way to reach you, and I'll get back to you to talk it through before you decide on an intake.
Request a consultation →Ready to begin?Schedule an intake
Pick an intake appointment yourself in my secure SimplePractice client portal. Paperwork, reminders and payments are all handled there too.
Schedule an intake →Reach out
Request a consultation, or schedule an intake directly in SimplePractice.
Paperwork online
Intake forms and consents are completed securely in SimplePractice, so there's nothing to print.
First session
We get to know each other, talk about what's going on, and set goals together.
About Melissa
Hi, I’m Melissa.
Wired4Play is my solo private practice. When you work with Wired4Play, you work with me, so you'll get to know the person you're working with.
Play therapy is my specialty. Everyone is welcome:
- Children
- Tweens
- Adolescents
- Parents
- Families
- Adults
Credentials
- Licensed Independent Social Worker, Iowa
- Registered Sandtray Therapist
- Certified in AUTPlay
- Registered Play Therapist (pending)
Trained in
- Theraplay
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Adlerian Play Therapy
Also draw from
DBT, CBT, Attachment-based work, Solution-focused therapy, AUTPlay
FAQ
Questions parents ask.
What is play therapy?
It's therapy that uses play, the way children naturally communicate, to help them express feelings, work through hard experiences and learn new skills. It's my main specialty.
Do you only work with kids?
No. I work with children, tweens, adolescents, parents, families and adults. Play therapy is my specialty, and I also offer traditional talk therapy.
What's the difference between a consultation and an intake?
A consultation is a chance to ask questions and see if we're a good fit. An intake is the first step to starting therapy, scheduled through SimplePractice.
How do I pay and manage appointments?
Scheduling, paperwork, reminders and payments are handled through my secure SimplePractice client portal.
Is this the same as school services?
No. Wired4Play is a separate private practice from my work as a School Social Worker with the AEA.
Get started
Ready when you are.
Send a quick note and I'll reach out to talk it through.
If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. This practice can't respond to emergencies.