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Request a consultationPlay therapy in Davenport, Iowa
Kids are wired to play. It's how they heal, too.
Hi, I'm Melissa Barrett, LISW. Wired4Play is my own small, solo practice. When you reach out, you're talking with me, not a big agency or a call center. I help children, teens and families (and adults, too) through play, creativity and conversation.
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (Iowa)
- Registered Sandtray Therapist (RST)
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT) - pending
- Certified in AUTPlay
Two easy ways to start
Start with a conversation, or jump right in.
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 intakePreview only: this button will open Melissa's SimplePractice scheduling page once we have her link.
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My approach
Play is a child's first language.
Kids often can't sit down and explain what's wrong, but they can show it. Toys, sand, art and games give them a safe way to work through big feelings and practice new skills at their own pace.
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.
More about me and my approach →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.
Learn more →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.
Learn more →Expressive Arts
Drawing, painting and other creative work as a way to explore feelings and tell your story. No art skills needed.
Learn more →Traditional Talk Therapy
Good old-fashioned conversation, for older kids, teens, parents and adults who'd rather talk it out.
Learn more →Who I work with
Play therapy is my specialty. Everyone is welcome.
Training & credentials
Specialized training, personal care.
I keep learning so I can match the right tools to each child and family.
Credentials
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Iowa
- Registered Sandtray Therapist (RST)
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential submitted, pending
- Certified in AUTPlay
Trained in
- Theraplay
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Adlerian Play Therapy
Also draw from
- DBT
- CBT
- Attachment-based work
- Solution-focused therapy
- AUTPlay
Take a peek inside
A bright, colorful space made for kids.
Seeing the room ahead of time helps kids know what to expect.
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Photos coming from Melissa's photographer
From the blog
Helpful reads for families.
Sample draft posts for Melissa to review, edit or replace
What is play therapy?
A simple, parent-friendly look at what play therapy is, what happens in the playroom, and how parents fit in.
Read the post →Getting your child ready for a first therapy visit
A few simple ways to help your child know what to expect before their first visit.
Read the post →Consultation or intake? Two ways to get started
Not sure whether to request a consultation or schedule an intake? Here's the difference.
Read the post →Ready when you are.
Request a consultation to talk it through first, or schedule an intake when you're ready to begin.