Play 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.
Two easy ways to start
Start with a conversation, or jump right in.
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 intakeMy 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.
- BelongingEvery child is seen in the context of the people and relationships around them.
- EncouragementProgress is built on what a child can do, not only on what is going wrong.
- StrengthsEach child's strengths become the tools they use to work through hard things.
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.
What to expect
Three simple steps.
- 1
Reach out
Request a consultation, or schedule an intake directly in SimplePractice.
- 2
Paperwork online
Intake forms and consents are completed securely in SimplePractice, so there's nothing to print.
- 3
First session
We get to know each other, talk about what's going on, and set goals together.
getting your child ready
- Look at the office together. A familiar room feels less new. Talk about what you see: the colors, the toys, the chairs.
- Use simple, honest words. "We're going to meet Melissa. She helps kids with feelings, and her office has things to play with."
- Share the plan. Let your child know when you're going and where you'll be.
- Bring your questions. Parents get to have questions too. Jot them down ahead of time.
About Melissa
Hi, I'm Melissa.
Wired4Play is my solo private practice. When you work with Wired4Play, you work with me. 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
Good questions.
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. Ready now? Schedule an intake directly in SimplePractice.
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.