Play-Based Therapy

Using the D.I.R./Floortime® Model, our play has a purpose

The D.I.R./Floortime® model is an evidenced-based treatment framework that outlines social-emotional development throughout our lives. This model can be particularly effective for children who have trouble connecting, are displaying rigid behaviors, or have limited response to their play partners ideas. Ultimately, our goal is to raise strong, happy and empathetic children

Make Connections

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Make Connections 〰️

Engaging the Child

How do we pull the child in? How do we make longer connections? Stronger connections? Affect can be a very powerful therapeutic tool used to engage the child. A therapist may use animated expressions and excitement to help connect with a child for longer durations. We may need to follow the child’s lead, see what they are interested in. We can see a child begin to open up as we give them the power. Some children may be ready for a little more challenge. We’ve followed their ideas but can they now follow ours?

Respecting Individual Differences

The therapy for each child will look different because each child has different needs. If a child can be easily distracted, we may need to limit visual stimulation in the environment. If the child needs a little more time to respond, give the child that time. If the child needs movement and proprioceptive input to the body to be calm, provide the sensory stimulation the child needs. These are some examples of considering a child’s individual differences. When we are truly considering each individual child, we can better help them progress.

Focus on Relationships

The focus of therapy is on the child’s relationships with others. We want to pull them in to “fall in love” with others. We want to get a stronger back and forth interaction. We want the child to be able to respond to others’ ideas and feelings. We want the child to be a more empathetic and flexible individual.

Development through the Levels

Supporting the child at the right developmental level is important. We need to meet them where they are. Early on we may be following the child’s lead or idea. As the child progresses we want to move towards a more reciprocal relationship. Here are the nine levels of D.I.R./Floortime®.

  • Shared Attention/Regulation and Interest in the World

  • Engagement/Forming Relationships

  • Two-Way, Purposeful Interactions with Gestures/Intentional Two-Way Communication

  • Two-Way, Purposeful Problem-Solving Interactions/Development of Complex Sense of Self

  • Elaborating Ideas/Representational Capacity and Elaboration of Symbolic Thinking

  • Building Bridges Between Ideas/Emotional Thinking

  • Multi-Cause, Comparative, and Triangular Thinking (Grade School Children)

  • Emotionally Differentiated Gray-Area Thinking (Grade School Children)

  • Intermittent Reflective Thinking, a Stable Sense of Self, and an Internal Standard (Grade School Children)

Play is Our Superpower!

Play is how children explore the world, build relationships, communicate, and learn new skills. At Growing in Motion, we turn your child's interests into opportunities for growth through creative, engaging, and meaningful play. Whether we're building a spaceship, conquering an obstacle course, or bringing an imaginative idea to life, we're helping children build the skills they need to connect, problem-solve, and thrive.

Our team utilizes play to help children in their social-emotional development. Our therapists have advanced training in the D.I.R./Floortime® model

Is this DIR/Floortime® Different From ABA Therapy?

DIR/Floortime® and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are distinct approaches that can support children's development. They differ in their theoretical foundations, how therapy is structured, and the methods used to establish goals and support progress.

DIR/Floortime® emphasizes developmental capacities, individual differences, and meaningful relationships. Therapists follow the child's interests and use shared play and interaction to support communication, emotional development, flexible thinking, and problem-solving.

ABA is a broad, individualized approach based on learning principles and the analysis of behavior. Depending on the program, it may use structured teaching, naturalistic activities, reinforcement, and other strategies to develop skills and address behaviors that interfere with daily life.

Families may notice differences in how sessions are organized, how goals are selected, and how therapists interact with their child. Approaches also vary among providers, and some children receive more than one type of service.

At Growing in Motion, our DIR/Floortime-informed approach places particular emphasis on connection, developmental growth, individual differences, and learning through meaningful play. We encourage families to ask questions about any therapy approach, understand its goals and methods, and consider how well it fits their child's needs and their family's priorities.

Let's Help Your Child Grow Through Play

Every child has interests, strengths, and a unique way of experiencing the world. We build on those strengths to create therapy experiences that encourage connection, confidence, communication, and growth.

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