Nurture and Play (NaP)

Nurture and Play (NaP) is another evidence-based, attachment-focused intervention that grew from Theraplay®. It uses guided interactions, soothing activities, and reflective conversation to help parents tune into their child’s cues and respond sensitively. NaP helps parents and children strengthen reciprocal interactions, increase co-regulation and emotional connection, build early coping and self-regulation skills, and deepen bonding through attunement and responsiveness.

Nurture and Play Therapy Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

What is Nurture and Play?

Nurture and Play is a relationship-based therapy that helps strengthen the emotional connection between young children and their caregivers. Grounded in attachment theory, it combines play, emotional reflection, and guided caregiver involvement to support a child’s development and healing. We find that this approach is especially helpful for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who have experienced early stress, trauma, or bonding disruptions (such as in an adoption or foster situation). Sessions are warm, playful, and interactive, allowing caregivers to better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs.

What Age are your Clients?

Nurture and Play is available for young children and infants 5 and under. We tailor each session to your child's developmental needs, and our licensed therapists are skilled in adapting sessions to support emotional expression, sensory integration, or trauma recovery.

Infants

Toddlers

Young Children

Caregivers

We Love Nurture and Play For...

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Attachment Difficulties

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Emotional Dysregulation

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Behavioral Challenges

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Parenting Overwhelm

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Emotional Development Delays

Is Nurture and Play Right For Me?

Here are a few questions we’re often asked about Nurture & Play therapy.
If you're wondering whether this approach might be a good fit for your family, we’re happy to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out with additional questions or to schedule a session with one of our licensed therapists.

  • What is Nurture & Play therapy used for?

    Nurture & Play is designed to support young children and their caregivers by strengthening emotional bonds and promoting healthy development through playful, attachment-based activities.

  • Do I need to participate in the sessions with my child?

    Yes! Nurture and Play is built around caregiver involvement. Your presence is essential to help model secure attachment and nurture your child’s emotional growth.

  • What age is Nurture and Play an ideal therapy best suited for?

    This therapy is ideal for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, typically from birth through age 5.

  • How do I know if my child could benefit from Nurture & Play?

    If your child is struggling with emotional regulation, behavioral issues, or bonding after early trauma or disruptions in care, this gentle approach can help. We will always discuss this and any other relevant therapy options at your initial consultation.

  • Can this therapy support adoptive or foster families?

    Absolutely! Nurture and Play is especially helpful in strengthening caregiver-child relationships in families formed through adoption, fostering, or after early separation.

  • Is this approach only for children who’ve experienced trauma?

    Not at all. While it’s often used for healing attachment wounds, it can also support everyday parent-child relationships and prevent emotional challenges from developing. 

  • How is this different from traditional play therapy?

    While both use play as a tool, Nurture and Play is more focused on the caregiver-child relationship and guided interactions to build emotional safety.

  • How long does this therapy usually last?

    It varies depending on your goals and your child’s needs, but many families find that consistent sessions over several months provide lasting benefits.

  • What role does the therapist play during sessions?

    Your therapist offers structure, coaching, and support - helping guide you and your child through activities that foster connection and emotional understanding.

  • Where do you offer Nurture and Play therapy?

    Ott Counseling offers this specialized therapy right in our practice in Buffalo! We also offer telehealth visits to anyone residing in New York State. 

Meet Your Therapists

Our Licensed Therapists at Ott Counseling come from all walks of life and embrace a wide variety of specialties. Schedule an appointment with a specific therapist, or feel free to contact us through our website and we can help you find the right fit.

Laura Ott Owner Founder Buffalo NY

Laura Ott, LCSW, PMH-C (She/Her)

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Nathaniel Whitcomb LMSW Buffalo NY

Nathaniel Whitcomb, LMSW (He/Him)

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Courtney Costello LMSW Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

Courtney Costello, LMSW (She/Her)

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Kate Tripi Office Manager Buffalo NY Ott Counseling

Kate Tripi, MS (She/Her)

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Alisa Chirico Therapy Buffalo NY
5 stas

Mary Gannon, M. Ed, LMSW (She/Her)

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Brianna Nilsen LMSW Ott Counseling Buffalo NY

Brianna Nilsen, LMSW (She/Her)

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Richard Manuel LMSW Buffalo NY

Richard Manuel, LMSW (He/Him)

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Saffi Rigberg Ott Counseling Buffalo NY

Saffi Rigberg, LMSW (She/Her)

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Check out our latest therapy insights on our blog!

Blog Post: How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist)

How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist, Mary Gannon)

By Ott Counseling • December 3, 2025
Just like there’s no “one perfect therapy” for adults, there isn’t a single right choice for every child. Learn more about child therapy options in our recent blog!
Click to read blog: Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me?

Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me? A Breakdown of EMDR, Progressive Counting, & Brainspotting

By Ott Counseling • October 13, 2025
As therapists, we know that healing from trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all… Here we examine EMDR, Progressive Counting, and Brainspotting as therapy options for trauma.
Click to read blog post: You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System

You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System

By Ott Counseling • August 1, 2025
“It’s all in your head.” Ah, yes, the least helpful advice ever given to anyone who has felt anxiety.

Explore Your Therapy Options

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Brainspotting

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Creative & Body-Based Interventions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DIR®/ Floortime®

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

Internal Family Systems

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Music Therapy

Nurture and Play

Progressive Counting

Schema Therapy

Theraplay®

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