DIR Floortime Therapy in Brooklyn: Play-Based Support for Your Child’s Growth
At Ridge Psychological, we specialize in DIR Floortime therapy, a developmental, relationship-based approach that helps children with autism and other developmental challenges build communication, social, and emotional skills through play. If you’re searching for a compassionate and experienced DIR Floortime therapist in Brooklyn, you’ve come to the right place.
Our team understands that every child’s path to growth is unique. Rather than forcing rigid, one-size-fits-all methods, we meet your child where they are — following their interests, and using those moments as opportunities to strengthen developmental capacities.
Whether your child has been recently diagnosed with autism, is experiencing sensory sensitivities, or struggles with emotional regulation, our goal is to help them connect, engage, and thrive through meaningful interactions.
What Is DIR Floortime?
DIR Floortime is more than just “play therapy.” It’s a clinically proven method developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder that focuses on three key components:
Developmental: Identifying and supporting your child’s specific developmental stage.
Individual-Differences: Understanding how your child processes the world, from sensory preferences to motor skills and emotional responses.
Relationship-Based: Building emotional connections and trust between your child, their caregivers, and their therapist.
During Floortime sessions, therapists join the child in play, following their lead to create moments of shared attention and interaction. These natural moments then become the foundation for building communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience.
Why Parents in Brooklyn Choose DIR Floortime for Autism Support
Families searching for developmental therapy for autism in Brooklyn often feel overwhelmed by the many treatment options available. While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely known, many parents prefer a more relationship-focused, child-led approach — and that’s where DIR Floortime shines.
Benefits of working with a DIR Floortime therapist in Brooklyn at Ridge Psychological include:
Stronger emotional connections between child and caregiver
Improved social engagement and shared attention
Growth in communication skills — both verbal and non-verbal
Better emotional regulation and self-soothing strategies
Support for sensory processing differences
A flexible, interest-based approach that adapts to your child’s needs
Our Approach at Ridge Psychological
We believe in collaboration — with your child, with you, and with any other professionals on your child’s care team. Our Floortime approach in NYC is designed to be:
Individualized – No two children are the same, so we create personalized session plans based on your child’s developmental profile.
Engaging and Playful – Play is the vehicle for learning; when children enjoy the process, they make faster and more lasting progress.
Family-Centered – We actively coach parents on how to use Floortime principles at home for maximum impact.
Evidence-Informed – Our therapists are trained and certified in DIR Floortime and stay up-to-date on the latest developmental research.
Strength-Based – We focus on building on what your child can do, rather than emphasizing deficits.
Who Can Benefit from DIR Floortime?
While DIR Floortime is often associated with developmental therapy for autism, it is also effective for children with a variety of challenges, including:
Sensory processing differences
Speech and language delays
Social communication disorders
Attention and focus difficulties
Emotional regulation struggles
Developmental delays not tied to a specific diagnosis
If your child needs a therapy approach that emphasizes connection, engagement, and emotional growth, DIR Floortime may be the right choice.
What a Typical DIR Floortime Session Looks Like
Parents often ask what to expect when they bring their child to a Floortime therapist in Brooklyn. Here’s a glimpse into a typical session:
Warm Welcome & Transition – We greet your child in a comfortable space, allowing time for them to settle in.
Child-Led Play – The therapist observes what toys, activities, or interactions the child gravitates toward.
Joining & Expanding – The therapist joins the play, matching the child’s energy and following their lead, while subtly introducing new ideas or challenges.
Emotional Engagement – Through eye contact, shared laughter, and turn-taking, the therapist helps strengthen emotional connections.
Skill Building – Goals like problem-solving, sequencing, or expressive language are integrated naturally into the play.
Parent Coaching – When appropriate, parents are invited to observe or participate, learning how to use similar strategies at home.
Wrap-Up & Reflection – The session ends with a short debrief to share progress and next steps.
Why Brooklyn Parents Trust Ridge Psychological for DIR Floortime
Our team stands out because we combine deep clinical expertise with genuine warmth and patience. Parents consistently tell us they feel supported, informed, and encouraged — never pressured or judged.
We also know Brooklyn families are busy. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, both in-person sessions at our comfortable office and remote parent coaching when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIR Floortime
Q: How is DIR Floortime different from ABA? A: While ABA often focuses on discrete skill training and behavior modification, DIR Floortime is more relational and child-led, using play to encourage growth across emotional, social, and cognitive domains.
Q: How long before I see results? A: Every child is different. Some parents notice increased engagement within a few weeks, while others see gradual changes over months. Consistency at home greatly enhances progress.
Q: Is DIR Floortime evidence-based? A: Yes. Research supports its effectiveness, especially for improving emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
Q: Can I do DIR Floortime at home? A: Absolutely. Parent participation is key. We provide coaching so you can integrate Floortime principles into daily routines.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to explore how DIR Floortime therapy in Brooklyn can support your child’s growth, Ridge Psychological is here to help.
Call our office to schedule an intake appointment
Meet with one of our certified DIR Floortime therapists
Begin sessions tailored to your child’s unique needs
Receive ongoing guidance and support every step of the way
Your Partner in Developmental Growth
We believe every child deserves to be understood, celebrated, and given the opportunity to grow in a way that feels safe and joyful. Our DIR Floortime therapists in Brooklyn are here to help make that possible — for your child and your family.