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Play Therapy for Children

Children don't always have the words to express what they're feeling — but they can show us through play. A gentle, child-led approach to healing emotional wounds and building resilience.

Safe, child-centered environment
Ages 3 - 12 supported
In-person & virtual options
Licensed LCSW therapist
Calm healing space for EMDR therapy

Play-Based

Non-verbal healing

Ages 3–12

Child-led sessions

Gentle Pace

No pressure, no rush

Family Involved

Parents guided too

What Is Play Therapy?

When Words Aren't
Enough

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the natural language of children — play — as a means of communication and healing. Just as adults talk through their problems, children use play to express feelings, process experiences, and make sense of their world.
Research shows that play therapy is highly effective for children experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief, family changes, and social difficulties. It meets children exactly where they are.
“Play is the work of the child. Through the therapeutic relationship and the power of play, children heal from the inside out.”
Common Relationship Struggles

What Brings Children to Therapy?

Relationships are hard. These are the most common challenges that bring couples to seek support.

Anxiety & Worry

Excessive fears, nightmares, school refusal, or a constant need for reassurance that something bad will happen.

Behavioral Changes

Sudden aggression, tantrums, defiance, or a marked change in behavior at home or school.

Emotional Withdrawal

A child who has become quiet, isolated, or stopped engaging in activities they once loved.

Trauma & Loss

Exposure to family conflict, abuse, loss of a loved one, accidents, or other distressing life events.

School Difficulties

Trouble focusing, learning challenges, social struggles, or sudden drops in academic performance.

Family Transitions

Divorce, new siblings, relocation, or other major family changes that are affecting a child's sense of stability.

How It Works

Inside a Play Therapy Session

Here’s what a typical play therapy journey looks like — from first contact to lasting positive change.

Parent Consultation First

We begin with a parent session — without the child — to understand their history, concerns, and goals. Your insight is essential.

Building the Relationship

In early sessions, the child explores the playroom freely. The therapist observes and begins building a trusting, safe relationship.

Therapeutic Play Begins

Through carefully chosen activities — sandtray, art, puppets, role play — the therapist gently guides processing of the child's inner world.

Parent Check-Ins

Parent meetings keep you informed of themes, progress, and how to support your child at home between sessions. For clients ages 12 and up or those in custody situations, updates may look a little different — see our FAQ for details.

Integration & Closure

As the child's goals are met, sessions taper and we celebrate growth. Parents receive strategies to sustain the progress.

What You Can Expect

Benefits of Play Therapy

Children who engage in therapy with genuine commitment report profound improvements in connection, communication, and relationship satisfaction.

 

Improved Emotional Expression

Children develop a richer vocabulary for their feelings and become better able to identify and communicate their inner world.

Reduced Anxiety & Fear

Specific fears, generalized anxiety, and worry patterns decrease significantly as the child develops internal coping tools.

Better Social Skills

Children learn cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution — leading to healthier friendships and peer relationships.

More Peace at Home

Behavioral improvements at home are among the most consistently reported outcomes — calmer, more cooperative children.

Stronger Self-Esteem

As children work through challenges in the playroom, they develop a genuine sense of confidence and self-worth.

Common Questions

Play Therapy FAQs

Everything you want to know before getting started. Have more questions? Call, text or email – we are here to support.

Ready to Begin?

Free 10 min. consulation to see if it’s the right fit for you – no pressure, just a conversation.

Take the First Step

Your Child Deserves to Feel Okay Again

If you’re concerned about your child, trust that instinct. A free consultation is a no-pressure conversation about whether play therapy could help.