COUNSELING SERVICES
Play Therapy
Helping Children Heal Through Their Natural Language—Play
Sometimes children don't have the words to explain what they're feeling. Instead, they communicate through behavior, imagination, creativity, and play. Play therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where children can express emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy ways of coping through the language they know best—play.
"Toys are children's words, and play is their language."
How Play Therapy Helps
Children often communicate what they cannot yet explain. Through carefully selected toys, creative activities, and a trusting therapeutic relationship, they can safely explore emotions, work through difficult experiences, build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Every child is different. Some express themselves through building, others through art, storytelling, pretend play, puppets, or sand tray therapy. Our therapists meet children where they are, using play experiences that feel natural, comfortable, and emotionally safe.
A SPACE DESIGNED FOR HEALING
Take a Look Inside Our Playroom
Our play therapy room has been intentionally designed to help children feel safe, welcomed, and free to explore. Every area encourages creativity, emotional expression, confidence, and healthy development. From the moment children enter the room, they discover a place where they can communicate, learn, and heal at their own pace.
Sand Tray
A child may not be ready to talk about a frightening experience, but they can often build it in the sand.
Children often express thoughts and experiences in the sand that are difficult to communicate with words. Sand tray therapy provides a gentle, non-threatening way to process emotions, trauma, relationships, and life experiences.
Puppet Theater
Sometimes it's easier for a puppet to say "I'm scared" than for a child.
Puppets allow children to safely act out situations, express emotions, practice communication, and explore healthy ways of solving problems.
Creative Arts
Sometimes crayons speak when words cannot.
Drawing, painting, crafts, and creative projects help children express feelings that are often difficult to put into words. Through creative expression, children develop emotional awareness, build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and discover healthy ways to communicate and heal.
Art Center
Our art center offers a variety of creative materials designed to encourage imagination, emotional expression, and confidence. Every activity provides another opportunity for children to explore, create, and grow in a safe, supportive environment.
Dramatic Play
Imagination creates a safe place to practice real life.
Fantasy Play
Through figurines, animals, superheroes, dollhouses, and imaginative storytelling, children safely explore relationships, process life experiences, practice problem-solving, and express emotions in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
Dramatic Play
Real Life Play
Kitchens, dolls, dress-up, dollhouses, and pretend play allow children to process everyday experiences, strengthen relationships, and build social and emotional skills.
Feelings & Coping Skills
Big feelings become manageable when children learn to name them.
Interactive books, games, sensory tools, and hands-on activities help children recognize emotions, learn calming strategies, and develop resilience they can use at home and school.
Is Play Therapy Right for My Child
Play therapy may benefit children experiencing:
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Trauma
-
Grief and Loss
-
ADHD
-
Behavioral Concerns
-
Anger or emotional regulation difficulties
-
Divorce or family transitions
-
Foster care or adoption adjustment
-
School-related concerns
-
Social challenges
-
Low self-esteem
What Parents Can Expect
Parents play an important role in their child's healing journey. Depending on your child's age and needs, therapy includes parent consultations, practical strategies for home, and regular updates regarding treatment goals and progress.
We believe children experience the greatest growth when therapists and parents work together. When appropriate, we partner with families to reinforce new coping skills, strengthen relationships, and encourage continued growth beyond the counseling office.
MEET OUR CHILD THERAPISTS
Kendra Mason, M.A., LPC-Associate
Adriane Rae, MS, TBRI-P, LPC
Help Your Child Take the Next Step
Children often communicate through play long before they have the words to explain what they're feeling. We're here to help your child grow, heal, and thrive in a safe, supportive environment. If you're wondering whether play therapy is right for your child, we're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.