Child & Play Therapy 

Few things are harder than watching your child struggle. We get it. We’re glad you’re here.

You would do anything to solve their problems, but you know you can’t. You also know they need valuable life-skills, tools and support so they can cope with life’s challenges ahead.

When a child struggles, it impacts everyone in the family. Most of all the parents. It can be such a helpless feeling, but you are looking in the right direction. Getting trained, professional support can make such a difference–not only in your child’s life, but your whole families.

How do you know if counseling is right for your child?

If your child is showing signs of sadness, irritability, difficulty controlling impulses or behavior, fighting you for screen time, trouble paying attention or staying focused. If you’re noticing they are having trouble with friendships, feelings of hopelessness, anger, overreacting. If they worried or afraid of things like throwing up, getting a “low grade” on a test, fainting, flying, etc. Maybe something just feels “off” to you and you can’t put your finger on it? If so, you are in the right place.

A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, check it out.

The counseling process is designed to help empower you as a parent and give support and strategies for your child. Together, with your support at home and the therapist’s support in sessions, your child will learn tools to help them thrive at home, with friends, and in school.

It is very possible for your child to feel confident, free of worry, make healthy friendships and enjoy their childhood, as they deserve. Give us a call and we can develop a custom plan for your child. You want your child to enjoy their life and thrive. We do too!

Benefits Your Child May See from Therapy

There are several benefits your child may see from working with a professional trained therapist.

  • Your child will learn about their feelings
  • Your child will have strategies for dealing with unpleasant feelings
  • Your child will understand what “triggers” some of their feelings and have different tools for those situations
  • Your child will learn how to have healthy and positive relationships with friends, siblings, parents
  • Your child will start to feel control of their impulses and behavior
  • Your child will be able to be more present and focused
  • Your child will learn healthy ways to communicate their feelings
  • Your child will start to feel more confident
  • Your child will feel happier
  • Your child’s relationships with you & your family will improves.

 

About the Child Therapy Process

For children under 12, the first session is with the parent (s) and therapist. You will have the opportunity to talk with the therapist to voice your concerns and how you’d like your child to grow and improve.

The second session will be with the parent (s) and child for the first 10-15 minutes. The therapist will introduce themselves and ask the parent to share why their child is amazing and what they hope to see as a result of counseling. These questions are designed to create a positive experience for your child.

The rest of the session will be with the child and therapist to begin the counseling relationship and process.

You also have the opportunity to schedule “parent sessions” with your child’s therapist to discuss their progress, goals, struggles you’re seeing, and skills or tools you can use at home to help support their progress.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used to help children explore their feelings, express themselves, and make sense of their life experiences through play. Unlike traditional therapy, which often relies on verbal communication, play therapy leverages the natural medium of play to allow children to express their emotions and thoughts in a way that feels safe and natural to them. It is especially beneficial for children who may not have the verbal skills to articulate their feelings or experiences fully.

In a typical play therapy session, a trained therapist will provide a variety of toys, games, and creative materials such as dolls, action figures, art supplies, and sand trays. These tools are carefully selected to encourage children to act out their inner experiences and feelings. The therapist observes the child’s play patterns and behaviors, offering gentle guidance and interpreting the play to help uncover underlying issues. Through this process, children can work through emotional challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and build healthier behaviors and coping strategies.

Play therapy can be particularly effective for children dealing with a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, family conflicts, and social difficulties. It provides a non-threatening environment where children can feel heard and understood. By engaging in play, children can process complex emotions and experiences at their own pace, leading to healing and personal growth.

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]