Who Child Play Therapy Helps
Play therapy supports children who are experiencing:
Anxiety, fear, or worry
Behavioral challenges or impulsivity
Emotional regulation difficulties
Social skill struggles or school stress
Trauma, loss, or transition challenges
Low self-esteem or confidence difficulties
Our child counselors help families identify patterns and build tools for healthy development and emotional well-being.
Who Child Play Therapy Helps
Play therapy supports children who are experiencing:
Anxiety, fear, or worry
Behavioral challenges or impulsivity
Emotional regulation difficulties
Social skill struggles or school stress
Trauma, loss, or transition challenges
Low self-esteem or confidence difficulties
Our child counselors help families identify patterns and build tools for healthy development and emotional well-being.
What is Play Therapy & How It Works
Play therapy uses games, art, toys, and creative activities to help children communicate thoughts and feelings they may not express in words. Through play, children learn coping skills, express emotions, and work through challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Common Play Therapy Techniques:
Creative art and drawing
Board and pretend play
Sensory activities
Game-based emotional expression
Therapeutic storytelling
These approaches help children build insight, confidence, and emotional regulation naturally and developmentally.
Our Child-Centered Approach
We tailor every session to your child’s:
Age and developmental stage
Emotional and behavioral needs
Comfort level and personality
Our therapists combine play therapy with other evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, mindfulness skills, and emotion-regulation strategies to support real-world growth.
Parental Involvement & Family Support
We believe parents play a crucial role in child therapy.
Parents are invited to participate in initial meetings
We provide guidance on reinforcing skills at home
Ongoing communication helps support consistency
Families are key partners in the therapeutic process, helping children practice new skills in everyday life.
Child Play Therapy in Tampa, Jacksonville & Across Florida
We offer flexible therapy options:
In-Person Therapy
Tampa, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Virtual Therapy (Telehealth)
Secure online sessions available throughout Florida
Whether your child thrives in office play therapy or benefits from virtual support at home, our team is here to help.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Play Therapy
You might notice:
Changes in mood or behavior
Withdrawal from friends or activities
Frequent school avoidance or emotional outbursts
Difficulty expressing feelings
Excessive worry, fear, or sadness
Early support can help establish lifelong emotional health and confidence.
Child Play Therapy FAQs
What ages benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy is most effective for children typically between ages 4 and 12. It allows younger children to express emotions and experiences through play when they may not yet have the words to describe how they feel.
How long are child play therapy sessions?
Most child play therapy sessions last 45–50 minutes. The length and frequency of sessions are based on your child’s needs and goals, which your therapist will discuss with you.
Are parents involved in play therapy?
Yes. Parents are an important part of the therapeutic process. Therapists often meet with parents to provide guidance, share progress, and offer strategies to support emotional growth at home, while maintaining a safe space for the child during sessions. We do this through family sessions geared towards parenting.
Is play therapy effective for anxiety or trauma?
Yes. Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that is highly effective for children experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, and behavioral concerns. It helps children process experiences in a developmentally appropriate and supportive way.
Meet Our Child Therapists
Our child therapy team serving Tampa, Jacksonville, and Florida includes:
Mrs. Stephanie Moir — Child therapist specializing in play & trauma-informed care
Mrs. Nicole Tucker — Experienced in play and expressive therapy for children
Ms. Caitlin Adcock — Trauma-informed support for kids & teens
Ms. Micaela Julian — Bilingual therapist for children and families