Child Counseling & Play Therapy

Specialized therapy for children's unique needs.

We help children thrive through therapy.

Your child is precious and deserves the opportunity to thrive! Our child therapists specialize in working with children ages 2-12, and are skilled in treatments such as play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (adapted just for kids, such as Coping Cat). Child counseling can help you to identify the root of the issues your child is experiencing, and teach them new skills for managing the problems they face. Our goal is to help you better understand and connect with your child, as well as solve behavior and emotional problems. If you’re going through a difficult time, counseling is a wonderful way to solve those problems in a way that brings you closer with your child!

Play therapy can help the whole family

While our therapists often work with kids one-on-one, we see the family as a critical part of the process. Parents and other family members are invited to participate in counseling and may benefit as well. Your child’s therapist may suggest new parenting strategies proven to be effective, and designed to support your child’s needs.

Does my child need therapy?

Deciding to take your child to counseling can be hard for any parent. Knowing when to take your child can be even harder. Often, your child’s behavior is an indication that therapy would be helpful.

What is play therapy?

Play Therapy uses a child’s natural tendency to “play out” their reactions to life situations. Toys in a play therapy room include puppets, art supplies, games, and sand trays. All toys are carefully selected to facilitate creative and emotional expression from children. In play therapy children learn how to recognize their feelings. It improves their self-concept, reduces anxiety and initiates behavioral changes. By making appropriate choices in the play room children find solutions to problems and develop self-control.

We’re pretty overjoyed to hear kids laughing in session and excited to come back. But don’t be fooled – play therapy is often hard work for children! They dip in and out of their own emotional process and perhaps face very difficult issues/feelings, with the support of their therapist.

Kids Can Love Therapy!

Play therapy is facilitated by a highly trained and skilled play therapist who provides an environment where a child feels safe to play out their concerns. As a result, the therapist can assess the play and make recommendations to parents for resolving problems. Therapists also assist children in “stuck” traumatic play themes and encourage empowerment.

Child Counseling helped me see the ways I could best support my son when he was anxious. And our therapist gently coached him through conquering his fears. He was like a different kid when we finished therapy!

Common reasons for your child to start play therapy:

emotional disregulation
acting out
bullying
withdrawing or shutting down emotionally
falling behind in school
refusing to go to school
experiencing anxiety
avoidance

These are all ways kids show us they are having a tough time coping on their own. At ThrivePointe, we’re relationship and results driven, so we can help you navigate the best fit for your child.