“Toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language”
– Garry L. Landreth
Play Therapy: When Big Feelings Don’t Have Words
Being a kid can be really hard sometimes. That’s where play therapy can help.
Children are growing, changing, and navigating a world they don’t fully understand — all while managing emotions that feel big and confusing. It’s not uncommon for children to struggle with things like anxiety, emotional outbursts, grief, or social changes. But unlike adults, they often don’t yet have the language to express what they’re feeling inside.
We help children discover treasures within.
At Wonderment Family Therapy, we specialize in helping children do just that — express, explore, and process their emotions in a way that makes sense to them. Through the power of play, we offer a safe space where kids can heal, grow, and reconnect.
What Is Play Therapy?
It’s is a research-supported, developmentally appropriate form of therapy designed especially for children ages 3–12. Instead of sitting and talking (which can feel overwhelming or unnatural for many kids), play therapists use toys, art, sand, and imagination to help children process their experiences.
Play is how children communicate, explore relationships, and work through challenges. And just like talk therapy helps adults make sense of their inner world, play therapy gives children the tools to do the same — in their own language.
Have questions or want to schedule a consultation? Reach out today, we’re here to help.
Why Choose Wonderment Family Therapy?
We are a team of compassionate, highly trained therapists who specialize in working with children and families. Each therapist brings a unique blend of expertise, creative tools, and a deep commitment to supporting the emotional development of every child we meet.
We believe therapy should feel safe, welcoming, and fun — especially for kids. Whether it’s using puppets to talk about feelings, painting through frustration, or creating imaginative stories in the sand tray, we tailor our approach to each child’s needs, pace, and strengths.
We also collaborate closely with parents and caregivers. Because when your child is in therapy, your voice matters too. We’ll partner with you to better understand what your child is experiencing and support healing in your home and relationships, not just in the therapy room.
Ready to Schedule?
If you’re wondering whether play therapy is the right fit for your child, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our child therapists. We’re happy to answer your questions, talk about your child’s needs, and help you take the first step toward support.
Support Your Child's Emotional Health
Start your journey of exploration, discovery, and healing.
Our team uses a variety of evidence-based approaches, including:
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Gestalt Play Therapy
- Group Play Therapy
- Sandtray Therapy & Expressive Arts
- Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
- EMDR
- Brainspotting
- Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
These approaches help children explore emotions, build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and develop coping strategies that they can carry into everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for play therapy?
It is typically most effective for children ages 3 to 12, but elements of play and creative expression can benefit older kids and teens too. In fact, therapists incorporate play therapy techniques with clients of all ages.
How long does play therapy usually last?
Every child is different. Some children may benefit from just a few months of therapy, while others may need longer-term support depending on the nature of their challenges and goals.
Do parents participate in sessions?
Sometimes, yes. We often include parents or caregivers in parts of the session or schedule regular check-ins to ensure you’re supported too.
What kinds of issues do you work with?
We help children work through grief, anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, social difficulties, big transitions, and more. Play therapy also benefits children with to giftedness and neurodivergence.
Do you offer play therapy online/teletherapy?
Yes. We often work with children online.
Recent Blog Posts on Play Therapy
Play Therapy Helps Children Lean Into Discomfort
You might have read the title of this blog poay on play therapy for anxiety, "Play Therapy Helps Children Lean Into Discomfort," and thought: Why would I want that for my child? The short answer is grit. According to researcher Angela Duckworth, grit is the passion...
Rupture and Repair Isn’t Just for the Playroom
For a person who takes pride in starting and ending sessions on time, this mistake was truly disorienting. During a recent session, I heard my next client outside the door. I looked at the clock and felt confused. "What are they doing here so early?" I wondered. After...
A Child Who Didn’t Play: Process vs. Content in Play Therapy
In graduate school, those of us who trained in group therapy learned to listen on two levels at once. The first is content — the actual words spoken, the literal meaning of what is being communicated. The second is process — the deeper, often nonverbal layer of...