“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”

-Virginia Axline, pioneer of non-directive play therapy

Mental Health Therapy For Kids

Kids often have a hard time putting into words what’s really bothering them - they communicate this through behavior and emotion. They don’t want to play their favorite games anymore. They are having bigger or more frequent emotional reactions. They are more resistant to go to school or separate from parents. These are just a few examples of ways that children communicate that something could be bothering them. You might be here because you’ve noticed some changes, big or small. And as a parent, you know your child best.

Child Centered Play Therapy:

  • Great for ages 4-preteen

  • Developmentally appropriate

  • Use of toys, games, and creative activities to communicate and work through challenges.

Learn more
Child creating a colorful spiral art project with torn paper on a table.

The therapist plays an important role in the playroom by creating a safe, accepting space where children feel free to express themselves through play. I observe and engage in this play to help the child build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships. I help the child make sense of their emotions and experiences in a way that feels natural and non-threatening. My role is not to “fix” the child but to build a trusting relationship that supports healing, emotional growth, and resilience.

What to Expect

  1. Getting Started

    Before our first session, you’ll fill out some paperwork about what’s bringing you and your child to therapy. This gives me a helpful overview before we meet.

  2. Intake assessment (50 mins)

    Our first appointment is often just with parents or caregivers, depending on your child’s age and presenting concern. We’ll talk more in depth about what your child is struggling with, go over the paperwork together, and discuss your goals for therapy.

  3. Ongoing Sessions (50 mins + parent update)

    I meet with your child in the playroom for 50 mins while a parent or guardian stays in the waiting area (required for the full session). At the end, I’ll provide a brief update to share progress and ideas for support at home. You’re always welcome to schedule longer update sessions if you’d like more time to talk.

  4. Frequency

    I recommend weekly sessions. The trust and safety your child feels in the playroom are vital to their growth and healing. As your child grows and gains skills, we may shift to biweekly sessions and adjust as needed. My goal is to help your child thrive—and eventually not need me!

  5. Parent Involvement Matters

    Your involvement is a key part of the therapy process. I work closely with parents through regular check-ins and ongoing collaboration to help support your child’s growth both in and outside of the playroom.

  6. Rates & Insurance

    All 50-minute play therapy sessions are $125. I’m not in-network with insurance, but I’m happy to provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Unfortunately, I am unable to see Medicaid clients.

A wooden dollhouse with multiple rooms; the top room features miniature furniture, a toy soldier, and a small Christmas tree, while the middle rooms include a bedroom and a bathroom, and the lower rooms have a living room and a kitchen with a doll.
A bookshelf filled with toys, games, and books in a room with a blue and white wall. Several books and toys are arranged on a floating shelf and on top of the bookshelf.
Playroom corner with dollhouse, plush elephant, and stuffed animals, near a window with art and toys, on gray carpet.

In-office playroom with dollhouse, books, sensory toys, building toys, dress up, pretend play items & games

Interior of a small room with a green sofa, a coffee table with magazines, a patterned rug, a black cabinet with a lamp and decorative items, a microwave on a mini fridge, and a wall clock and framed artwork. Sign on wall reads 'iris Mental Health & Counseling'.

Waiting room with coffee, water, and snacks

Why Play Therapy?

  • A young girl whispering into a boy's ear, both smiling and wearing white shirts with red shirts underneath.

    Facilitates Communication

    When kids don’t have the words for what they’re feeling, they show us through play. Big emotions—like fear, sadness, or confusion—often come out in quiet, everyday moments with toys, stories, or imagination. In therapy, play becomes your child’s language, giving them a safe way to express what’s going on inside. I gently help them put words to feelings, build stronger connections, and find healthy ways to cope. Over time, your child will gain more confidence and resilience.

  • A young girl with curly hair lying on green grass, smiling with her eyes closed and mouth open in joy.

    Fosters Emotional Wellness

    Play offers children a safe and gentle space to express feelings like anger, sadness, or worry, helping them feel more secure and in control. What may look like simple imagination is often how they work through confusing or stressful experiences. At the same time, play brings joy and creativity. In therapy, I follow your child’s lead, creating a safe space to support their healing and growth. Even small moments in play can lead to meaningful changes in daily life.

  • Three children sitting close together outside, smiling and laughing.

    Enhances Social Relationships

    Through play, children learn how relationships work—how to build trust, set boundaries, and connect with others. In therapy, I join your child’s emotional world and gently guide them as they explore communication, problem-solving, and understanding others. As they play out different roles and explore emotions, they begin to process experiences, develop self-awareness, and gain confidence in their ability to relate to others and navigate the world around them.

  • A young boy with curly blond hair wearing a red shirt and plaid shorts in front of a waterfront, flexing his arms with a smile.

    Increases Personal Strengths

    Play gives kids a sense of control in a world that can feel overwhelming. As they solve problems, make choices, and work through challenges in play, they quietly build confidence and discover their strengths. In a space where there’s no pressure to get it right, they practice resilience, take healthy risks, and learn to bounce back. These small wins add up—helping your child grow more patient, persistent, and self-assured over time.

Ready to get started?

If you think this might be a good fit for your child, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just have a few questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help.