Childhood is precious.
Childhood is a time of incredible growth — and when children are struggling, they often show it through their behavior rather than their words. For parents and caregivers, it can be hard to know what’s typical and what may need a little support. Play therapy gives children a safe, natural way to express what they’re feeling and work through life’s challenges — in person across North Carolina, or virtually statewide.
What play therapy can help with
Anxiety & worry
Separation anxiety, school refusal, social worries, fears, and the physical signs of stress in children.
Big emotions & mood
Sadness, irritability, withdrawal, and trouble naming or managing strong feelings.
Family changes
Divorce, new siblings, moves, grief, and other big changes that shake a child's world.
Trauma & grief
Trauma, abuse, medical events, and loss — supported gently, at the child's own pace.
Behavior & big reactions
Meltdowns, defiance, aggression, and oppositional behavior (ODD) that worry parents and teachers.
Focus, friends & school
ADHD, attention and impulsivity, social skills, and friendship and school struggles.
Expressive therapies, led by trained play therapists
Play therapy
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Using toys and play instead of words, children explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace — guided by a specially trained therapist in a space of acceptance, empathy, and understanding. It isn’t the same as playing; it’s a proven way for children to feel understood and gain a sense of control.
Sand tray therapy
Children build small worlds in a tray of sand to externalize and make sense of feelings and experiences that are hard to put into words — a calming, child-led way to process and heal.
Art therapy
Drawing, painting, and creating give children another natural language for big feelings — supporting expression, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and self-esteem.
Get started now
Reach out
Tell us a little about what’s going on — by phone, email, or our intake form. No commitment.
Brief consult
Our care team will spend a few minutes understanding what you and your child need.
Get matched
We pair you with a clinician whose expertise and style fit.
Begin
Your first session is about getting to know each other and shaping the work ahead.
Some of the people who do this work
Common questions
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. It uses play to help children express their feelings through toys instead of words, so they can explore their thoughts, emotions, and life events at their own pace, in a way that feels comfortable. Children may not yet have the words — but they are fluent in the language of play, and our play therapists are specially trained to create an environment of acceptance, empathy, and understanding.
How is it different from just playing?
Play therapy is not the same as playing. A trained play therapist uses a child’s natural tendency to “play out” real-life situations to help them feel accepted and understood, and to gain a sense of control and understanding over what feels difficult.
Why does play therapy work?
Play is essential to growth, development, learning, and relationships. It naturally regulates emotions, reduces anxiety, encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, and builds self-esteem — which is exactly why it’s such an effective approach for children.
What can it help with?
Our warm, culturally sensitive playroom supports a wide range of childhood challenges — including anxiety, trauma, abuse, aggression, oppositional behavior (ODD), ADHD, and other behavioral and emotional difficulties. We offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy for children and tweens.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children and tweens. (Teens are supported on our Individuals page.) We match the approach and the clinician to your child’s age, needs, and personality.
Do parents take part?
Yes — parents and caregivers are an essential part of the work. We check in regularly, share guidance, and coach you on supporting your child at home, because change at home is what helps a child truly thrive.
Ready to take the next step?
Tell our care team what your child needs. We’ll match you with the right clinician — or get you started virtually right away. Questions? Call us at (919) 585-5085.