Child Counseling and Play Therapy

A safe place for children to process, play, learn, and grow.

Emotional Expression and Regulation

Behavioral Improvement

Developmental Enhancement

Social Skills Development

Supports Overall Family System

Goal of Therapy

Utilizing age-appropriate techniques, including play therapy, Sunstone’s goal is to help children process emotions, navigate challenges, and develop coping and social skills.

Common areas addressed in child counseling include:

Anxiety and fears
Impulsivity and hyperactivity (ADHD)
Separation anxiety
Emotional and behavioral disorders
Parental separation, divorce, or abandonment

Trauma and loss
Life transitions
Bullying
School refusal

Goal of Therapy

Utilizing age-appropriate techniques, including play therapy, Sunstone’s goal is to help children process emotions, navigate challenges, and develop coping and social skills.

Common areas addressed in child counseling include:

Anxiety and fears
Impulsivity and hyperactivity (ADHD)
Separation anxiety
Emotional and behavioral disorders
Parental separation, divorce, or abandonment

Trauma and loss
Life transitions
Bullying
School refusal

Utilizing the Power of Play in Child Counseling

Our primary approach to counseling for children ages 3-12 is play therapy, where kids can express themselves in their primary mode of communication: play.

While play therapy is conducted with only the therapist and child, counselors also typically meet with parents on a regular basis to discuss treatment plans, progress, and goals.

Contact us to connect with a mental health counselor, and get started on a path to a brighter tomorrow!

FAQs

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy utilizes play, a child’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings through toys and activities instead of (or in addition to) words.

For a child, emotions and experiences may be too overwhelming or difficult to articulate with words , but they can safely communicate them through self-chosen toys and activities.

The Association for Play Therapy describes play therapy as a therapeutic approach to connecting with a child in a way that honors their unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping in the “language” of the child: play. Mental health professionals therapeutically use play to help children, most often ages three to 12 years, better express themselves and resolve behavioral/emotional problems.

What types of concerns does Play Therapy support?

Research shows that play therapy is highly effective for children experiencing a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral problems, including but not limited to: anxiety, fears, emotional dysregulation, separation anxiety, divorce or abandonment, family conflict, trauma, ADHD, low self-esteem, impulsivity, grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, developmental delays, and relational dynamics.

Most often play therapy is practiced with children between the ages of three and 12 years old; however it can be beneficial at any age.

How often should my child attend Play Therapy?

Each child has different variables, personalities, and circumstances that contribute to the appropriate length of care. Play therapy can consist of 12-15 sessions or longer durations as children and family systems continue to benefit and grow within the process.

It is typically recommended that children attend therapy at least once per week for the first several sessions in order to secure therapeutic rapport between the counselor and the child. After this trust is established and significant progress is made, the frequency of appointments can be discussed to ensure the appropriate fit for the child.

What is the process for beginning Play Therapy?

Step 1: Complimentary Phone Consultation

Contact us to find a counselor best suited for your child and schedule. Our Client Care Team will then schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with you and your child’s therapist to discuss concerns and to determine whether play therapy is an appropriate fit for the child. This is also an opportunity for the guardians to ask questions about play therapy.

Step 2: Initial Parent Intake Session

The parent intake session is typically a 50-55 minute session with only the parents/guardians and the therapist. You will discuss new client paperwork, a more detailed overview of the play therapy process, goals specific to the child’s needs, and any further questions that parents/guardians might have.

Typically, parent-only sessions are scheduled every 4-6 sessions to provide an important space for parents, parallel to the work that the clinician is doing with their child, to ensure that everyone is working as a team to support the child’s growth.

Step 3: Your Child’s First Session

Your child will attend their first therapy session. Typically sessions are 50-55 minutes in length. We have a waiting room where parents may sit during their child’s session. Following this initial appointment, regular appointments begin as agreed upon.