Play Therapy in Charlotte, NC

Play therapy helps children learn how to self-regulate, build resilience, identify emotions, and process their experiences.

  • fear/anxiety

  • behavioral issues

  • self-esteem

Common issues that I address include:

  • emotional regulation

  • behavioral issues

  • building confidence/resiliency

What can I expect? Will I be involved?

Yes! Some sessions may be child-only; others may include parent-child time depending on your child’s needs.

We’ll also have regular parent meetings where we collaborate on goals for your child, talk about themes coming up in play sessions, and discuss practical strategies you can use at home.

What is play therapy?

Play is a child’s natural language—and sometimes, it’s the best way for them to express what they’re feeling. In play therapy, toys, games, art, and stories become tools for communication, emotional growth, and healing. Instead of asking kids to explain what’s wrong, I meet them in their world—where they feel most comfortable and understood.

For Parents and Caregivers

What happens in a play therapy session?

Each session is tailored to the child’s needs and age, but might include:

  • Imaginary play with dolls, figures, or story-building

  • Drawing, painting, or sand tray

  • Games that teach emotional skills or regulation

  • Play-based approaches to help with problem-solving or confidence

As the child plays, they process their experiences, try out new ways of thinking or relating, and build tools to manage big feelings—all within a safe, supportive relationship.

How long does it take to see progress?

Each child is different. Some show change quickly, such as more emotional regulation or less outbursts, but others take more time to build trust and safety. Typically, play therapy can take anywhere between 18-22 sessions. This may depend on the nature and intensity of what the child is processing, the child’s age and developmental stage and how consistently we’re able to meet.

Some signs that a child is nearing the end of therapy include an increased ability to express feelings, more confidence and flexibility in their play, improved behavior outside of sessions, and more emotional resilience.