Your child is struggling to put it into words.
They don't have to.
Play therapy for children navigating anxiety, big emotions, and behavioral challenges.
Helping children process life transitions in the language they understand best.
I offer play therapy in Cedar Hill, Texas, and support families across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
What you might be seeing
Something has shifted with your child. Maybe it started gradually more meltdowns, more stomachaches, more resistance to things that used to be easy. Or maybe something specific happened and they haven't quite been themselves since.
Here's what brings most families in:
Snapping over small things
Irritability that seems out of proportion because the pressure underneath is enormous.
Worry that won't switch off
Constant "what ifs," fear of making mistakes, dread about school or social situations that seems way out of proportion.
Stomachaches and headaches
Physical complaints with no medical cause are often a child's body communicating what their words can't yet reach.
Struggling with a big change
A new school, a divorce, a new sibling, a move transitions that adults adapt to can completely unsettle a child.
Perfectionism and avoidance
Refusing to try things they might not be perfect at, or shutting down before they even start.
Pulling away or acting out
Withdrawal, defiance, or clinginess all different expressions of the same underlying struggle to feel safe and regulated.
None of this is a reflection of your parenting. These are signs your child is carrying something they don't yet have the tools to process and that's exactly what therapy is for.
What is play therapy?
You might be wondering: why play? Shouldn't therapy involve talking? For adults, yes. But children between 6 and 12 don't yet have the emotional vocabulary to sit across from someone and articulate what's bothering them. Play is how they think, process, and communicate.
In play therapy, the playroom is the therapy. Toys, art, games, and imaginative activities are carefully selected to give your child a safe way to express what they're experiencing, without needing the words. My role is to observe, guide, and respond in ways that help them build emotional understanding and healthier coping skills.
"Play is the child's language. The toys are their words.”
Make-believe and role play
Children act out scenarios that mirror their inner world giving them a safe distance to explore fears, conflicts, and feelings.
Structured therapeutic games
Games designed to address specific emotional and behavioral patterns in a way that feels natural and engaging to a child.
Art and creative expression
Drawing, painting, and crafting offer a non-verbal outlet for emotions that haven't found words yet.
Storytelling and narrative
Children often tell their truth through stories. This approach helps them process experiences at a safe remove.
Play therapy can help with
Play therapy is effective for a wide range of childhood challenges. Families come to Growing in Grace Counseling for support with:
Anxiety & worry
Low self-esteem
School stress
New sibling adjustment
Social difficulties
Emotional outbursts
Perfectionism
Family changes
School transitions
Grief & loss
If you're not sure whether play therapy is the right fit for what your child is going through, the free consultation is the right place to start.
What to expect
Here's how the process works from your first call to ongoing sessions:
01 Free consultation call
We connect to talk about what you're seeing, answer your questions, and confirm we're a good fit, before any commitment.
02 First session: parents only
Your child does not attend the first session. This is our time to review intake paperwork, discuss your child's history and current challenges, and build a clear picture before they ever enter the room.
03 Weekly sessions with your child
Sessions are 45–50 minutes, weekly. I recommend a minimum of 6 consecutive weekly sessions to build trust, momentum, and meaningful progress. Change takes time, and consistency matters.
04 Regular parent check-ins
You'll receive ongoing updates on your child's progress and practical strategies to support their growth at home. Your involvement is essential. Therapy doesn't stop when the session ends.
Preparing your child
One of the most common questions parents ask is how to explain therapy to their child. The goal is to keep it simple, safe, and positive.
WHEN INTRODUCING THE IDEA
What is play therapy?
“Play therapy is a special place where kids can play, talk, and work through big feelings with someone whose job is to help. It’s a safe space where you can be yourself, ask questions, and get support.”
BEFORE THE FIRST SESSION
Setting expectations
“On your first visit, you’ll meet the therapist, see the playroom, and learn what kinds of things you’ll get to do there. I’ll be right there waiting for you, and you can tell me all about it after.”
Your child doesn't have to keep struggling alone.
Growing in Grace Counseling offers play therapy for children ages 6–12 across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Let's talk about what your child is going through.
Serving children in Cedar Hill, Mansfield, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area