Play Therapy and Child Counseling in Orlando: A Complete Guide for Parents
Author: Dr. Ernest “Ernie” Reilly, LCSW — Executive Director, The Counseling Corner
Article Clinical Focus: Child & Adolescent Counseling, Family Systems, Parenting Support
Experience: Serving Orlando & Central Florida families since 1998
When your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. You might be searching for child counseling near me or play therapy in Orlando and wondering:
What exactly is play therapy? How does child counseling work? And how can therapy help my child feel better?
This guide will help you understand what play therapy is, how child therapy helps, and how to find the right child counselor and play therapist for your family.
Play Therapy and Child Counseling
When your child is hurting—acting out, shutting down, or struggling to express feelings—it can feel like you’re trying to read a book in a language you don’t understand. You see the signs of pain, but the words aren’t there.
That’s where child therapy and play therapy come in. They help children find their voice in the language they know best—play.
This guide will walk you through what play therapy is, how it works, and how it can help your child heal and thrive. This article can help parents looking for play therapy near me or child counseling for childhood issues like anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, behavior issues, divorce struggles, blended families, social issues, or school struggles.
What Is Child Therapy?
Child therapy is like giving your child a safe harbor when life’s waves feel too strong. It’s a special kind of counseling designed for children and teens who are still learning how to manage emotions and relationships.
Unlike adult therapy, which relies mostly on talking, child therapy recognizes that kids show their feelings more than they say them. Their emotions come out in drawings, games, stories, or even silence.
Child counseling can help with challenges such as:
Anxiety or constant worrying
Sadness or depression
Anger, defiance, or frequent meltdowns
Trauma, grief, or big life changes
Family stress, such as divorce or relocation
Social struggles or school problems
A trained child therapist creates a space where children can explore feelings safely, learn coping skills, and begin to understand themselves—one small step, or one Lego block, at a time.
Play Therapy: The Language of Childhood
Play therapy is one of the most powerful and research-supported forms of child counseling. It’s built on a simple truth: play is a child’s natural language, and toys are their words.
Just as adults talk through pain, children play through it. A little boy might use toy soldiers to show a battle between feeling brave and feeling scared. A girl might draw a stormy sky on a day when she feels sad.
Play therapy gives these emotions a voice—and helps children heal through creativity and connection.
It’s not “just playtime.” Play therapy is a structured, evidence-based process led by specially trained professionals—many of whom are certified as Registered Play Therapists (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy.
Different Kinds of Play Therapy
Every child is different, so therapy adapts to fit them—like tailoring a favorite outfit instead of buying one-size-fits-all.
1. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)The child leads; the therapist follows with empathy, reflection, and encouragement. This builds confidence, self-awareness, and trust.
2. Directive Play TherapyHere, the therapist gently guides play to help with specific issues—such as anxiety, trauma, or fears—using planned activities or stories.
3. Theraplay®Focused on repairing and strengthening the bond between parent and child through structured, nurturing play. Perfect for restoring trust and closeness.
4. Sand Tray TherapyChildren create miniature worlds using sand and figurines. These “sand stories” allow them to express complex emotions and regain a sense of control.
Many therapists blend these techniques to fit your child’s personality and needs, creating a personalized roadmap for healing.
What Happens in a Session?
Think of a play therapy room as a child’s emotional laboratory—a place filled with toys, art, and imagination tools where they can safely experiment with feelings.
At the first appointment, parents meet with the therapist to share concerns, family background, and goals. After that, your child begins their own sessions in a playroom filled with carefully chosen toys—each serving a purpose.
A puppet might help a shy child speak. A game might reveal patterns of frustration or cooperation. A sand tray might give form to feelings too big for words.
Sessions usually last about 45–50 minutes and take place weekly. While parents aren’t typically in the room, the therapist keeps you informed and may invite you to join family sessions when it supports progress.
How Play Therapy Helps Children
Play therapy helps children make sense of life experiences and regain a sense of control. It teaches emotional literacy—the ability to name, understand, and manage feelings.
Through play therapy, children often:
Express emotions in healthy ways
Reduce acting-out behaviors
Build self-esteem and confidence
Improve relationships and social skills
Heal from grief, loss, or trauma
Feel more connected to parents and peers
Imagine your child learning to rewrite their story—one drawing, one game, one brave conversation at a time.
When to Consider Child Counseling
It’s time to consider therapy if your child:
Seems anxious, angry, or sad most days
Has frequent tantrums or mood swings
Avoids friends or activities they once loved
Struggles with sleep, nightmares, or appetite
Regresses to earlier behaviors like bedwetting or clinginess
Complains often of stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
Is having a hard time adjusting to change, loss, or divorce
You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Just as you’d call a doctor for a lingering cough, it’s wise to reach out when emotional distress lingers too long. Your instincts as a parent are one of the best early-warning systems there is—trust them.
Finding the Right Therapist
Not every counselor is trained to work with children. Look for a therapist who is:
Licensed (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist)
Specialized in child counseling and play therapy
Ask questions like:
“What approaches do you use with children my child’s age?”
“How do you involve parents in the process?”
“How do you measure progress?”
A good fit feels safe—for you and your child. Therapy works best when trust feels natural, like talking to a teacher or coach who truly “gets” your child.
What to Expect During the Process
Healing isn’t instant—it’s more like planting a seed. You won’t see the roots growing, but change is happening beneath the surface.
The first phase focuses on building trust and safety. Once that foundation is secure, your child begins exploring deeper feelings and learning new skills. Sometimes, behaviors may briefly worsen before they improve—this is often a sign that your child is finally processing what’s been buried.
Some children make progress in 10–15 sessions; others need longer. Your therapist will guide you through each stage, adjusting as your child grows and changes.
How Parents Can Support the Process
Parents are not bystanders—they’re partners. When parents stay engaged, therapy outcomes improve dramatically.
You can support your child by:
Keeping appointments consistent (routine builds safety)
Practicing skills at home (like calming or communication techniques)
Listening without pressure (“I’m here if you want to talk”)
Staying in touch with your therapist
Taking care of your own mental health
Remember: a child’s healing often mirrors the calm and stability they see in their parent.
Common Myths About Child Therapy
Myth 1: “Play therapy is just playing.”→ Truth: It’s purposeful, guided, and backed by decades of research. Play is the child’s version of talk therapy.
Myth 2: “Only serious problems need therapy.”→ Truth: Therapy helps with everyday struggles—social worries, confidence, big emotions. Early help prevents bigger problems later.
Myth 3: “Therapy will make my child dwell on problems.”→ Truth: It actually helps children process and move past their pain instead of carrying it alone.
Myth 4: “If my child needs therapy, I failed as a parent.”→ Truth: Reaching out for help is one of the most loving, responsible things a parent can do.
The Power of Early Intervention
Children’s brains are like soft clay—highly flexible and full of potential. When we help them early, we don’t just fix problems—we shape resilience.
Early intervention helps kids learn emotional awareness, self-control, empathy, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child has shown that early emotional support strengthens brain development and builds lifelong well-being.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re considering play therapy or child counseling, you’re already showing incredible care and courage. Taking this step doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child—it means you’re giving them tools to thrive.
You can learn more from:
Association for Play Therapy (APT)
EffectiveChildTherapy.org (APA Division 53)
NIMH: Children and Mental Health
Or contact The Counseling Corner to learn about Play Therapy and Child Counseling in Orlando. For many families, that first conversation is the moment hope begins to return.
Final Thought
Every child needs a space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood. Play therapy gives them that space—a place to tell their story, work through pain, and rediscover joy.
And for parents, it offers something equally powerful: The reassurance that healing is possible, and that love—when guided by wisdom and support—can truly change everything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy & Child Counseling
What ages benefit most from play therapy?
Play therapy is most helpful for children roughly ages 3–12. Teens benefit from creative/experiential therapy and age-appropriate CBT skills; we tailor methods to developmental level.
Do parents attend sessions?
Parents typically attend the intake and receive regular updates. Depending on goals, therapists may schedule parent-child or family sessions to strengthen skills at home.
How long until we see progress?
Many families notice early shifts in 4–6 sessions (better emotion language, fewer meltdowns). More entrenched concerns (trauma, grief, significant behavior patterns) often need 12–20+.
What kinds of issues does play therapy help?
Anxiety, sadness, tantrums, parental divorce/relocation stress, grief and trauma, social and school struggles, selective mutism, and difficulties with emotional regulation.
Is telehealth effective for young children?
We prefer in-person for younger kids; however, we may use telehealth for parent coaching, older children, and between-session support when appropriate.
How are parents involved between sessions?
We offer brief updates, parent coaching, and simple at-home activities (emotion check-ins, calming practice) to reinforce progress.
How do you measure progress?
Clear goals at intake, regular check-ins, therapist observation, and parent/teacher feedback (with consent). We adjust the plan as your child grows.
Will therapy make my child focus on problems?
Therapy helps kids process and release big feelings, practice coping skills, and rebuild confidence—so emotions don’t stay bottled up.
Do you collaborate with schools or pediatricians?
With parental consent, we coordinate with teachers, school counselors, and pediatric providers when it benefits your child.
What should we do in a crisis?
If you believe your child is at imminent risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergency concerns, call our office for guidance.