What is play therapy and how does it help children?

Play therapy is a specialized form of child counseling that helps children express emotions through play rather than relying only on words. A licensed play therapist uses toys, games, art, and storytelling to help children process anxiety, behavior challenges, trauma, grief, and family transitions in a developmentally appropriate way. Over time, children build emotional regulation, coping skills, and confidence that carry into home, school, and relationships.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Child therapy can help when emotional or behavioral changes are persistent, intense, or interfering with school, friendships, or family life. Signs can include frequent meltdowns, aggression, withdrawal, anxiety, sadness, sleep issues, regression, difficulty with transitions, or behavior changes after stressful events like divorce, grief, bullying, or trauma. If you’re unsure, a parent intake session can clarify what’s going on and what level of support is appropriate.

How long does child therapy usually take?

The length of therapy varies based on your child’s needs, goals, and what’s contributing to the concerns. Many children begin with weekly sessions for a few months, then transition to less frequent sessions as skills and stability increase. Your therapist will review progress regularly and adjust the plan with you so care stays focused and effective.

Do parents attend child therapy sessions?

Parents typically attend the first intake session to share background, concerns, and goals. Depending on your child’s needs, parents may be invited into periodic family sessions, parent coaching sessions, or check-ins. Parent involvement is often an important part of progress because children do best when supportive strategies carry into home routines and relationships.

What ages do you work with for child and play therapy?

Our child and play therapy services commonly support children ages 3–12 using developmentally appropriate approaches. We also support families across a wider range when family therapy, parent coaching, or related services are a better fit. If you’re not sure which service matches your child’s age and needs, we can help guide you.

Child and Play Therapy in Orlando, FL

Expert Child Counseling & Play Therapy Services Since 1998

If your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, behavior challenges, or life changes, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At The Counseling Corner, we provide expert child therapy and play therapy in Orlando, helping children feel safe, understood, and confident again.

📍 In-person child therapy in Orlando, Clermont & Orange City
💻 Online child counseling available across Florida

Call to Schedule

Helping Kids Feel Understood, Supported, and Empowered

Watching your child struggle with anxiety, emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or behavior challenges can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re unsure how to help. At The Counseling Corner, our licensed child therapists in Orlando specialize in developmentally appropriate, evidence-based therapy that meets children right where they are.

For over 25 years, families across Orlando and Central Florida have trusted us for child counseling and play therapy that helps children heal emotionally, build confidence, and thrive at home, school, and in relationships.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is an evidence-based form of child therapy that uses toys, art, games, and storytelling to help children express emotions and work through challenges naturally.

Children often don’t have the words to explain fear, sadness, anger, or confusion. Through play, they communicate what’s happening inside — and with the guidance of a licensed play therapist, they learn how to process emotions, build coping skills, and feel safer in the world around them.

Our Orlando play therapists integrate approaches such as:

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) – Builds trust, confidence, and emotional awareness
Directive Play Therapy – Supports goals like anxiety reduction, trauma healing, and emotional regulation
Sand Tray Therapy – Encourages expression, control, and narrative healing
Theraplay® & Family Play Therapy – Strengthens parent-child attachment and connection

Child Therapy for Anxiety, Behavior & Emotional Challenges

Our child therapy and play therapy services in Orlando support children facing:

Child anxiety, worry, and emotional dysregulation
Behavioral challenges, aggression, or impulsivity
ADHD and attention-related difficulties
Divorce, grief, and major family transitions
School stress, bullying, or academic struggles
Trauma, abuse, or PTSD
Low self-esteem and confidence issues
Social skills or peer relationship challenges

Each child receives a personalized treatment plan using developmentally appropriate, evidence-based methods tailored to their age, personality, and emotional needs.

What Happens in Child Therapy?

Child therapy begins with a parent intake session, where we learn about your child, family history, and goals. Therapy sessions then take place in our welcoming Orlando playroom, thoughtfully designed to help children feel comfortable, safe, and expressive.

Through child counseling and play therapy, children learn to:

Understand and express emotions safely
Develop coping and problem-solving skills
Improve self-esteem and emotional regulation
Heal from trauma, stress, or loss
Strengthen communication at home and school

Parents are active partners in the process and receive regular updates, guidance, and practical strategies to support progress outside of sessions.

Nationally Recognized Leadership in Child & Play Therapy

Our expertise in child therapy extends beyond the therapy room.

Dr. Ernest W. Reilly, LCSW, Founder & Executive Director of The Counseling Corner, is the founder of the Central Florida chapter of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and the founder of the Central Florida chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

These leadership roles reflect decades of commitment to evidence-based play therapy, child counseling, and ADHD-informed care, and reinforce our standing as a trusted authority in child mental health throughout Central Florida.

Why Families Trust The Counseling Corner

Licensed child therapists with decades of experience
Evidence-based child counseling & play therapy approaches
Family-inclusive care that supports parents and caregivers
Trusted in Orlando since 1998
In-person and online child therapy options for flexibility

If you’re searching for child therapy near me, play therapy Orlando, or child counseling in Central Florida, our team is here to help.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Early intervention makes a lasting difference in a child’s emotional health. Our goal is to help your child feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to handle big feelings — and to help home feel more peaceful and connected.

📞 Call: 407-843-4968
📧 Email: info@counselingcorner.net
🗓️ Contact Us: Use our inquiry form

📍 Serving families in Orlando, Clermont, Orange City / DeLand, and online throughout Florida.

Your Orlando Child Therapy Team

Dr. Ernest W. Reilly, LCSW – Founder & Clinical Director
Amanda Riendeau, LCSW, LISW, LICSW-S – Child & Family Therapist
Andreina Bello, LMHC – Bilingual (English & Spanish) Child Therapist
Michael Bombka, LMHC – Child & Family Therapist (Orange City / DeLand / Sanford / DeBary)

Child Therapy & Play Therapy FAQs

Play therapy is a specialized form of child therapy that helps children express emotions through play rather than words. Licensed play therapists use toys, art, and games to help children process anxiety, trauma, behavior challenges, and family changes in a safe, developmentally appropriate way.
If your child is experiencing ongoing anxiety, emotional outbursts, aggression, withdrawal, school difficulties, or behavioral changes after stress or life transitions, child therapy can provide meaningful support and early intervention.
Most children attend weekly sessions for several months, though length of treatment varies depending on goals, age, and family involvement. Progress is reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.
Parents typically attend the initial intake session and may be invited to join family sessions or parent coaching sessions depending on the child’s needs and treatment plan.
Our therapists specialize in working with children ages 3–12, using developmentally appropriate child counseling and play therapy approaches.