Play is more than just fun—it is a child’s natural way of communicating, learning, and healing. At Redeemed Life Counseling, we use Play Therapy to help children “speak” through their most comfortable language, allowing them to resolve internal conflicts and develop the emotional tools they need to thrive.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a specialized, evidence-based form of counseling where toys and activities become the primary tools for communication. While adults use words to process their feelings, children often lack the vocabulary to describe complex emotions like grief, anger, or anxiety. In a dedicated play therapy room, toys become their words and play becomes their speech. Under the guidance of a professional counselor, children use these resources to act out their inner world, allowing us to identify and resolve the root causes of behavioral issues and emotional distress.
Who is it for?
- Children struggling with behavioral issues at home or “acting out” at school.
- Kids experiencing big life transitions, such as divorce, moving, or a new sibling.
- Children dealing with grief, loss, or trauma who cannot express their pain verbally.
- Kids with social anxieties or difficulty building healthy friendships.
- Children facing developmental or learning challenges that impact their self-esteem.
Benefits of Redeemed Life Play Therapy
- Natural Communication
We meet children at their level, using toys, art, and games to build a foundation of trust where they feel safe to express themselves freely.
- Positive Behavior Shifts
By processing their feelings in play, children naturally learn more appropriate ways to convey their needs and manage their impulses.
- Enhanced Cognitive Skills
Play therapy promotes problem-solving and creative thinking, helping children navigate real-world challenges with more resilience.
- Improved Emotional Regulation
Kids learn to identify their “big feelings” and develop constructive ways to self-soothe and stay calm.
- Conflict Resolution
Through guided play, children practice social dynamics and internal conflict resolution in a safe, controlled environment.
Talk To One of Our Counselors
Michelle Fitzhugh, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
Founder & Executive Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Chris Washam, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Jennifer Lafabregue, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Courtney Osborne, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Heather Love, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties:
Works With:
Kassie Hitchcock, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
How Play Therapy Can Help Your Child
Play therapy bridges the gap between a child’s inner experience and the outside world.
- Build Self-Confidence – Help your child develop a stronger sense of self and the courage to try new things without fear of failure.
- Improve Social Harmony – Watch your child learn to interact more positively with peers, siblings, and authority figures.
- Resolve Deep-Seated Fears – Use imaginative play to safely explore and conquer phobias or anxieties.
- Strengthen Communication – Give your child the tools to “use their words” effectively as their emotional vocabulary grows alongside their play.
- Foster Healthy Coping – Equip your child with life-long skills for handling stress, disappointment, and change.
Your Child’s Path to Healing: What to Expect
Working with children requires a unique “roadmap” that prioritizes comfort and trust.
1. The Parent Consultation Understanding the Goal
Your journey begins with a conversation between you and the counselor. We’ll discuss your child’s history, specific behaviors you’re seeing, and the goals you have for their well-being.
2. The Trust-Building Phase Creating a Safe Space
In the first few sessions, the counselor focuses on building a secure bond with your child. Through “child-centered” play, we ensure they feel completely accepted and understood in the therapy room.
3. The Therapeutic Growth Play with Purpose
As trust grows, the counselor subtly guides the play to help the child address specific problems. You will receive regular updates on your child’s progress and tips on how to support their growth at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While it looks like fun, a play therapy session is highly purposeful. The counselor is trained to observe themes, metaphors, and patterns in the play that reveal how the child is feeling and where they are stuck, intervening in a way that facilitates healing.
Every child is unique. Some may show significant improvement in just a few weeks, while others with deeper trauma may need longer-term support. We will discuss a personalized plan during our assessment phase.
Very! While the child’s sessions are private to build trust, we schedule regular “parent check-ins” to discuss progress, share insights, and give you practical tools to use at home.
Play therapy is generally most effective for children between the ages of 3 and 12. For older children or teens, we often transition into a mix of play, creative arts, and traditional talk therapy.