Play Therapy
Supporting Children and Families
At Carolinas Counseling Group, we believe children deserve a safe, supportive space to explore their feelings, build resilience, and grow with confidence. Our play therapy services are designed to help children heal, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive—using the language they know best: play.
What Is Play Therapy?
Children often experience big emotions they don’t yet have the words to explain. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based form of counseling that allows children to express thoughts and feelings through toys, games, art, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Rather than relying solely on verbal communication, play therapy meets children where they are emotionally and developmentally. Guided by a trained play therapist, children use play to:
Express emotions they may struggle to verbalize
Process difficult or confusing experiences
Develop problem-solving and emotional regulation skills
Build self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness
At Carolinas Counseling Group, play is used with intention and clinical expertise—it is never “just play.”
How Play Therapy Works
During play therapy sessions, the therapist carefully observes and engages with the child’s play in a warm, supportive environment. Through this process, children naturally communicate their inner experiences, strengths, and challenges.
Depending on the child’s needs, our therapists may use:
Child-centered play therapy, allowing the child to lead while the therapist provides emotional safety and guidance
Directive play therapy, where structured activities are introduced to address specific concerns
Over time, play therapy helps children develop healthier ways to express emotions, manage stress, and relate to others—skills that extend beyond the therapy room into home, school, and social settings.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy supports children across emotional, behavioral, and relational areas.
Emotional Benefits
Improved emotional expression and regulation
Reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional distress
Increased self-esteem and resilience
Behavioral Benefits
Decreased aggression and emotional outbursts
Improved impulse control and attention
Development of healthy coping strategies
Social and Family Benefits
Stronger communication skills
Greater empathy and emotional awareness
Improved relationships with parents, caregivers, and peers
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Our play therapy services at Carolinas Counseling Group are often helpful for children experiencing:
Anxiety or depression
Trauma, grief, or loss
Behavioral or emotional challenges
Family changes such as divorce, separation, or relocation
Social difficulties or low self-confidence
School-related stress or adjustment concerns
Play therapy is most commonly used with children ages 3 to 12, though therapeutic approaches can be adapted for adolescents as well.
Why Choose Carolinas Counseling Group?
Families choose Carolinas Counseling Group because we provide:
Experienced, licensed clinicians trained in play therapy
A child-friendly, welcoming therapeutic environment
Individualized treatment plans tailored to each child and family
A collaborative approach that values parent and caregiver involvement
Compassionate care rooted in evidence-based practices
Our goal is not only to help children work through current challenges, but also to equip them with lifelong emotional and coping skills.