Helping children express, regulate, and heal—through play.

Children often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Instead, they show us through their behavior, emotions, and bodies. Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to communicate, process experiences, and build the skills they need to feel more regulated and confident.

At Mindful Beginnings, play therapy offers children a safe, supportive space to work through challenges in a way that feels natural to them.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses play as a child’s natural language. Through toys, creative expression, movement, and imaginative play, children are able to express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to talk about directly.

In sessions, your child isn’t just “playing”—they are:

• Learning how to regulate emotions

• Practicing problem-solving and coping skills

• Processing stress, anxiety, or big life changes

• Building confidence and emotional awareness

Play therapy meets children where they are and supports growth at their own pace.

Who Play Therapy Helps

Play therapy can be helpful for children experiencing:

• Anxiety, worries, or fears

• Big emotions or frequent meltdowns

• Difficulty with transitions or routines

• Behavioral challenges at home or school

• Sensitivity or emotional overwhelm

• ADHD or challenges with focus and impulse control

• Stress related to family changes, school, or life events

If your child struggles to talk about feelings or seems “stuck” emotionally or behaviorally, play therapy may be a good fit.

What Sessions Look Like

Play therapy sessions are structured, intentional, and guided by your child’s needs.

Sessions may include:

• Creative play and expressive activities

• Games that support emotional regulation and impulse control

• Sensory or movement-based activities

• Gentle guidance to help children notice and name feelings

Children are never forced to talk or play a certain way. The therapist follows the child’s lead while supporting emotional growth and nervous system regulation.

How Parents Are Involved

Play therapy works best when caregivers are part of the process.

Parent involvement may include:

• Regular check-ins and feedback

• Parent coaching and education

• Strategies to support regulation at home

• Guidance on responding to behaviors with confidence and connection

You won’t be left wondering what’s happening—support for parents is an important part of the work.

Our Approach to Play Therapy

Play therapy at Mindful Beginnings is:

• Trauma-informed

• Attachment-based

• Neurodiversity-affirming

• Strengths-focused

• Nervous system–informed

We focus on helping children build emotional regulation skills while feeling safe, understood, and supported.

Ages Served

Play therapy is typically offered for children ages 3–12, depending on developmental needs and goals.

Getting Started with Play Therapy

Finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming. We aim to make the process feel approachable and clear from the very beginning.

CONTACT US

to schedule a consultation or learn more about play therapy for your child.

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