Children/Teens

Explore our range of services designed to help your child, adolescent, and your family to thrive.

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Play Therapy

In working with children, ages 3+, I utilize the evidence-based powers of play, to gain insight into their inner world. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) can be beneficial to help children work on coping skills, emotional regulation, self-esteem, impulse control, trauma, attachment issues, and etc. I use play therapy techniques to help children to process difficult emotions in a healing and supportive environment.

  • A trained play therapist can help facilitate healing and providing life long skills for your child to use. In working with children, ages 3+, I utilize the evidence-based powers of play, to gain insight into their inner world. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) can be beneficial to help children work on coping skills, emotional regulation, self-esteem, impulse control, trauma, neurodivergence, attachment issues, and etc. I use play therapy techniques to help children to process difficult emotions in a healing and supportive environment.

    Learn more here: https://www.a4pt.org/page/ParentsCornerHomePag

  • Similarly to play therapy, activity therapy is a specialized approach using games, art, toys, and activities, to help your child express themselves and overcome obstacles. This is a flexible modality for children to work through developmental issues, social skills, big behaviors, and complex emotions.

  • Sand Tray Therapy is an expressive technique, for both children and adults, to gain insight into their inner world and emotions. It can help you externalize your problems, complex feelings, improve emotional regulation, and a safe space for healing.

  • EMDR therapy is evidence-based and has been shown to be effective in reducing trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Please read more here: www.starhavencounseling.com/emdr-art

The Process

Parent Intake

Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, and tailored to your specific goals for your family. Feel free to bring up any questions here!

Play Sessions

Children attend weekly sessions to begin rapport building. Your trained play therapist can help identify growth areas while providing a safe environment for your child to process their emotions.

Collaborate Openly

You’re part of the process. We keep communication open as parents are a vital part of ensuring long-term success.

Termination Session

All good things must come to an end. Once treatment goals have been met, we can plan to pace out therapy and eventually have a final session to discuss therapeutic growth.

Play Therapy

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Nominated for 'DFW Child Mom Approved 2025, Alexandra Gartley, MS, LPC Counseling.
sitting cross-legged on a rug in a children's playroom, reading a colorful picture book about donuts and play therapy.
Colorful toy figurine of Joy from Inside Out in a play therapy/sand tray.
Play Therapist in therapy office, there are gaming and puzzle items for play therapy clients.

  • "Toy's are children's words and play is their language."

    -Gary L. Landreth

  • "Scientists have discovered that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10-20 repetitions."

    -Karyn Purvis

  • "Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child's natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to 'play out' his feelings & problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, and individual "talks out" his difficulties."

    -Virginia Axline

Children's books displayed in a play therapy room, featuring colorful titles about dinosaurs, emotions, and stories for young children. 
Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in getting started, please complete the form with a few details or email: appointment@starhavencounseling.com