Play therapy uses play as a means of communication and expression for children. This therapy helps children explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through play activities. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment with a variety of toys, games, and materials, allowing the child to engage in play that reflects their inner world. Play therapy can be used to address a range of emotional and behavioral issues in children, anxiety, trauma, aggression, social difficulties, and family conflicts. 

Here at Guiding Arrows Counseling, we use directive and non-directive approaches coupled with somatic integration and neurobiology. Somatic play therapy integrates both play therapy and somatic (body-centered) therapy. The approach acknowledges that emotions are not simply psychological, but physiological as well. When you get angry, I bet your body gets tense and maybe heated first. Yup! That's the physiological part! I aim to integrate the mind and body in the healing process, promoting emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overall well-being.

Neurobiology is increasingly being integrated into therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, to enhance our understanding of how the brain and nervous system contribute to emotional and behavioral challenges in children. Kids tend to find this knowledge so fascinating, too! Within a supportive play therapy environment children can learn to explore and regulate their nervous system responses, enhance their social engagement, self-regulation, and overall emotional wellness.

Play Therapy

- Creative Expression
- Body Awareness
- Emotional Expression
- Emotional Regulation
- Co-Regulation
- Breathwork
- Movement and Play

Here are some key benefits of play therapy:

- Sensory Integration
- Social Engagement
- Collaboration
- Empathy
- Attachment
- Self-Understanding

You don’t have to do this alone, I’m here for you!

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FAQs

  • Let's schedule a free 15 minute consultation so we can learn more about each other. Just fill in the information on our website.

  • "Therapy is a way for kids to talk about their feelings and thoughts through play. Instead of using just words, you get to use toys, games, and art to show what's going on inside your heart and mind. The play therapist is like a friend who helps you express yourself and understand your emotions better. It's a special time just for you to play and learn how to work through hard things."

  • Honestly, not much. The terms "therapy" and "counseling" are often used interchangeably, and their meanings can overlap. Therapy is a broader term that encompasses various forms of treatment for mental, emotional, or behavioral issues, while counseling implies a more focused, problem-solving approach to specific issues or challenges. Professionals providing therapy may include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists (like here at GAC), and licensed clinical social workers. Counselors often hold titles such as licensed professional counselors (also here at GAC), marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or career counselors.

  • We are a private pay practice. The short to explanation as to "Why?" is because insurance companies require a diagnosis when sometimes one is not medically necessary, billing insurance limits confidentiality, insurance controls how many sessions you are allotted, AND they determine what modalities of treatment are covered which may not be suitable for your needs. With private pay, we can create a customized treatment plan specifically catered to you and your needs. We are happy to provide a superbill for you to file with your insurance company, although there is no guarantee of coverage.

  • If you are seeking services for your child, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will join the child during the first session. This is our time to get to know each other, go over confidentiality and informed consent, how therapy is conducted, discuss the reason for services, and create treatment goals.

  • We are in Aledo, directly off the access road between 1187 and Ranch House Road on the corner of Bankhead and Nu Energy. We are the large office space in the Bearcat Storage parking lot. We can't wait for you to enjoy our space as much as we do!

    130 Nu Energy Drive
    Aledo, TX 76008

  • If you are unable to attend a session, you may cancel at least 24 hours beforehand with no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment are charged the full session rate.