Play Therapy for Children in Naples, Estero & Fort Myers
Children communicate through play. Our trained therapists in Southwest Florida use sand tray therapy, art, puppet play, and other creative techniques to help your child process emotions, build coping skills, and heal -- in a way that feels natural to them.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses play -- a child's most natural form of communication -- to help children express feelings, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping with the world around them. While it may look like a child is simply playing with toys, what is actually happening is therapeutic work guided by a trained clinician who understands how to read the language of play.
The roots of play therapy stretch back to the early 20th century, and today it is one of the most widely researched and practiced approaches in child and adolescent mental health. A landmark meta-analysis of 93 controlled outcome studies found that play therapy produces a large positive treatment effect across a wide range of childhood concerns, with the benefits holding strong across age, gender, and clinical presentation (Ray et al., 2015, Journal of Counseling & Development). The Association for Play Therapy defines it as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
At Florida Coast Counseling, our therapists in Naples and Estero use play therapy with children ages 3 through 12 who are navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief, family transitions, and other concerns that are difficult for young children to put into words.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Play Therapy
Young children rarely have the vocabulary to say "I feel anxious" or "I am struggling with what happened." Instead, their distress shows up in their behavior, their relationships, and their daily routines. If any of the following sound familiar, play therapy may be a good fit for your child:
- ✓ Frequent tantrums, meltdowns, or emotional outbursts beyond their age
- ✓ Excessive worry, clinginess, or fear of separation
- ✓ Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
- ✓ Difficulty adjusting to a divorce, move, new sibling, or loss
- ✓ Aggressive behavior, hitting, biting, or acting out at school
- ✓ Regression in developmental milestones such as bedwetting or baby talk
- ✓ Nightmares, sleep difficulties, or physical complaints with no medical cause
- ✓ Exposure to a traumatic event, abuse, or significant loss
You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to start play therapy. If your instinct tells you something is off, that is reason enough to reach out. Early intervention gives children the best chance at building the emotional skills they need to thrive.
How Play Therapy Works at Florida Coast Counseling
Play therapy sessions at our Naples and Estero offices take place in a warm, inviting space equipped with carefully selected therapeutic materials. Each session typically lasts 50 minutes and is held weekly, though frequency can be adjusted based on your child's needs.
The first session usually begins with a parent intake -- a conversation between you and your child's therapist about your concerns, your child's history, their strengths, and what you are hoping therapy will help with. This gives the therapist the context they need to tailor the approach to your child. Depending on your child's age, they may join part of this first meeting or the therapist may meet with them separately to start building rapport.
In ongoing sessions, your child's therapist creates a safe, accepting environment where your child is free to explore, create, and express themselves through play. The therapist observes themes and patterns -- what toys your child gravitates toward, what stories they tell, what scenarios they repeat -- and uses these observations to understand what your child is working through emotionally. Over time, the therapist gently introduces new ways of coping, processing, and relating that your child can carry into their everyday life.
Parent involvement is woven throughout the process. Your child's therapist will provide periodic check-ins to share general themes and progress, offer strategies you can use at home, and collaborate with you on goals. The aim is not just to help your child in the therapy room, but to equip your whole family with tools that support continued growth.
Play Therapy Techniques We Use
Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based play therapy modalities, tailoring the approach to each child's age, personality, and therapeutic needs. Here are the core techniques used in our practice:
Sand Tray Therapy
Children create miniature worlds in a tray of sand using figurines, animals, buildings, and natural objects. The scenes they build reveal inner conflicts, fears, and hopes in a way that feels safe and non-threatening. Sand tray therapy is especially effective for children who have experienced trauma or who struggle to verbalize their emotions.
Art Therapy Techniques
Drawing, painting, sculpting with clay, and collage-making give children creative outlets for expressing emotions they cannot yet name. Art-based interventions help children externalize their feelings, gain distance from overwhelming experiences, and develop a sense of mastery and self-expression.
Puppet Play
Puppets provide a safe layer of distance that allows children to act out difficult scenarios, practice social skills, and explore emotions through characters rather than directly as themselves. This technique is particularly helpful for children dealing with anxiety, social difficulties, or family conflict.
Storytelling & Metaphor
Through therapeutic storytelling, children create narratives that mirror their own experiences. The therapist listens for themes, gently reflects meaning, and helps the child explore alternative endings or solutions within the safety of the story. This builds insight and problem-solving skills.
Role-Play & Dramatic Play
Children act out real-life scenarios -- a difficult day at school, a conflict with a sibling, a scary experience -- in a controlled therapeutic setting. Role-play helps children rehearse new behaviors, build empathy, and process events that feel too big to talk about directly.
Therapeutic Games
Structured games designed for therapeutic settings help children practice turn-taking, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, and social skills. Game-based interventions are engaging and effective, especially for children who may be resistant to more traditional therapeutic activities.
Your child's therapist will select and combine techniques based on what resonates with your child. Many children benefit from a blend of approaches that evolves as therapy progresses.
What Play Therapy Can Help With
Play therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of childhood concerns. At Florida Coast Counseling, our therapists use play therapy to help children with:
If your child is dealing with something not listed here, play therapy may still be a great fit. Reach out to us and we can discuss whether play therapy is the right approach for your child's specific situation.
Our Play Therapists
Play therapy requires specialized training beyond a general counseling degree. Our therapists who offer play therapy have dedicated experience working with young children and use creative, developmentally appropriate techniques to connect with kids in meaningful ways.
Izzah Zainab, MA, RMHCI
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Naples office • Trained in EMDR, CBT, and creative modalities including storytelling, metaphor, and role-play
Skyler Moore, MA, RMHCI
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Naples, Estero & Fort Myers offices • Uses improvisation, role-play, and art-making with children and teens
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy
What age is play therapy appropriate for?
Play therapy is most effective for children between the ages of 3 and 12. At this stage, children are still developing the language skills needed to articulate complex emotions, so play provides a natural, developmentally appropriate way for them to communicate what they are feeling. For older children and teens, our therapists may blend play-based techniques with talk therapy and other evidence-based approaches to match their developmental level.
How does play therapy actually help my child?
Play is the language of childhood. When children play in a therapeutic setting, they act out scenarios, express fears, practice problem-solving, and process experiences they may not have words for. A trained play therapist observes themes and patterns in the play, gently guides the process when appropriate, and helps the child develop healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions. Research published in the International Journal of Play Therapy has consistently shown that play therapy produces significant improvements in children's emotional and behavioral functioning.
How long does play therapy take to work?
Most children begin to show noticeable improvements within 8 to 12 sessions, though the total length of treatment depends on what your child is working through. Some children benefit from a shorter course of therapy focused on a specific issue, while others with more complex concerns may need longer-term support. Your child's therapist will check in with you regularly about progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Will I know what happens during my child's play therapy sessions?
Yes, parent involvement is a key part of the process. While your child's sessions are their safe, confidential space, your therapist will provide regular updates on general themes, progress, and strategies you can use at home to support your child's growth. Many play therapists also schedule periodic parent consultations to discuss goals, answer questions, and make sure the work in therapy is being reinforced outside of sessions.
Do you accept insurance for play therapy?
Yes. Florida Coast Counseling accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare Part B, United Healthcare, and Care Partners through Lee Health at our Naples and Estero offices. We recommend calling us at (239) 427-1833 to verify your specific benefits before your child's first session.
Can play therapy be done through telehealth?
Yes, we offer telehealth play therapy sessions for families located anywhere in Florida. Virtual play therapy sessions work best with some parent involvement to help set up the space and materials at home. Your child's therapist will provide guidance on what to have on hand. Many families find that children feel more relaxed and engaged when they can participate from their own environment.
What is the difference between play therapy and just playing?
While play therapy looks like play on the surface, it is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach facilitated by a trained therapist. Unlike ordinary play, play therapy sessions take place in a carefully designed environment with specific therapeutic materials chosen to help children express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping skills. The therapist observes patterns, reflects feelings, and guides the process toward therapeutic goals. It is play with purpose.
Related Services
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Age-appropriate care for kids and teens
Anxiety Treatment
Evidence-based care for worry and fear
Trauma & PTSD
Processing difficult experiences safely
Family Therapy
Strengthening communication and bonds
CBT
Thought patterns and behavioral change
Depression Counseling
Compassionate support for sadness and low mood
Insurance We Accept for Play Therapy
We want cost to be one less thing to worry about. Florida Coast Counseling accepts most major insurance plans at our offices.
Not sure if your plan is covered? Call us at (239) 427-1833 and we will check your benefits before your child's first session. Learn more about insurance & payment →
Ready to Help Your Child Through Play?
Your child does not have to struggle in silence. Play therapy gives them a voice -- even before they have the words. Take the first step today.
Available at our Naples and Estero offices, plus telehealth across Florida.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.