When words aren’t enough, play becomes the voice.
At And Then There Is You – Mental Health Group, we believe children communicate through what they do just as much as what they say. In our Jacksonville and Saint Augustine offices, our play therapy services offer young ones a safe, creative space to explore feelings, build resilience, and connect with themselves — using toys, art, stories, and movement instead of just words.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counseling designed for children who may not yet have the words to express what’s inside. In the comfort of a playroom, children are free to choose and use toys, art materials, puppets, sand trays, or games — expressing emotions, processing experiences, and discovering coping skills through play. Some play therapy experts cite “children … act out their feelings or experiences … to help the therapist understand what’s going on inside themselves.”
Instead of forcing conversation, play therapy meets children where they are — in movement, imagination, and metaphors.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy in Jacksonville?
Children (and sometimes adolescents) who may benefit include those who:
- Are showing strong emotional reactions (anger, sadness, fear) but don’t seem to understand or express why
- Have experienced change, loss, trauma, or transitional stress (e.g., a move, divorce, illness)
- Struggle with social or behavioral issues at school or home
- Have difficulty regulating emotions, following directions, or staying in relationships
- Are beginning therapy for the first time and would be less comfortable in a purely talk-based space
In Jacksonville and Saint Augustine, parents often search for a child-centered approach that feels gentle, safe, and effective — our play therapy service is built around exactly that.
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?
Here’s what a young client and their caregiver can expect:
1. The Welcome & Setup
Your child will enter a room filled with age-appropriate toys, art supplies, sand trays, puppets, and more. The therapist will introduce themselves and invite your child to explore the space at their own pace, assuring them that what happens in the session stays between them and their therapist.
2. Free-Play Phase
Your child chooses where to begin — perhaps a sandbox, drawing station, or the puppet corner. The therapist observes, reflects, and gently engages, allowing the child’s play to reveal themes, emotions, and dynamics.
3. Therapeutic Interaction
Using cues from the play, the therapist might introduce subtle prompts or therapeutic interventions — helping the child name feelings, practice coping skills, or experiment with new ways of responding. The caregiver may be involved in a feedback session or part of a joint play moment, depending on the child’s age and treatment plan.
4. Closure & Reflection
The session ends with a brief transition back to everyday life — maybe a calming activity, a conversation about something the child enjoyed, or a story. The therapist will then meet with the caregiver (if appropriate) to share insights and next steps.
Why Choose Play Therapy at And Then There Is You?
- Child-Focused Expertise: Our therapists are skilled in combining play-based methods with evidence-based interventions — tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
- Warm, Safe Environment: Located in Jacksonville and Saint Augustine, Florida, our space is designed to feel welcoming for kids and secure for families.
- Collaborative Care: We partner with you — parents, caregivers, teachers — so that insights from therapy translate into everyday support and growth.
- Flexibility for Families: Whether you’re navigating school challenges, transitions, or emotional concerns, we offer guidance that works in and out of the therapy room.
Taking the First Step
If you’re considering play therapy for your child in the Jacksonville area, here’s how to begin:
- Schedule a consultation to ask questions and see if the space feels like a fit.
- Bring relevant information (school or teacher observations, recent changes or concerns) to share.
- Encourage your child (and yourself) to come with an open mind — no pressure, no judgement.
- Ask about session frequency, goals, and how you’ll be involved as a caregiver.
Final Thought
“Play is the work of the child.” — Maria Montessori
In Jacksonville, children aren’t too small for therapy — they’re just different. And in the world of play therapy, their strengths, struggles, and stories are honored. At And Then There Is You, we walk beside you and your child — helping them find their voice, even if it’s spoken in toys, art, or movement instead of words.