Helping Children Heal Through Play: Child-Centered Play Therapy at Serenity Counseling

At Serenity Counseling, we understand that children don't always express themselves through words. That's why we offer child-centered play therapy, a powerful approach that uses the natural world of play to help young minds process emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and heal from difficult experiences.

What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

Child-centered play therapy is a form of therapy specifically designed for children ages 3-10 who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. During play therapy sessions, your child will be in a safe and supportive environment filled with toys, games, and art materials. Here, they will have the freedom to lead the play, allowing them to express their inner world and work through their issues in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

How Does It Work?

Our trained therapists will act as a guide, following your child's lead and reflecting back their feelings and experiences. This creates a strong therapeutic relationship where your child feels seen, heard, and understood. Through play, children can:

  • Develop emotional vocabulary and self-awareness

  • Process difficult experiences like trauma, grief, or loss

  • Learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and anxiety

  • Improve social skills and build stronger relationships

  • Increase self-esteem and confidence

Benefits of Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child-centered play therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of childhood difficulties, including:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Behavioral problems

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Trauma and abuse

  • Grief and loss

  • Social difficulties

  • Family conflict

Is Child-Centered Play Therapy Right for Your Child?

If you are concerned about your child's emotional or behavioral well-being, child-centered play therapy may be a helpful option. Contact Us today to learn more about how play therapy can help your child heal and thrive.

Together, we can create a safe space for your child to play, explore, and grow.


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A small play area with a wooden table that has a raised edge and a beige surface, set against a wall decorated with a fabric wall hanging that reads 'this is a SAFE SPACE to be who you are'. To the right, there is a white bookshelf filled with various small toy figures, model houses, and miniature scenery.

Sandtray in the Haddonfield Play Therapy Room

A living room corner with two dark blue couches, each with a decorative pillow: a red heart-shaped pillow on the left couch and a beige pillow shaped like a cat's face on the right couch. Between the couches is a small, light-colored armchair. Above, there are three framed wall art pieces: the left says 'BE WONDERFUL' in colorful letters, the middle has a bird with the phrase 'FREE TO BE ME', and the right displays multicolored arcs with the words 'SPREAD HAPPINESS'.

Haddonfield Play Therapy Room

Three women smiling outdoors in front of a green, leafy background.

Victoria, Brooke, and Lauren specialize in child-centered play therapy

More about Play Therapy

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