Help Your Child & Family Heal Through
the Power of Play: Listening to & Speaking Your Child's Language for Whole Family Transformation
Child Psychology & Family Play Therapy for Children Ages 4 to 10+
Play is your child's natural language. Through thoughtfully designed play therapy sessions, kids get to express what they often can't put into words. And while your child is playing, we're learning about your family, understanding what needs to shift, and helping everyone find healthier ways to connect.
What is play therapy?
Therapy That's Actually Fun for Your Little Ones and You!
If your child is struggling with big emotions, challenging behaviors, anxiety, trauma responses, or difficulty connecting with others, child-centered play therapy might be exactly what they need. Unlike traditional counseling that relies on verbal communication, child psychology uses toys, art materials, sand trays, puppets, and imaginative play as the medium through which healing happens.
In child therapy, your child leads the session. Our specially trained play therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space where your child can freely express feelings they may not have words for yet. Through play, children naturally work through confusing experiences, release pent-up emotions, and develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and their world.
The Result?
Happier Kids. Stronger Connections. Confident Parenting.
You're here because you've noticed something has changed in your kiddo. Maybe he or she has been more anxious lately, struggling in school, acting out at home, or withdrawing from activities they used to love. Perhaps they've experienced a difficult transition, witnessed something upsetting, or are carrying emotions too big for their little bodies to hold. Play therapy gives children a safe outlet to process these experiences and move toward emotional wellness.
At Heart Space, our therapists use play therapy to help children and families work through:
Dealing with big feelings, worries, and nightmares
Behavioral challenges including aggression, defiance, & tantrums
Separation anxiety and school refusal
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Grief, loss, and major life transitions
ADHD symptoms, attention difficulties, and sleep problems
Low self-esteem and self-concept issues
Social skills challenges and peer relationship problems
Family stress including divorce, new siblings, or relocation
Understanding Our Approach to Child Psychology
How does Heart Space work with children?
At Heart Space Counseling Center, we understand that children don't heal the same way adults do. They can't always put their feelings into words, sit still for traditional talk therapy, or explain what's troubling them. That's why we offer child-centered play therapy (CCPT), an evidence-based approach recognized by mental health professionals nationwide as one of the most effective interventions for young children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges.
Research consistently shows that children who participate in child-centered play therapy demonstrate significant improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, self-esteem, social skills, and parent-child relationships. Many parents report seeing positive changes within just a few weeks.
Many of our families notice after just a few weeks of child-centered play therapy that meltdowns ease up, bedtimes go more smoothly, and there's more laughter around the dinner table!
What to Expect in Child
& Family Play Therapy
As a struggling and concerned parent, you'll be relieved to know that our approach isn't "drop your kid off to get fixed" therapy! As highly trained family therapists, we know the best child therapy happens through teamwork between you, us, and your child. So we don't just treat symptoms. We look at what your child's behavior may be saying about what they need for themselves and within your family. Our play therapists follow a structured yet flexible approach that honors each child's unique developmental needs and timeline.
We Start With You
We meet first to understand what's happening, what you're hoping will change, and how we can support you and your kiddo through child therapy
Fun for Your Kiddo
Your child explores at their own pace. Through play, they start expressing what they're feeling and working through challenges.
Grown-Up Collaboration
Throughout the process, we work together, share updates, talk about what's shifting at home, and work on approaches you can try.
Family Play Sessions
When helpful, we bring everyone into sessions. We guide structured play that strengthens connection and teaches new communication patterns.
Feeling the Shift
After consistent sessions, you'll start to notice real changes, such as calmer kids, more tools, and healthier family dynamics.
The Path Forward
When you, your child, and family are in a good place, we finish! And if you need us later, we're here for check-ins anytime.
Why Child Therapy at Heart Space?
We're family therapists who use play therapy to help the whole system heal. We see your child in context, understand that behavior is communication, and know that lasting change happens when families grow together. Our Lakewood playroom feels warm and welcoming (not clinical), and we offer telehealth throughout Colorado for families who need flexibility. You're not dropping your child off to be fixed—you're part of this process every step of the way.
