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Play Therapy for Children

At Thrive Therapy, our licensed therapists provide play-based therapy for children in Fort Myers, Naples, and The Woodlands. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that helps children express emotions, process trauma, and build coping skills when words aren’t enough.
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What Is Play Therapy?

Play-based therapy uses toys, games, art, and creative expression to give children a safe way to communicate. This evidence-based approach is particularly effective for children ages 3–12 who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, or behavioral concerns.

Play therapy is often misunderstood as “just playing,” but in reality it is a structured, evidence-based approach delivered by specially trained clinicians. At Thrive Therapy, our therapists are Registered Play Therapists (RPT / RPT-S), ensuring children receive the highest standard of care. When choosing a provider, it’s important to look for this certification to ensure your child’s therapy is guided by expertise and best practices.

Counselor Rachel Stewart in a play therapy session reading to child.

Benefits for Children

Reduces anxiety
and stress

Helps children heal from
trauma and grief

Improves self-expression
and communication skills

Supports social development
and problem solving

Builds trust
and confidence

Play Therapy at Thrive Therapy

  • NDelivered by Registered Play Therapists (RPT/RPT-S)
  • NUsed alongside parent consultation to reinforce progress at home
  • NOffered in Fort Myers (FL), Naples (FL), and The Woodlands (TX)

In addition to in-office sessions, we provide tele-health therapy sessions for children across Florida and Texas, including nearby cities such as Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, and Austin.

Meet Our Team
Play Therapy Room at The Woodlands Location
Kids play kitchen
Play Therapy Room at the Fort Myers location, an easel, play kitchen, and doll house
Play Therapy Room at the Fort Myers location, a play kitchen, doll house and shelf with toys.
Play Therapy Room at the Fort Myers location
Therapist and child in play therapy session engaging with puppets
Doll house
Door organizer with puppets used during play therapy sessions
Basket with emotion plushies used during Play Therapy Sessions
shelving of characters and figurines for use in play therapy sessions
Counselor Rachel Stewart in a play therapy session reading to child.
What is play therapy and how does it work?

Play-based therapy uses toys, art, and creative activities to help children express feelings and process experiences. It is developmentally appropriate and especially effective for children ages 3–12.

What ages are appropriate for play therapy?

It is most commonly used for children ages 3–12, though it can be adapted for older children and teens.

Are parents involved in play therapy sessions?

Yes, parents are often included through consultation, goal setting, and at-home strategies to support progress.

Do you offer online children's therapy?

Yes. Thrive Therapy offers secure tele-health therapy sessions across Florida and Texas.

Send Us A Message

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This form is for new client inquiries only. If you are an existing client, please send us a message through your client portal.

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This form should not be used for urgent requests or during emergencies. In an emergency, please seek immediate help by calling 911.

Get Started with Play Therapy

Schedule a free consultation today to see if play-focused therapy is right for your child.

Schedule A Consultation

t What happens at your first appointment?

You've taken the first step by making the call and scheduling your appointment. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect when you come in for your first session:

As you enter our office, you'll be warmly greeted by our team, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. We understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, so our goal is to make you feel comfortable and at ease.

Your first appointment will begin with the intake assessment. This is a conversation where we'll explore various aspects of your life, such as your personal history, current challenges, and what you're looking to work on in therapy. It's a chance for you to share what's brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve.

Following the assessment, we'll engage in collaborative planning. Together, we'll create a personalized plan that outlines the frequency and type of sessions that would be most beneficial for you. We'll also take time to clarify any questions or concerns you may have about the therapy process, ensuring that you feel informed and empowered moving forward.

Ultimately, your first appointment is about building a foundation of trust and understanding. We're here to listen, support, and guide you on your journey towards healing and growth. If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or any preferences you have, please don't hesitate to let us know—we're here to make your experience positive and beneficial.