Play Therapy- Helping children express, heal, and grow through the power of play.

At Tri-Star Counseling, we understand that children experience and communicate emotions differently than adults. Through play—an essential language of childhood—our Play Therapy services provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and strengthen their connections with caregivers. Whether a child is dealing with transitions, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or developmental concerns, play therapy at Tri-Star Counseling offers a gentle and effective way forward.

Could My Child Benefit from Play Therapy?

Children’s emotional and behavioral struggles often manifest in ways that are misunderstood or minimized—meltdowns, withdrawal, aggression, school refusal, or frequent “acting out” can all signal underlying needs.

Play Therapy at Tri-Star Counseling may be the right fit if your child is experiencing:

  • Difficulty regulating emotions or frequent outbursts
  • Trouble communicating needs or feelings
  • Anxiety, sleep issues, or unexplained fears
  • Changes in behavior after a major transition (divorce, move, new school)
  • Social withdrawal or difficulty making/keeping friends
  • Trauma, loss, or grief that your child seems “stuck” in
  • Resistance to traditional “talk therapy”

If you recognize any of these signs, working with one of our compassionate therapists can help your child gain understanding, relief, and new ways to cope.

What Can I Expect During Play Therapy at Tri-Star Counseling?

Our Play Therapy sessions are designed specifically for your child’s developmental stage and emotional needs. Sessions typically take place in a dedicated playroom filled with toys, art materials, sand, and other expressive tools that help children communicate and process feelings safely.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. A warm, child-friendly environment that feels safe and welcoming.
  2. A therapist who observes, engages, and joins the child in play to build trust.
  3. Exploration of patterns, stories, or emotions that surface naturally through play.
  4. Use of therapeutic techniques such as sand tray, expressive arts, and symbolic play.
  5. Ongoing collaboration with parents and caregivers to set goals and support progress at home.
  6. Regular discussions about your child’s growth and recommendations for continued support.

At Tri-Star Counseling, our goal isn’t just to address behavior—it’s to nurture your child’s ability to express, regulate, and thrive emotionally.

How Could My Child and Family Benefit from Play Therapy?

When children engage in Play Therapy at Tri-Star Counseling, they often experience meaningful changes both emotionally and behaviorally. Many families notice:

  • Improved emotional regulation and fewer meltdowns
  • Better communication and self-expression
  • Increased confidence and sense of self
  • Reduced anxiety, fears, or sleep disturbances
  • Stronger parent–child connection and mutual understanding
  • More positive behavior at home and school
  • A foundation for long-term emotional resilience

Through play, children begin to make sense of their experiences and develop the inner tools needed to grow in healthy, balanced ways.

Play Therapy for Specific Challenges

Play Therapy at Tri-Star Counseling can be adapted to address a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Adjusting to life changes: divorce, new sibling, relocation, blended family
  • Behavioral difficulties: defiance, aggression, impulsivity, acting out
  • Emotional struggles: anxiety, sadness, fear, low self-esteem
  • Trauma or loss: grief, exposure to stressful experiences, attachment challenges
  • Developmental and relational growth: social skills, peer relationships, identity formation

Every child’s journey is unique. Our therapists tailor each session to fit the child’s needs, strengths, and pace—always honoring their individuality and involving family support when helpful.

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Contact Us

Call or message us today. Share some information with a team member and schedule a consultation with us in Colonial Heights, Tennessee, just off Interstate 81.

info@tri-starcounseling.com

423-430-9687

210 Colonial Heights Rd. Kingsport, Tennessee 37663, United States