Children’s Play Therapy in Houston
Because kids don’t always have the words — but play speaks volumes.
When children struggle, they don’t always say it.
They show it - in their behavior, their mood, or their body. Maybe your child is acting out, withdrawing, worrying too much, having meltdowns, or struggling at school. Maybe something big has happened - a divorce, a loss, a move, or a trauma - and you can tell your child is hurting, even if they can’t explain why.
At Renewing Hope Counseling, we help children express what’s hard to say - through play.
Play therapy gives kids a safe space to work through emotions, build coping skills, and find their way back to balance and joy.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children process feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to regulate emotions - all through the natural language of childhood: play.
Through toys, art, stories, and games, children can symbolically express what they feel inside. Play allows them to explore fears, frustrations, and hopes - without needing adult-level vocabulary.
Our licensed therapists are trained to observe patterns in play and gently guide children toward healing and growth.
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We create a calm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can explore emotions and build trust at their own pace.
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Our play therapy approach may include:
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Child-Centered Play Therapy: The therapist follows the child’s lead, allowing them to express and resolve internal conflicts naturally.
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Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy: Helps children identify and change unhelpful thought patterns through play and storytelling.
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Sand Tray & Art Therapy Techniques: Encourages creativity, self-expression, and emotional release.
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Family Sessions: Parents are supported with insight and tools to help reinforce progress at home.
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We also collaborate with parents, teachers, and caregivers when appropriate - because children heal best when the adults around them understand and support their process.
Play Therapy Can Help With:
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Anxiety or excessive worry
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Anger, irritability, or tantrums
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Grief and loss
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Divorce or family transitions
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Trauma or abuse
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Difficulty following rules or focusing
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Low self-esteem or social challenges
How We Help Children in Therapy
