Play Therapy for Children in Cherry Creek, Denver
Helping Children Navigate Big Feelings Through Play
Families in the Cherry Creek neighborhood often reach out when their child is experiencing anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficulty adjusting to changes, struggles with self-confidence, or challenges at school. Play therapy provides children with a developmentally appropriate way to express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills.
At Sarah Smith Counseling, I provide in-person play therapy for children ages 3-12 in a warm and supportive environment. Through play, children can explore feelings, develop emotional regulation skills, and strengthen their confidence and resilience.
Why Play Therapy?
Children often communicate through behavior and play rather than words. While adults typically process experiences through conversation, children naturally express themselves through toys, art, movement, and imagination.
Play therapy can help children with:
Anxiety and worries
Emotional regulation difficulties
Behavioral challenges
Family transitions
Divorce or separation
Grief and loss
Self-esteem concerns
Social challenges
Trauma and stressful experiences
What the Process Looks Like:
A typical course of play therapy includes:
Consultation Call – We talk through concerns, hopes, and goals.
Parent Intake Session – You share your child’s story; we create a plan together.
Weekly Play Therapy Sessions – Child-led expression, emotional skill-building, and healing through play.
Parent Check-Ins – Brief updates, coaching, and tools you can use at home.
Review & Next Steps – Celebrating growth and planning ahead.
Some children jump right in. Some need time to warm up. Both are okay. There is no “right way” for a child to be here.
Your Role As A Parent In The Play Therapy Process
Many parents arrive to play therapy feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or afraid they’re “doing something wrong.” If that’s where you are, you are welcome here. You don’t have to know what to say or have everything figured out — your presence is already a meaningful first step.
In play therapy, you are a partner, not a bystander. Your role is to stay curious, stay open, and show up for your child in the ways that feel doable. Therapy is not about judging you or deciding who is right or wrong; it’s about supporting your relationship with your child and building skills that make life feel more manageable.
What Collaboration Looks Like:
You are part of the therapeutic team. That means:
You’ll receive regular check-ins, not silence.
You’ll get language to use at home when feelings get big.
You’ll be offered tools that support connection before correction.
You’ll learn how to set boundaries that don’t break relationship.
You’ll be guided, coached, and supported — not evaluated.
Conveniently Located for Cherry Creek Families
My office is conveniently located near Cherry Creek and is easily accessible for families throughout Cherry Creek, Glendale, Hilltop, Washington Park, and surrounding Denver neighborhoods.
Many families appreciate having a dedicated space where children can engage in play therapy while parents receive support and guidance throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Play therapy typically supports children ages 3–12.
Teens may benefit from a blend of expressive therapies, talk therapy, and skill-building depending on their needs. -
That’s more common than you think — and it’s okay.
Some children need time to warm up before engaging; others communicate entirely through play. The focus is on creating safety and connection first. Progress begins with trust, not performance -
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Many families begin with weekly sessions and reassess every 8–12 weeks. The length of therapy depends on:Child’s goals & nervous system needs
Complexity of symptoms or history
Parental involvement & support outside session
Transitions, school stress, or ongoing changes
Progress is reviewed and celebrated together.
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No — I do not offer telehealth play therapy for children.
Because play therapy is rooted in nervous system regulation, sensory engagement, and the therapeutic power of co-regulation, I believe children benefit most from being physically in the room. In-person sessions allow for:shared regulation and connection
sensory + movement-based play
safe relational cues through body language, rhythm, pacing, and presence
access to the full playroom environment (toys, art, sand tray, imaginative storytelling)
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I current accept Denver Medicaid, Aetna, and Kaiser Insurance. If you have a plan I do not accept, I can provide a superbill. This is a document you would submit directly to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
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Play therapy sessions are $160 per session. This rate reflects the specialized training and clinical experience required to provide developmentally-appropriate, trauma-informed, and relationally focused therapy for children. It also includes the time spent outside the session for treatment planning, parent communication, clinical documentation, and coordination of care when needed.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're looking for play therapy in Cherry Creek, I'd be happy to discuss your concerns and determine whether my services may be a good fit for your child and family.