Your child has been different lately. Maybe they're acting out more than usual. Maybe they've become withdrawn, clingy, or anxious. Maybe something happened — a move, a divorce, a loss — and you can see it's affecting them, but they can't tell you how.
You're not alone. Parents across Morrisville, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex call us every week with the same worry: "Something's wrong, but my child won't talk about it."
Here's what we've learned after years of working with children: kids don't process emotions the way adults do. They don't have the vocabulary yet. But they do know how to play.
At Morrisville Counseling and Consulting, we offer play therapy for children ages 6–12. Our office is located off Slater Road near Park West Village, with easy access from Cary Parkway, I-40, and I-540.
What Play Therapy Actually Is
Play therapy is a clinically recognized form of counseling designed specifically for how children's brains work.
Adults process difficult experiences by talking them through. Children under about 13 usually can't do that — the part of the brain responsible for putting complex emotions into words is still developing. Asking a nine-year-old to explain their anxiety is like asking them to describe a color they've never seen.
Play is how children naturally work things out. In play therapy, a trained therapist uses that instinct deliberately: the playroom becomes a place where a child can act out what they're carrying, and the therapist knows how to read it, respond to it, and gently guide it.
It looks like playing. It isn't. Every element is intentional — the toys available, how the therapist responds, when they reflect and when they stay quiet.
If you're weighing whether your child needs support at all, our child therapy page covers the signs to look for and the full range of approaches we use with kids ages 6–12.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Play Therapy
Not every difficult phase means your child needs therapy. Kids go through a lot. Some struggle is normal.
But parents often call us when they notice patterns like these:
Emotional changes:
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Increased anxiety, fearfulness, or worry
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Frequent sadness or crying that doesn't let up
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Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
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Withdrawal from family or friends
Behavioral changes:
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Acting out at home or school
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Aggression toward siblings, peers, or parents
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Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking, baby talk)
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Difficulty separating from parents
After big life events:
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Parents divorcing or separating
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A recent move or school change
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Death of a family member, friend, or pet
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Witnessing or experiencing something scary
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Birth of a new sibling
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Bullying or social struggles
If you're checking multiple boxes, trust your gut. Parents usually know when something is wrong — even when they can't name it.
We go deeper into the signs your child might need play therapy here.
Helping Children Heal Through the Language They Know Best
We specialize in providing compassionate and effective play therapy services tailored specifically for children and . Our mission is to help young children process difficult emotions, build coping skills, and feel like themselves again.
Heather Steele
MS, CPC, LCAS, LCMHC
Jason Waterman
LCSW, LMSW
Whitney Garland
LCSWA
Jennifer Guzzy
LCSW
Rates and Insurance Coverage
Morrisville Counseling and Consulting (MCC) is proudly in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and several other insurance providers, making it easier for you to access quality care.
Our self-pay rate is $170.00 per session.
If you’re using an out-of-network provider, we can provide a Superbill to help you request direct reimbursement for a portion of your session cost, depending on your plan’s terms.
For specific details, please check with your insurance provider.
Insurance Coverage Details
We are in-network with the following Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans:
PPO's
HMO's *
Blue Value
Blue Options
Blue Advantage
Blue Care
BCBS UNC Health Alliance and Blue Home
Classic BlueState Health Plan for state employees
Federal for federal employees
* Morrisville Counseling is in-network with a select number of HMO's. Verification will be required
You deserve peace of mind.
We can help you get there.
Step 1: Schedule a Free 15-minute phone consultation.
Fill out the form and we will respond to schedule a time for your consultation.
Step 2: Our staff will create a plan and walk with you through your journey.
Step 3: Watch your child start to feel like themselves again.
Schedule a Consultation or Send us a Question
What happens in a Play Therapy Session?
A lot of parents ask: "If my child won't talk to me, why would they talk to a therapist?"
Good question. Here's the truth: in play therapy, children don't have to talk. They communicate through play.
The playroom is filled with carefully selected toys — art supplies, puppets, sand trays, dolls, games. Your child chooses what to play with. The therapist observes, reflects, and gently guides when appropriate.
In a typical play therapy session at our Morrisville office, your child might:
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Act out feelings through imaginative play
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Work through fears using puppets or figures
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Express anger or sadness through art
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Practice new ways of handling big emotions
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Build confidence in a judgment-free space
Sessions last about 45–50 minutes, usually once a week. Some children come for 8–12 sessions. Others stay longer. It depends on what they need.
We also keep you in the loop. You'll get updates on themes and progress, plus guidance on how to support your child at home.
Learn more about how children experience and express grief.
Our approach to Play Therapy
Children don't respond well to pressure. They've had enough of "just tell me what's wrong."
Our approach is different. We let them lead. We follow their play. We don't push.
We use methods backed by research:
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Child-Centered Play Therapy: The child directs the play. We observe, reflect, and support. This builds trust and lets them work through issues at their own pace.
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Directive Play Therapy: When helpful, we guide play toward specific goals — like practicing how to handle anger or fear.
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Filial Therapy: We teach parents play therapy techniques to use at home, strengthening the parent-child bond.
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Trauma-Informed Care: For children who've been through abuse, loss, or other hard experiences, we go slowly and prioritize safety.
We don't force children to talk before they're ready.
Trust comes first. The rest follows.
Play Therapy Near Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex
Our office is at 2880 Slater Rd, Suite 100, Morrisville, NC 27560 — right off Aviation Parkway near RTP, at the intersection of I-40 and I-540.
About 10–15 minutes from most Cary neighborhoods, and an easy drive from Raleigh, Durham, Apex, and Chapel Hill.
We see families from:
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Morrisville and Park West Village
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Cary, West Cary, and Preston
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Apex and Holly Springs
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Raleigh, North Raleigh, and Brier Creek
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Durham and Chapel Hill
Play therapy sessions are in-person. Parent consultations can be done via telehealth.
Begin Your Child's Journey to Healing and Growth
Partnering with a skilled play therapist at Morrisville Counseling and Consulting can make all the difference for your child. When you decide to take this step, your child's therapist will focus on:
Processing Difficult Emotions
Helping your child express feelings they can't put into words — through play, art, and creative expression.
Building Coping Skills
Teaching your child healthy ways to handle anxiety, anger, sadness, and frustration.
Rebuilding Confidence
Helping your child feel capable, secure, and good about themselves again.
Improving Behavior at Home and School
Addressing the root causes of acting out, aggression, or withdrawal.
Strengthening Family Connections
Giving you tools to support your child and communicate more effectively.
Therapy for children isn't just about fixing problems — it's about helping them thrive. Let's take that important first step together.
Advice for Parents of Young Children
One of the hardest parts of having a child in therapy is not knowing everything that happens.
Here's the truth: you won't hear every detail. Children need privacy to feel safe. Without it, they won't open up.
But you're not on the sidelines.
Your child's therapist will check in with you regularly. We'll share themes, progress, and any concerns. We'll give you strategies to use at home. And if there's ever a safety issue, we'll tell you right away.
In the meantime, here's what helps:
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Don't push them to talk. Let them share when they're ready.
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Keep routines consistent. Predictability helps anxious kids feel safe.
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Validate their feelings. "That sounds really hard" goes a long way.
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Be patient. Change takes time — especially for little ones.
You're doing the hardest job there is.
Questions About Play Therapy
What ages is play therapy for?
Play therapy is most effective for children ages 6–12. For teenagers ages 13–18, we use talk therapy, CBT, and DBT instead — see our Teen Counseling page. Not sure what's right for your child? That's what the free consultation is for.
How is play therapy different from your child therapy program?
Play therapy is one of the approaches we use within our broader child therapy program. Child therapy covers the full range of what we treat in kids ages 6–12 — anxiety, behavioral challenges, grief, trauma. Play therapy is the method we most often use to get there with younger children. Many families start with a consultation and we recommend the approach from there.
Will I know what my child does in session?
We keep sessions confidential to build trust with your child. But we'll share themes, progress, and any safety concerns. We also give you tools to support them at home.
How is this different from just playing?
Play therapy uses specific techniques and a therapeutic relationship to help children process emotions. It's structured, intentional, and guided by clinical training — even when it looks like "just playing."
What if my child doesn't want to go?
Some hesitation is normal. We work hard to make the playroom feel safe and welcoming. Most children warm up quickly once they see it's a pressure-free space.
How long does play therapy take?
It depends. Some children come for 8–12 sessions. Others stay longer. We check in regularly to make sure it's helping.
Can parents be involved?
Sometimes. We may incorporate parent-child sessions or teach you techniques to use at home. It depends on what's best for your child.
Do you accept insurance for play therapy?
Yes. We're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. See the rates and insurance section above for details.
