Play Therapy Tampa Bay: Helping Children Heal, One Session at a Time
“I don’t know what’s wrong… I just know my child isn’t okay.”
If that thought has been weighing on your heart, you’re not alone, and you haven’t done anything wrong.
Children often express pain through behavior, not words. Whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, social struggles, or big emotions they can’t explain, they deserve a safe space to feel seen and supported.
It’s not easy to see your child in distress, and it’s even harder not knowing how to help. At Total Life Counseling in Tampa Bay, we understand the weight of those worries. Our compassionate play therapists use child-centered therapeutic approaches to help your child grow, cope, and connect in a way that feels natural to them.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here for you and your child with compassion, clarity, and the support that truly helps.
What Exactly is Play Therapy and How Does it Help?
“Why won’t they just talk to me?”
When your child shuts down or acts out, it can feel confusing and heartbreaking. But the truth is, young children often can’t explain what they’re feeling, and when kids can’t say what’s wrong, play becomes their language.
Play Therapy offers a way in. Through guided play, art, storytelling, or sand tray therapy, children can safely express emotions, process experiences, and learn healthy coping skills.
It’s not just play, it’s how healing begins, how they feel seen, and how they start to reconnect.
“Is this just a phase… or something more?” If you’ve been asking yourself that, Play Therapy might be the support your child needs.
It’s specially designed for children ages 3 to 12 who are facing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges they may not know how to express.
Play Therapy can help children who are:
- Struggling with anxiety, ADHD, or mood swings.
- Coping with grief, divorce, or trauma.
- Having trouble with social skills or low self-esteem.
- Acting out at home or school.
- Navigating big changes or sibling dynamics.
Start with a Free 15-Minute Consultation
Feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Connect with a dedicated ADHD therapist in Tampa for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. We’ll listen, understand where you’re coming from, and help you explore the next best step, whether it’s individual therapy, ADHD coaching, or holistic support.
Explore Your Options: Play Therapy Counseling Tampa
At Total Life Counseling, our play therapy Tampa Bay is designed to meet your child exactly where they are emotionally, developmentally, and creatively.
We don’t just offer one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, we create safe, engaging environments where children can explore their feelings, build coping skills, and grow through play.
Here’s how our expert child therapists support your child’s unique needs:
Has your child experienced trauma, neglect, adoption, or early separation from a caregiver? These experiences can impact how they relate to others and the world around them.
This gentle, relationship-focused approach uses play to help children rebuild trust, feel emotionally safe, and strengthen their connection with you. We focus on healing through safe, predictable play that supports emotional regulation and security.
For children who find it hard to talk about what they’re going through, creative therapies can open the door. Using art, storytelling, sand tray therapy, and role play, this method gives kids a voice without requiring words.
It’s especially effective for children navigating anxiety, big emotions, social challenges, or low self-esteem. Through creative expression, they learn to process feelings and develop healthy emotional tools in a fun, non-intimidating environment.
Parent groups play a key role in supporting play therapy. They offer:
- A space to share experiences and support each other
- Critical lnowledge to better understand and manage child behavior
- Practical parenting strategies to strengthen connection
- Ongoing guidance to reinforce therapy goals at home
These groups help parents feel empowered and stay involved in their child’s progress.
Why Parents Trust Total Life Counseling for Play Therapy, Tampa?
We know how hard it is to watch your child struggle and not know how to help. That’s why we focus on more than just managing behavior; we care about understanding why it’s happening and supporting the whole family through it.
Here’s why so many families choose TLC:
- We Support the Whole Family: Our work doesn’t stop in the playroom. We actively involve parents and caregivers with tools, feedback, and guidance to help you feel confident in supporting your child’s emotional growth at home.
- Expert, Child-Focused Therapists: Our team includes Registered Play Therapists and trauma-informed clinicians who specialize in child development. Your child is in the hands of professionals who truly understand how kids think, feel, and heal.
- Personalized Therapy Plans: There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Every play therapy session is tailored to your child’s age, personality, and needs, whether they’re coping with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or big life transitions.
- A Safe and Welcoming Space: Our play therapy rooms are designed to help children feel calm, curious, and free to express themselves. We create an environment where healing feels natural, not forced.
- Convenient Tampa Location & Flexible Scheduling: Located conveniently in Tampa, Total Life Counseling offers flexible scheduling options, including after-school hours and virtual sessions, to make child therapy accessible, stress-free, and easy to fit into your routine.
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
“He is doing so well! We are continuing with the diet changes and vitamins and his attitude is so much better. You were right! – kids don’t see you for very long [because of the diet, supplements and coaching]! We are so grateful for your help. We were in a bad place before we saw you and I am really amazed at the difference.”
Anne Marie
Parent
“So glad you duked it out with us. You always gave way above and beyond what I think most in your field would have. And I don’t think anyone else could have reached our teenage son as you did. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
Kristi
Parent & Teacher
“Jim, thank you again for giving so much of your time on Friday. The feedback I got from everyone that attended was extremely positive. I also gave a copy of your DVD to one of our teachers. Your help will make an enormous difference for Daniel both at home and at school.”
Anonymous
“We were so thankful to Total Life Counseling. Over the past five years, we had seen five other counselors/psychologists with our son, but in the last 1 1/2 years our son gained skills to cope. The ADHD/Social Skills group helped our son realize that he was not alone. The parenting skills group helped us know how to anticipate problems and equipped us to handle them. Thank you to Jim and the caring team of professionals at Total Life Counseling – you are an answer to prayer.”
Tim & Janet
Parents
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Subject Matter Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 150 national & local news interviews and they are here for you!
At Total Life Counseling Center our Counselors are Experts for National and Local TV, Radio and Print Media. We have an excellent reputation amongst graduate & private schools, attorneys, doctors, therapists, providers and corporations. We strive to ensure our therapists have diverse clinical backgrounds, to allow us to match each client to the therapist that will best meet his or her needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4l8RBeYyec&list=PLT3JwbVHxfQdfcC_rNJfVrOf4QbEsm8H4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elTcpm9EfDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiK4hugbAHw&list=PLT3JwbVHxfQcma3h4QbMZxmQbGsRbpydO&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iFSz_GFb8s
Services
Explore Expert Counseling Services Offered by Gemima McMahon
ADHD Counseling and Therapy for Teens or Adults, often without medication.
Anxiety or trauma healing for fears, phobias, obsessing, and Worrying.
Play Therapy is a wonderful means for children to communicate and heal.
Are you looking to find peace in your family?
Relationships can be difficult. TLC’s Gottman trained marriage & relationship experts can help.
TLC aims to help others heal from their past so it no longer affects one’s present or future.
Licensed Counselors & Therapists
Meet Our Team of Certified & Experienced Professionals
Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, Masters Level Therapists, Espanol Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Business Coaches, Image Enhancement Coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. Our team of certified and experienced professionals, dedicated to serving a comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship issues such as couples, women and men’s issues, children and teens with oppositional defiance, video game addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors, is here to support and guide you through your journey towards healing and navigating life transitions. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the counseling provided but also builds trust within the community and among potential clients, who may be seeking support.
We offer next level counselors specialized in areas such as relationships, video game & drug/alcohol addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, and ADHD. Our Therapists are ARTT (Accelerated Resolution Trauma Therapy) trauma therapy trained, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialize in ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Children, and are also professional Gottman method marriage couples counselors to give the best results to couples and to provide the best comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship care for our clients.
Gemima McMahon
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Women’s issues, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Cutting, Couples, Children and Teenagers and more!
Jim West
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, national certified counselor
President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Author, Social Skills, ADHD, ODD, ASD, children, teens, and more!
Mathew Martin
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Counselor, Coach, Guest Speaker, Marriage, Individual Males, Substance Abuse and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Play Therapy, and how does it help children?
Play Therapy is a form of child therapy that uses play, such as art, storytelling, and sand tray activities, as a way for children to express emotions, work through experiences, and build coping skills. It’s especially helpful for children who struggle to express themselves verbally.
What age group is Play Therapy best suited for?
Play Therapy is typically designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12. At this stage, play is a child’s natural way of communicating, which is why it’s such a powerful tool in therapy.
How much does play therapy cost?
Play therapy typically costs between $100–$250 per session, with initial assessments ranging from $250–$400. Prices may vary by location and therapist experience. At TLC, we offer a 15-minute free consultation to help you explore if it’s the right fit.
What happens during a Play Therapy session?
Each session is tailored to your child’s needs and may involve play-based techniques like drawing, role-playing, or working in a playroom. Licensed Play Therapy counselors create a safe space for your child to explore feelings and build emotional resilience.
Will I be involved in the therapy process as a parent?
Absolutely. We believe that parents and caregivers play a vital role in a child’s healing. Your child’s Play Therapy counselor in Tampa will provide regular parent consultations, updates, and practical tools to support your child’s progress at home.
How long does Play Therapy take to work?
The number of sessions depends on your child’s unique challenges and goals. Some children may show progress in a few weeks, while others may benefit from ongoing support over several months.
Is Play Therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover child therapy, including Play Therapy. We recommend contacting your provider directly or speaking with our administrative team to understand your options.
How do I get started with Play Therapy in Tampa?
You can begin with a complimentary parent consultation. Our licensed Play Therapy counselors in Tampa will help assess your child’s needs and recommend the best next steps for care.
Tampa Office Location
Our Tampa counseling, therapy, group, coaching and career services are conveniently located at 6060 N. Central Expressway in Tampa, Florida
1200 W Platt St #204, Tampa, FL 33606
United States
+14072480030
