A Safe Space for Healing: Play Therapy Clermont
Let’s imagine this: Emma, a bright and curious six-year-old, had always been full of energy. But lately, she had been quiet—too quiet. At school, she withdrew from her friends, and at home, she had sudden outbursts over the smallest things. Her parents couldn’t understand what was wrong. No matter how often they asked, she wouldn’t—or couldn’t—put her feelings into words.
For many children like Emma, emotions are complicated and overwhelming. They don’t always have the vocabulary to express fear, anxiety, or sadness. That’s where play therapy comes in. It provides a child-friendly, non-intimidating space where toys, games, and creative activities become their voice.
At Total Life Counseling in Clermont, we specialize in helping children process their emotions naturally. Through play therapy, our trained therapists gently guide children to express their thoughts, navigate their feelings, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
If your child is struggling but can’t find the words to tell you, we’re here to help. TLC creates a nurturing environment where healing begins—not through pressure, but through play and family counseling. So ease your worry because we are here to help.
What Is Play Therapy?
Have you ever noticed how kids express themselves through play—acting out stories, drawing their feelings, or building imaginary worlds? That’s because play is their language. When words fall short, play therapy helps children process emotions, work through challenges, and build confidence in a way that feels natural.
Some of the issues that can be solved with Play Therapy Includes:
- Anxiety
- Behavioral issues
- Depression
- Social skills difficulties
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anger management
- Divorce or family transitions
- Learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Attachment issues
- Grief and loss
- Low self-esteem
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, or social challenges, play therapy counseling Clermont helps them heal, grow, and thrive—one playful step at a time.
To help kids achieve this resilience, at Total Life Counseling, our trained Play Therapy therapist Clermont uses toys, art, and games to create a safe space where kids can express what they might not be able to say aloud.
| Take the first step toward helping your child—book an in-person counseling session today! |
How TLC Unlocks a Child’s Potential Through Play Therapy?
Are you worried about your child’s growth as they are behaving quite differently these days? Are you seeking ways to get help with understanding your kid’s emotions? At TLC, we know that every child has a story to tell—even if they don’t have the words yet. Through guided play, we help them express, heal, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s what we do:
- Turning Emotions Into Play: A child struggling with anxiety may use a dollhouse to re-enact a stressful day at school. Through play therapy, they gain tools to understand and manage those emotions.
- Healing Trauma Without Words: A child who has experienced loss might use sand tray therapy to build a world that reflects their feelings. This process helps them process pain and regain a sense of control.
- Shaping Positive Behavior: Through interactive games, a child prone to outbursts may learn how to self-regulate, express frustration healthily, and make better choices.
- Developing Social Skills Naturally: Through cooperative play, children who struggle with friendships practice sharing, patience, and conflict resolution in a fun, not forced, way.
- Building Confidence, One Play Session at a Time: Completing a puzzle or acting out a brave role in therapy boosts self-esteem, helping children see their own strengths.
- Creating Stronger Family Connections: When parents attend specific sessions, they learn to interpret their children’s emotions and respond empathetically, deepening their bond.
Overall, we offer therapy and a foundation for lifelong emotional well-being, growth, and confidence.
ASD and TLC’s Play Therapy: Creating Meaningful Connections and Growth
Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comes with unique joys and challenges, especially when it comes to communication and emotional expression. At Total Life Counseling, we understand that traditional talk therapy isn’t always practical for children with ASD. That’s why we take a play-based approach, creating a space where they feel safe, understood, and empowered.
How Our Play Therapy Helps Children with ASD Thrive
- A Safe Space to Express Without Words: Many children with ASD struggle to verbalize their emotions, but through puppets, sand trays, and imaginative play, they can process feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural.
- Building Social and Emotional Skills: Structured play teaches essential skills like turn-taking, sharing, and understanding emotions, helping children navigate real-world interactions more efficiently.
- Custom-Tailored to Each Child’s Needs: Every child with ASD is different. That’s why our Play Therapy counselor Clermont use a variety of approaches, ensuring each session aligns with your child’s comfort level, interests, and abilities.
- Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds: Play therapy isn’t just about the child—it also provides parents with insights into their child’s sensory needs and emotions and a unique way of processing the world, helping foster deeper connections at home.
| At TLC, we take the guesswork out of finding the right therapist for your child. Our play therapy approach makes therapy engaging, meaningful, and most importantly—effective. Call us today for a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
Call on +14072480030 |
Sand Tray Therapy: A Safe Space for Emotional Expression
When children struggle to express their emotions, they often show it through behavior—acting out, withdrawing, or becoming overwhelmed. Sand Tray Therapy, a specialized form of play therapy, gives children a nonverbal way to process emotions, express fears, and work through challenges in a way that feels safe and natural.
Children create scenes that reflect their inner world using a tray filled with sand and miniature objects. A child might build a peaceful setting when feeling safe, create chaos when struggling with anxiety, or bury objects to symbolize hidden pain. These symbolic expressions help therapists understand emotions that children can’t always put into words.
Unlike traditional therapy, our sand tray therapy allows expression without pressure. Whether a child is navigating trauma, stress, or social difficulties, this hands-on approach helps them process emotions at their own pace. Utilizing a variety of techniques, it also provides parents and therapists with deeper insight, making offering proper support easier.
Overall, TLC uses Sand Tray Therapy to help children feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Redefining Therapy: Where Healing Meets Play and Connection
At Total Life Counseling in Clermont, therapy should feel like a safe space, not a chore. That’s why we go beyond traditional counseling, creating an interactive, engaging, and comfortable environment where children can express themselves naturally—through play, movement, and creativity.
Why TLC Stands Apart
- Therapy That Feels Natural: Kids don’t always open up through words alone. That’s why we use play therapy, recreation therapy, and interactive games to help them communicate, process emotions, and build confidence—without the pressure of formal conversation.
- Beyond Four Walls: Real-World Growth: Healing isn’t limited to an office setting. We incorporate group sessions, retreats, and camps, allowing children to connect with others, practice social skills, and grow in a supportive environment.
- A Holistic Approach to Emotional Well-Being: Instead of immediately prescribing medication, we explore dietary adjustments, vitamins, and behavior-focused techniques first.
| At Total Life Counseling, we do more than offer therapy—we empower children to thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally in a natural, fun, and impactful way. Let’s give your child the support they need to grow with confidence. |
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
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, ASD, 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 EMDR (eye movement desensitization) 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.
Struggling with Anger? We offer 8 hour anger management group therapy!
Discounted Rates and the president of Total Life Counseling Center Jim West does not want to turn people away and we have counselors at various levels of experience at a discounted rate that are trained by our next level counselors!
Dana West
MSW, Licensed clinical social worker
Vice President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Addictions, Trauma, Couples, Abuse, and more!
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!
David Duany
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Social Skills, and Anger Management counseling for children, young adults, and families.
Sarah Dornas Albuquerque
BS, Mental Health Counseling Student Intern
Anxiety, Depression, Children, Teens, Young Adults and Adult Counseling
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Play Therapy Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 200 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.
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Struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance?
It’s Time to Stress Less!
Everyone knows someone struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance. So, Jim West Developed the StressLess Educational Series as a comprehensive video program to help people all over the world! StressLess Now or Book Jim as a Guest Speaker Today! Click for more info and free video tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Is Best for Play Therapy?
Play therapy is most effective for children aged 3 to 12, but adapted play-based therapy can also benefit teens and adults.
What Are the Four Types of Play Therapy?
The four main types are Child-Centered Play Therapy (non-directive), Directive Play Therapy (structured guidance), Sandplay Therapy (symbolic storytelling), and Filial Therapy (parent-child involvement).
How Many Sessions of Play Therapy Should You Undertake?
The number of sessions varies, but most children benefit from weekly sessions over several months, typically 12 to 20, depending on their needs.
What Happens in Play Therapy?
Children use toys, art, and role-play to express emotions while a trained therapist observes, guides, and helps them develop healthy coping skills.
What Is the Difference Between Play Therapy and Counseling?
Play therapy uses creative, play-based techniques to help children communicate, while traditional counseling relies more on talk-based discussions suited for older children and adults. For further information on learning the difference, search “Play Therapy Near Me” and contact TLC.