Winter Garden Play Therapy When Words Aren’t Enough, Play Becomes Their Voice

As a parent, watching your child struggle—especially when they can’t find the words to explain how they feel—can be incredibly painful. Whether it’s social anxiety, sudden outbursts, or quiet withdrawal, these are often signs of deeper emotions your child simply doesn’t know how to express. And as a parent, it can leave you feeling lost and helpless.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Florida, we want you to know: you’re not alone. We see your heart, and we’re here—with true compassionate people, a deep understanding of client needs, and a passion for healing.

Our Play Therapy in Winter Garden provides children—especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or developmental challenges—a gentle, creative, and safe way to express themselves. Through imaginative tools like toys, storytelling, art, and sand trays, children find their voice in ways that feel natural and non-threatening. This is their safe language.

Led by therapists who bring a pleasant demeanor, great knowledge, and a superb level of care, we don’t force change—we follow the child’s lead. Every session is tailored to your child’s comfort level, personality, and needs, all within a safe environment where they can be fully seen and accepted.

What Is Play Therapy? A Safe Space for Healing and Growth

As a parent, nothing hurts more than seeing your child struggle—and not knowing how to help. Maybe they’re acting out. Maybe they’ve started to withdraw. Or maybe you can just feel that something’s not quite right—but they can’t find the words to explain.

You’re not alone. And neither is your child.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we truly understand how overwhelming it can be to watch your little one wrestle with big feelings they don’t yet know how to express. That’s why we offer Play Therapy in Winter Garden—a gentle, heart-centered approach that gives your child a safe space to process emotions, feel understood, and begin to heal… all through the simple, powerful act of play.

Some children scream or cry when they’re overwhelmed. Others retreat into silence. And for many kids—especially those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or past trauma—those behaviors are simply their way of asking for help.

If you’ve noticed things like:

• Sudden meltdowns or outbursts
• Trouble connecting with friends or family
• Pulling away, going quiet, or zoning out
• Trouble focusing or sitting still
• Struggles with change or routine
• Frequent anxiety, stress, or fear
• Sleep problems, nightmares, or regressions

…your child may be trying to process feelings that feel too big to handle alone.

We don’t just work with children. We support family members, too—because we believe in healing the whole family. Whether your child is navigating relationship issues, trauma, or life’s day-to-day challenges (issues life brings), we walk with you every step of the way.

Our work is rooted in honesty, high integrity, and for those who desire it, a Christian foundation. We also offer trauma-informed therapies like EMDR, giving children and families the tools they need to heal gently and deeply.

At TLC, we believe in great things for your child. And like Bryan, whose heart and vision built this space—we aim to be more than just therapists. We aim to be true companions in your journey.

So if your heart is hurting, know this: healing is possible. And it can start today—with play, trust, and the right support.

The Heart of Play Therapy: Healing Through Play

In our warm, child-friendly space, your child will explore their feelings using toys, art, roleplay, sand trays, and imaginative games—tools that feel natural and safe to them. While they play, our trained therapists gently observe and guide the process to help your child:

• Release anxiety and emotional tension
• Feel seen and heard without needing to say a word
• Process difficult experiences in a way that makes sense to them
• Learn new ways to cope, connect, and communicate
• Build trust, confidence, and emotional resilience

And the best part? It’s all done in a way that’s fun, kind, and completely pressure-free.

Want to know if play therapy is right for your child? We’re here to listen. Reach out today to schedule a consultation—we’re ready when you are. Call on +14072480030

A Safe Space for Children to Process Their Feelings

Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a journey filled with love, strength—and yes, its share of challenges. As a parent, you probably know that traditional talk therapy doesn’t always work for your child. And that’s okay.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we see you. We understand your worries. And we’re here to support you and your child with a gentle, play-based approach that feels safe, natural, and empowering—just like it should.

• A Safe Space to Express Without Words: We know many children on the spectrum find it tough to explain how they feel. That’s why we use tools like puppets, sand trays, and storytelling to help them express what words can’t. It’s their way of saying, “This is what I’m going through,”—without pressure or confusion.
• Building Real-Life Social & Emotional Skills: Things like taking turns, sharing toys, or reading facial expressions can feel overwhelming. Through structured play, our therapists gently guide children to practice these skills in a setting where mistakes are okay and learning is fun.
• Personalized to Your Child’s Needs: No two children with autism are the same—and we celebrate that! Our Play Therapy counselors in Clermont carefully tailor each session to your child’s personality, sensory preferences, and developmental level. If your child loves trains or dinosaurs, we’ll meet them there.
• Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond: Play therapy isn’t just healing for your child—it gives you, as a parent, beautiful insights into how they see the world. You’ll start to notice what comforts them, what challenges them, and how they communicate through play. And that kind of understanding? It changes everything.

Sand Tray Therapy at TLC: Helping Little Hearts Speak Without Words

When your child feels overwhelmed but can’t explain why—it hurts. You see the frustration, the outbursts, the silence… and all you want is to understand and help.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we offer Sand Tray Therapy—a gentle, play-based approach that gives children a safe, nonverbal way to express what’s going on inside.

With simple tools like miniature figures and a tray of sand, your child creates scenes that mirror their feelings—whether it’s peace, chaos, fear, or hidden pain.

In this space, they can:

• Share emotions without having to say a word
• Work through trauma, stress, or big life changes
• Feel seen, safe, and in control—at their own pace

And as a parent, you’ll gain deeper insight into what your child needs most—emotionally and relationally.

At TLC, we believe every child deserves to be heard—even when they don’t yet have the words. Book your same-week appointments today!

Testimonials

Total Life Counseling is an exceptional counseling practice that truly cares about your well-being. Their team extends the best blend of both compassion & expertise into your therapy. Highly recommend!

– Elizabeth Montgomery

My son has greatly benefited and improved his anxiety and stress levels with the help of Total Life Counseling and Jim West. He keeps my 7 year old very engaged and my son enjoys going for his therapy sessions.

– Magon Mayol

Meet Our Expert Therapists

Jim West, MA, 

LMHC, NCCJim West is a counselor, author, and school consultant with extensive experience in supporting children and families. He specializes in working with individuals dealing with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). With a background in counseling and communication, Jim offers practical strategies and compassionate guidance to help manage challenges and encourage growth. His approachable style and deep understanding make him a trusted resource for parents, educators, and professionals seeking support in mental and behavioral health.

Gemima McMahon 

MA, LMHC

Gemima is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Total Life Counseling Center, with a warm and compassionate approach to therapy. She specializes in supporting women, couples, children, and teens through life’s emotional challenges. Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Gemima helps clients heal from PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, abuse, phobias, and more. Whether working through relationship struggles or personal growth, she provides a safe, supportive space for individuals from all walks of life.

Why Parents Choose TLC for Play Therapy Winter Garden

At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we walk beside you with compassion, care, and deep respect for your child’s unique journey. Here’s why parents choose us:

• Heartfelt, Experienced Therapists: Our licensed play therapy counselors in Winter Garden aren’t just trained—they genuinely care. With years of experience and gentle guidance, they help children feel safe, seen, and supported.
• A Warm, Judgment-Free Space: We know how much courage it takes for a child to open up. That’s why we create a nurturing environment where your child can express themselves freely—without pressure, fear, or expectation.
• Tailored to Your Child’s Needs: No two children are the same—and their therapy shouldn’t be either. We take the time to understand your child’s world and personalize each session to match their pace, interests, and emotional needs.
• Christian Values, Family-Centered Support: If your family values faith-based guidance, we’re here for you. TLC offers spiritual support for families seeking a healing journey rooted in love, hope, and connection.
• Here for You, Wherever You Are: With convenient locations in Winter Garden, Orlando, Lake Mary, and Clermont, we make it easier for families to access the care and consistency their children deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if Play Therapy is right for my child?

Suppose your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral issues, trauma, ADHD, or emotional difficulties. In that case, Play Therapy can help them express their feelings, build confidence, and develop coping skills in a supportive environment.

2. What ages can benefit from Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is most effective for children ages 3 to 12, but it can also be helpful for older children and teens who struggle with verbal communication.

3. How long does Play Therapy take?

Every child’s journey is unique. Depending on their needs and progress, some may benefit from short-term therapy, while others may need longer-term support.

4. Can parents be involved in the therapy process?

Yes! We believe in a family-centered approach. Parents are encouraged to participate in family therapy sessions to learn strategies for supporting their children’s emotional growth at home.

5. Where is TLC’s Play Therapy available?

We offer Play Therapy Winter Garden, Orlando, Lake Mary, Winter Park, and Clermont. If you’re searching for Play Therapy near me, we are here to help.