Play Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
A Safe and Supportive Environment for Healing
At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, Arizona we specialize in child centered play therapy an evidence based approach that gives children a safe space to process their emotions, build coping skills, and feel empowered again.
Our Therapist specialize in play therapy for children
Our licensed therapists specialize in play therapy for children ages 3-12. we create a calming, supportive environment where kids feel safe to be themselves, and where their emotional needs are gently addressed though play based interaction.
You’re Not ALone-We Support parents Too
Therefore, if your child has experienced trauma, loss, bullying, divorce, or is showing signs of anxiety or defiance, early intervention through play therapy can be life changing. And just as importantly, we support parents too so you never have to navigate this journey alone.
Which Language to Communicate
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to counseling that helps children express emotions through play instead of words.
While adults rely on language to communicate what they’re feeling, children often “talk” through play using toys, drawings, and imagination to reveal what’s going on internally.
A Bridge Between Emotion and Expression
In play therapy, the therapist provides a carefully structured environment where children feel safe to explore and express their experiences. Whether it’s reenacting scenarios with puppets, sculpting emotions in clay, or building scenes in a sand tray , the child’s choices often reveal underlaying emotional challenges.
Why It Works
Because play is natural and engaging for kids, therapy doesn’t feel like pressure it feels like support, this process helps children:
- For example, helps them understand and manage difficult emotions
- It helps them practice healthy coping strategies
- It also helps them improve communication and social skills
- Therefore this reduces stress and behavioral issues
How can Play Therapy Help?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to counseling that helps children express emotions through play instead of words.
While adults rely on language to communicate what they’re feeling, children often “talk” through play using toys, drawings, and imagination to reveal what’s going on internally.
A Bridge Between Emotion and Expression
In play therapy, the therapist provides a carefully structured environment where children feel safe to explore and express their experiences. Whether it’s reenacting scenarios with puppets, sculpting emotions in clay, or building scenes in a sand tray , the child’s choices often reveal underlaying emotional challenges.
What can Play Therapy Help With?
Understanding the purpose of Play Therapy
Children often struggle to verbalize what’s going on inside especially when they’re overwhelmed, confused, or hurting. That’s why play therapy is so effective. It allows therapists to gently uncover what’s beneath the surface without forcing a child to explain things they don’t fully understand.
Common Emotional and Behavioral Issues Addressed Through Play Therapy.
At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, our licensed therapists use play therapy to help children navigate a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns including:
Is your child showing aggression, tantrums, or defiant behavior?
- As a result of feeling overwhelmed, children may show frequent emotional outbursts that become a pattern, it may signal deeper frustrations. Play therapy provides a safe space to explore big feelings while learning emotional regulation.
Does your child have anxiety or constant worry?
- For example, if your child experiences anxiety or constant worry, play therapy can offer a calming outlet to express fears and build coping skills.
Could Play Therapy Help Your Child?
Has your child experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect?
- Because children can’t always talk about painful experiences, play therapy helps them learn emotional regulation in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Is your child grieving a loss or coping with a major life change?
- For instance, if your child has experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, play therapy- gently supports healing without requiring them to relive the experience verbally.
Is your child experiences Grief or Major Life Change?
- When your child is grieving a loss or facing a major life change (like moving or changing schools).
If your family is going through Divorce or Family Separation?
- For instance if your family is going through divorce or separation, play therapy can help your child make sense of the changes, reduce confusion, and regain emotional stability.
If your child struggling with low-Self Esteem or social interaction.
- In addition, when your child shows signs of low self esteem or social withdrawal, play therapy supports attention skills, self control and routine.
Does your child have ADHD, Impulsivity, or Focus issues?
- For children who struggle with ADHD, impulsivity, or focus issues, structured play therapy supports attention skills, self control, and routine.
If your child has been the subject of Bullying, Peer Rejection or School Stress.
- For example, when school becomes a source of emotional stress, play therapy offers a space to explore social dynamics and boost emotional resilience.
Our Therapists
Meet Ali Kasulaitis, LAC — Child, Teen & Family Therapist
Read MoreAli Kasulaitis, MS, LAC
Therapist
Meet Haley Anderson, MSW, LMSW - Child and Teen Therapist
Read MoreHaley Anderson, MSW, LMSW
Therapist
Meet Allison Zimmer, MS, LAC - Anxiety and Substance Therapist
Read MoreAllison Zimmer, MS, LAC
Therapist
Meet David Merrick, MS Ed. LPC-S - Teens and Adult Therapist
Read MoreDavid Merrick, MS Ed. LPC-S
Clinical Director
Meet Sofia Softas-Nall therapist Scottsdale AZ - Trauma, LGBTQIA Therapist
Read MoreSofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC - EMDR Therapist
Read MoreStephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder of Pathways Counseling Services
Experienced in Child and Play Therapy
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families. She provides play therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, helping children express emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping skills through play-based approaches.
Stephanie is trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, including play therapy, trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SBT). Her work focuses on helping children communicate what they’re feeling, even when they don’t yet have the words to explain it.
A Personalized, Supportive Approach for Children and Families
Stephanie believes in creating a safe, supportive environment where children feel understood and parents feel guided. She works closely with families to improve communication, reduce behavioral challenges, and support emotional growth at home and in everyday life.
A Voice Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions where she speaks about child development, play therapy, trauma recovery, and practical strategies for supporting children and families.
Contact us today to schedule your child’s play therapy session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy
What is play therapy and how does it work?
Play therapy is a form of counseling that uses play—such as toys, games, art, and imagination—as a way for children to express feelings, process experiences, and build coping skills. It’s especially effective for children who have difficulty putting emotions into words.
Is play therapy safe for children?
Yes. Play therapy is a gentle, child-centered approach led by trained therapists. It provides a safe, supportive environment where children can explore their emotions at their own pace.
What kinds of issues can play therapy help with?
Play therapy can support children dealing with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, grief, ADHD, family conflict, and social challenges. It’s especially helpful for kids ages 3 to 12 who struggle with emotional expression.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy process?
Yes. While sessions are typically one-on-one between your child and the therapist, we include parents in the process through regular updates, guidance, and home-based strategies to support continued progress.
How long does play therapy typically last?
Every child is different, but many children attend weekly sessions for several months. The length of treatment depends on the child’s needs, the issues being addressed, and how they respond to therapy.
Can play therapy be done online?
In some cases, modified forms of play therapy can be delivered via telehealth, but in-person sessions are generally preferred for younger children. We’ll work with you to find the best fit for your family.
Is play therapy covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover play therapy when it’s part of a mental health diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and answer any questions about coverage or billing.
