Center for Children and Teens
At Green Counseling Services, we are committed to providing developmentally appropriate services that support emotional, social, and overall mental health. Our clinicians are trained to meet young people at their developmental level, helping them grow, heal, and thrive. Our therapeutic play environments are intentionally designed to foster connection, creativity, and emotional growth, and we create individualized treatment plans that honor each child’s unique strengths and needs.
Our providers are dedicated to deepening their play therapy expertise through weekly play therapy training led by John Upshaw, a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, and to creating thoughtful, therapeutic playrooms across our clinics that meet children where they are.
What is play therapy and what happens during a session?
Play therapy is an intentional, theory-driven use of play within a clinical process. It’s more than simply adding play into sessions—it is a structured therapeutic approach that guides the work from the first appointment through termination. Play therapy is grounded in established theory, specialized clinical training, and ongoing assessment to guide a child’s growth and healing.
Association for Play Therapy (APT) website:
https://www.a4pt.org/page/WhyPlayTherapy
Play therapy provides a safe space for children and teens to express their emotions and experiences, especially when they don’t have the words to explain. The therapist holds space for the child—recognizing, reflecting, and supporting all feelings so they feel heard and understood.
The therapist meets the child exactly where they are and works alongside them to recognize challenges, build coping and problem-solving skills, and develop strengths that build confidence-all while prioritizing a strong, consistent therapeutic connection.
Our Play Therapy Specialists
Therapeutic Powers of Play
Connection and relationship building
Overcoming resistance
Self-expression and communication
Building confidence and skills
Critical thinking
Processing big feelings through play
Releasing feelings safely