Play Therapy for Children in Joplin, MO
Helping kids heal, grow, and connect, through the language they know best
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling, but they almost always have play. Play is how kids make sense of their world, work through hard experiences, and practice new ways of coping. At Vineyard Family Counseling in Joplin, Missouri, play therapy gives your child a safe, welcoming space to express themselves and build the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in relationships.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach to child counseling that uses toys, art, games, and imaginative play as the primary means of communication. Instead of asking a young child to sit and talk about their problems, a trained play therapist meets them where they are. Through play, children can:
- Express feelings they can't yet put into words
- Process difficult or confusing experiences
- Learn and practice healthy coping skills
- Build confidence, self-control, and problem-solving abilities
- Strengthen their relationships with parents and caregivers
A Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has completed advanced training and supervised experience specific to play therapy, beyond a standard counseling license.
When Might Play Therapy Help My Child?
Every child goes through hard seasons. Play therapy may be a good fit if your child is experiencing:
- Struggles at school: behavior concerns, difficulty focusing, trouble with peers, or school-related anxiety
- Big emotions: frequent meltdowns, anger, worry, or difficulty calming down
- Trauma or loss: a frightening event, divorce, a move, grief, or other major change
- Attachment concerns: difficulty connecting, trusting, or feeling secure with caregivers
- Sleep problems: bedtime battles, nightmares, or trouble sleeping alone
- Bedwetting: especially when stress or emotional factors may be involved
- Anxiety, fears, or social difficulties
If you've noticed a change in your child's behavior, mood, or development and aren't sure where to turn, a consultation can help you decide on next steps.
Meet Erica Sturgeon, LPC, LMFT, RPT
Licensed Professional Counselor| Registered Play Therapist
Erica provides play therapy, individual and family counseling, and anxiety- and trauma-focused care for children and families at our Joplin office. She works with children facing a range of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns, including anxiety, difficulty with emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief and loss, attachment and adoption-related concerns, and adjustment to family transitions. She also supports children experiencing sleep difficulties, bedwetting, and academic or school-related struggles.
Individual Play Therapy (Ages 3–7)
In individual sessions, Erica primarily uses Child-Centered Play Therapy, an approach that lets your child lead in a safe, accepting environment, paired with directive techniques focused on your family's goals. Those goals often center on helping a child learn to self-regulate: to notice their feelings, calm their body, and respond rather than react. Sessions also include age-appropriate teaching about feelings and coping skills, so your child leaves with tools they can use in everyday life.
Parent-Child Sessions
Erica also offers sessions with parent and child together, using techniques based on Theraplay® principles. This attachment-focused approach strengthens the parent-child relationship through four key areas:
- Structure: creating safety and predictability
- Engagement: building connection and shared joy
- Nurture: offering comfort and care
- Challenge: supporting confidence and growth
Parent-child sessions are often a great fit when a parent and child want to be together, when concerns are rooted in the relationship, or when a child is very young. Attachment-based work like this can benefit families at every stage of life.
A Team Approach
Erica highly values parental involvement. She sees parents as essential partners and works alongside you as a team, keeping you informed, equipped, and involved in your child's progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is play therapy for?
Individual play therapy at our practice is primarily for children ages 3–7. Parent-child sessions can be helpful for even younger children.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes. Parents are a vital part of the process, through check-ins, parent consultations, and joint parent-child sessions when appropriate.
Isn't my child "just playing"?
Play is your child's natural language. A trained play therapist uses it intentionally to help your child process emotions and build new skills.
How long does play therapy take?
It varies by child and goals. Your therapist will talk with you about progress along the way.
Schedule Play Therapy in Joplin, MO
If your child is struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone. Contact Vineyard Family Counseling to schedule an appointment with Erica Sturgeon, LPC, LMFT, RPT, and take the first step toward a calmer, more connected family.