Child Counseling & Play Therapy in Orlando, FL
Helping children feel understood, supported, and connected.
Sometimes, children communicate what they’re experiencing through big emotions, changes in behavior, worries, or struggles in their relationships. They may not have the words to tell us what’s going on—or they may not even fully understand it themselves. That’s where child counseling can help.
At Willow Lane Counseling, we provide developmentally appropriate counseling and play therapy for children ages 3–12. We meet children where they are and use approaches that feel natural to them, helping them explore their emotions, experiences, relationships, and the ways their brain and body respond to the world around them.
We work with children experiencing:
Big feelings and emotional regulation challenges
Anxiety and worry
Behavioral concerns
Changes or challenges at home or school
Grief and loss
Attachment disruptions and relationship challenges
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Family changes, including separation and divorce
Difficulty expressing feelings or communicating needs
Why Play Therapy?
For children, play is more than just fun—it is a natural way of communicating, exploring, and making sense of the world.
The toys in a play therapy room aren't chosen by chance. They're chosen with intention. Each toy offers children a developmentally appropriate way to express thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationships that may be difficult to put into words.
Rather than asking children to simply tell us what's going on, play gives them another language.
In the playroom, children communicate through themes, stories, roles, and symbols. A family of dolls, a superhero, a dinosaur, or a set of blocks can become a meaningful way for a child to express their inner world and begin making sense of their experiences.
The playroom isn't filled with toys because more is better. Each item is thoughtfully selected to invite expression, exploration, connection, and healing.
Because in play therapy, toys aren't just toys. They can become words, feelings, relationships, and stories waiting to be understood.
Supporting the Whole Child—and the Family
We believe children grow within relationships, and meaningful change doesn't happen in isolation. That's why caregivers are an important part of the counseling process.
Alongside your child's individual therapy, we provide caregiver consultation and support to help you better understand what your child may be communicating through their emotions and behaviors. Together, we explore development, attachment, attunement, and co-regulation while identifying practical ways to support your child at home.
Our goal isn't simply to change a behavior. It's to help you better understand what may be underneath it, strengthen your connection with your child, and give your child the support they need to grow.
At Willow Lane Counseling, we believe children don't need to have all the right words before they begin therapy. Sometimes, they just need someone willing to meet them where they are—and listen to what they're communicating through play.