Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy for Ages 3-8

Helping Your Young Child Navigate Big Feelings with Confidence and Joy

How I Help Young Children

  • Separation & Social Anxiety: Helping little ones feel safe, secure, and confident when away from parents or trying new activities.

  • Emotional Regulation & Anger: Teaching young children healthy, manageable ways to express frustration without destructive meltdowns.

  • Social Skills & Connection: Supporting children in building positive peer relationships, sharing, and navigating preschool or early elementary environments.

  • Life Changes & Childhood Stress: Helping kids process family transitions, fears, or nervous system overload in a supportive setting.

Have questions or ready to schedule?

Send a Message

Dealing with Big Feelings

When your child is struggling, your whole world feels it. Watching your young child navigate intense worries, frequent meltdowns, or social anxiety can leave you feeling helpless, exhausted, and unsure of how best to support them.

Children between the ages of 3 and 8 don't process stress, fear, or frustration the way adults do. They rarely have the words to say, "I feel overwhelmed." Instead, big emotions show up through behavior, school challenges, tears, or sudden anger.

I offer a gentle, highly specialized, and evidence-based approach right here in Centennial to help young children process big feelings naturally—through play. Together, we’ll help your child build emotional resilience while giving your family the clarity and peace you deserve.

Why Play? The Power of CBPT

Play is a child’s natural language, and toys are their words. Simply asking a 5-year-old to sit and talk about their anxiety doesn't usually work.

With specific training in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), I combine the natural, comfortable medium of play with structured cognitive-behavioral strategies. Through targeted play with puppets, books, and art, children learn to:

  • Identify and name their emotions.

  • Learn practical, child-friendly coping strategies to calm their nervous system.

  • Reframe scary thoughts or worries into manageable ones.

  • Practice new behaviors and problem-solving skills in real time.

Partnering with Parents

You are the most important person in your child’s life. Successful play therapy isn't done in isolation—it’s a collaborative partnership. I work closely alongside parents, providing warm guidance, steady support, and practical strategies you can use at home to reinforce your child's progress and bring calm back to your daily routines.

In-Person Care in Centennial, CO

Our sessions take place in a dedicated, cozy office designed to help young children feel instantly safe, welcome, and understood.