Play Therapy for Kids in Birmingham, AL
You Want the Best for Your Child. We Can Help.
You see your child struggling and are unsure of how to help. Maybe you have tried everything and feel overwhelmed. We understand and are here to help.
Perhaps your child is having trouble regulating their emotions, expressing their needs, or acting out in a way that feels overwhelming As a parent, it can feel debilitating to feel helpless. You want the best for your child, but you may not know how to support and navigate them through these challenges. At Sharp Wellness, we pride ourselves on having a skilled group of therapists who love working with children!
What are the benefits of Play Therapy?
Play is such a crucial element in the development of children. It allows them to build upon skills such as problem-solving, self-efficacy, and confidence and learn to communicate with others and interact with the world around them. When words fail, play and creative expression thrive. For children, play is often a window to the internal workings of their world. When life in the present moment seems chaotic or challenging, we see more controlling or repetitive behaviors that allow children to seek safety and predictability in play. When our children have had adverse life experiences early in life, they will often play through their trauma or experiences in ways that feel safe for them and allow them to heal. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist works with the child and follows their narrative to help them address and resolve their problems. Therapeutic play also builds upon the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002).
Why Might Someone Seek Play Therapy in Birmingham, AL?
There are many reasons someone might see therapy for their child. Play therapy does not look the same for everyone. Each individual or family has unique needs that require a different approach.
However, some reasons people might seek Play therapy for their Child include:
Process and work through a traumatic experience
Address anxiety or depression
Work through family conflict or divorce
Navigate grief or loss
Emotional Regulation
Develop healthy coping mechanisms
Build self-esteem and confidence
Work through family conflict or divorce
Navigate grief or loss
Our Play Therapists are Here to Help
Our therapists at Sharp Wellness have supported kids through challenges, both big and small. We also know that every child can overcome any obstacles with the right support.
What does play therapy look like?
One common theme that can show up in play therapy is a child’s need for control. At home, this may look like frequent arguing, difficulty accepting limits, large emotional reactions, or becoming upset when things do not go as expected. In the therapy room, children are given a safe and structured space to express themselves through play while the therapist observes patterns, reflects emotions, and helps the child better understand what they may be trying to communicate through their behavior.
Play therapy also recognizes the strong connection between emotions, behavior, and the body. When children feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unsafe, it may show up as impulsivity, difficulty focusing, sensitivity to sounds or sensations, quick emotional reactions, or trouble making decisions. Through play and creative expression, children can begin to process these experiences, build emotional regulation skills, develop healthier ways to communicate their needs, and feel more secure in both their minds and bodies.
Your Child is Unique, and Their Therapy Should Be Too
At Sharp Wellness, we approach your child from a holistic framework. This means we take into account all of the different aspects that play a role in a person's life. This way, we can use your and your child’s strengths to help them overcome any challenges.
Who offers play therapy at Sharp Wellness?
Begin Play Therapy for your Child In Birmingham, AL
As a parent, you are your child's number one support. You know them better than anyone. At Sharp Wellness, our team of skilled therapists want to support you and your family as you help your kiddo grow into their best selves. If you are interested in beginning Play Therapy:
Book an Appointment with Stephene or Larkin or contact us at contact@sharpwellnessandcounseling.com.
Call or Text 205-383-6650
Check out our services
Other Therapy Services at Sharp Wellness
At Sharp Wellness, our therapists know you may face more challenges than ones that require family therapy. This is why we have two locations, one in Birmingham, AL, and one in McKinney, TX. This is because our therapists want to support individuals of all ages and backgrounds to help them reach their highest potential. We offer trauma therapy, teen and adolescent therapy, individual counseling, marriage counseling, couple's Intensives, family counseling, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, EMDR Therapy, DID therapy, OCD therapy, and Group Therapy. ADHD therapy and testing is available in both offices. We also offer maternal mental health, including perinatal and postpartum therapy, providing compassionate support for individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and the emotional challenges of transitioning into parenthood in both our Birmingham and McKinney offices.
Stephene Johnson, MFT-A provides play therapy and children’s therapy in Birmingham, Alabama for ages 6+.
Works with children, teens, adults, and families aged 6+
Supports concerns including anxiety, self-esteem, stress, life transitions, family dynamics, and identity
Uses play therapy to help children express emotions, build coping skills, and better understand their experiences
Accepting new clients on Mondays, Wednesdays, + Fridays and has some availability in afternoons for after school appointments
BCBS Alabama accepted, including Anthem, PHIP, and any other commercial in or out-of-state Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans
Private pay: $115 per 50-minute session
In person and virtual sessions available
Larkin Lowry, MS, LMFT provides play therapy and children’s therapy in Birmingham, Alabama for ages 3+. She has a waitlist and is not currently accepting new clients.
Works with children, teens, adults, and families aged 4+
Supports concerns including Childhood Trauma, Building Self-Efficacy, Enhancing Self-Compassion
Uses play therapy to help children express emotions, build coping skills, and better understand their experiences
Has a waitlist for all new patients
BCBS Alabama accepted, including Anthem, PHIP, and any other commercial in or out-of-state Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans
Private pay: $160 per 50-minute session and $320 for 100-minute session
In person and virtual sessions available
Frequently Asked Questions about Play therapy
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Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that allows children to express their thoughts and feelings through play instead of words. Because play is a child’s natural form of communication, it helps them process emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
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Play therapy is currently offered by Stephene Johnson and Larkin Lowry, both based in Alabama. Please note that Larkin Lowry currently has a waitlist.
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Play therapy helps children express emotions, build coping skills, and improve communication and behavior. Many children experience increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and better relationships at home and school.
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Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, family changes (such as divorce), social difficulties, and emotional regulation concerns. It allows children to work through these challenges in a way that feels natural to them.
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Stephene Johnson (Alabama): Initial and subsequent sessions are $115.00/ 50 minutes and $280/ 100 minutes.
Larkin Lowery (Alabama): Initial and subsequent sessions are $160.00/ 50 minutes and $320/ 100 minutes.
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Yes, play therapy is often covered by insurance when it is considered medically necessary. Both our play therapists accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We recommend reaching out to our office to verify your benefits and coverage.