Play Therapy, Indiana
Helping your child express themselves and work through psychological and emotional difficulties through play
Therapy that helps your child find their voice
So they can build self-esteem and relational skills with those around them
Many children struggle to express their emotions in healthy ways, leaving them feeling frustrated, anxious, or misunderstood.
You may notice your child acting out, withdrawing, or having difficulty making friends, but you’re unsure how to help.
These behaviors often reflect deeper emotional challenges, such as anxiety, trauma, or attachment issues.
Through play therapy, your child will have a safe space to explore their feelings, work through difficult experiences, and learn how to express themselves more effectively.
Let’s work together to help your child feel understood, secure, and ready to face their world.
Therapy that helps your child find their voice
So they can build self-esteem and relational skills with those around them
Many children struggle to express their emotions in healthy ways, leaving them feeling frustrated, anxious, or misunderstood.
You may notice your child acting out, withdrawing, or having difficulty making friends, but you’re unsure how to help.
These behaviors often reflect deeper emotional challenges, such as anxiety, trauma, or attachment issues.
Through play therapy, your child will have a safe space to explore their feelings, work through difficult experiences, and learn how to express themselves more effectively.
Let’s work together to help your child feel understood, secure, and ready to face their world.
A compassionate space for your child to grow and thrive
Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, behavioral challenges, or struggles with self-expression, play therapy provides a unique and developmentally appropriate way for them to process their emotions and experiences.
Our Play Therapy program makes use of an evidence-based curriculum to support children in identifying, expressing, and processing through their emotions.
As they develop these skills, you’ll see them become more confident, better able to handle their emotions, and build stronger relationships.
What can I expect from therapy?
During your child’s play therapy sessions you can expect approximately one-hour appointments that are thorough and focused, providing ample time to understand and address your needs without feeling rushed.
So they can:
- Better express their emotions through healthy outlets, like talking or drawing, instead of acting out.
- Feel more confident in social situations, making it easier to connect with friends and family.
- Develop coping skills to handle anxiety, frustration, and overwhelming emotions without shutting down or lashing out.
- Learn to manage transitions or changes, such as starting a new school or dealing with family stress.
- Improve their ability to focus and follow directions at home or school, leading to better behavior and outcomes.
By focusing on these areas, we help your child express themselves and work through psychological and emotional difficulties through play.
Our Play Therapist at Northside Mental Health, Indianapolis
Katie Reed
- Children & adolescents
- Teen pregnancy
- Family & relationship struggles
- Domestic violence & abuse
- Involvement in the child welfare system (family preservation, foster care, etc.)
- Anxiety & depression
Get started with Northside Mental Health
STEP 1
Schedule an appointment
Request an appointment or send us an email to book an appointment.
STEP 2
Attend your sessions
Join us for therapy sessions tailored to address your unique needs and challenges.
STEP 3
Experience lasting change
Put the strategies and techniques you learn in therapy to work and watch your mental health and quality of life improve.
Welcome to Northside Mental Health
Begin your child’s journey to emotional growth and self-discovery
We understand the significant impact that emotional and behavioral challenges can have on a child’s well-being and development.
Through personalized, evidence-based play therapy, we help children express their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills.
Our therapist who specializes in play therapy is Katie Reed.
She’s trained to work with children through creative and play-based methods, making the process engaging and developmentally appropriate.
We’re committed to helping children who struggle with anxiety, trauma, social skills, and behavioral issues.
Let us support your child on their journey to emotional resilience and self-discovery.
Welcome to Northside Mental Health
Begin your child’s journey to emotional growth and self-discovery
We understand the significant impact that emotional and behavioral challenges can have on a child’s well-being and development.
Through personalized, evidence-based play therapy, we help children express their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills.
Our therapist who specializes in play therapy is Katie Reed.
She’s trained to work with children through creative and play-based methods, making the process engaging and developmentally appropriate.
We’re committed to helping children who struggle with anxiety, trauma, social skills, and behavioral issues.
Let us support your child on their journey to emotional resilience and self-discovery.
Any questions about play therapy at
Northside Mental Health?
Most of our therapists are private pay, and fees vary by therapist. Full information can be found on each of our therapist’s bio pages.
Depending on the provider and the needs of the client, we can offer both in-person and virtual appointments.
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed specifically for children to help them express and process their emotions through play. It can support children who are dealing with challenges such as anxiety, trauma, behavioral problems, and difficulties with social skills. By engaging in play-based activities, children are able to communicate their feelings, develop coping skills, and work through complex emotions in a safe, supportive environment. Play therapy can help your child build emotional resilience, improve self-esteem, and foster better relationships with peers and family members.
Play therapy may be right for your child if they are struggling with emotional regulation, behavioral issues, anxiety, trauma, or difficulty relating to others. If your child has trouble expressing their feelings, acts out in frustration, or seems withdrawn and anxious, play therapy can provide a developmentally appropriate way for them to process these emotions. It’s especially helpful for children who find it difficult to communicate their thoughts and feelings verbally.
During a typical play therapy session, your child will engage in structured and unstructured play activities under the guidance of a trained therapist. The therapist may use toys, art materials, sand trays, or storytelling to help your child express their emotions. Sessions are designed to feel safe and comfortable, allowing your child to explore their feelings and challenges through play. Over time, the therapist will help your child develop healthy coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. Play therapists also connect with school and other medical providers to best advocate and support the child. Parental involvement is extremely encouraged and requested as your child goes through play therapy. Play therapists will work with parents to help them understand their child’s needs and how to support them effectively.
The length of therapy varies depending on the needs of your child. Some children may benefit from therapy over a few months, while others may need longer-term support. Typically, children attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions, and the duration is adjusted based on progress and individual circumstances. Regular check-ins with parents help track progress and ensure that the therapy is meeting your child’s goals.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. The content of the sessions is kept private between your child and the therapist, with the exception of cases where there are concerns about safety or legal requirements. While maintaining confidentiality, the therapist will also keep you informed about general progress and any significant areas of concern so that you can support your child’s development at home.