Play Therapy

Play Therapy & Children’s Services

At Deep Divers Counseling, we recognize that children experience and express their thoughts, emotions, and traumas in ways that are very different from adults. Our Play Therapy & Children’s Services are designed to meet children where they are using the language of play to help them heal, grow, and thrive

Why Play Therapy

Play is the natural form of communication for children. When words are hard to find due to trauma, anxiety, family changes, or developmental differences play becomes the safe space for expression, problem-solving, and emotional processing. Through structured, therapeutic play, children can explore their feelings, build confidence, and develop tools for coping with life’s challenges

Our Specialized Approaches:

  • Sandtray Therapy: A powerful expressive tool that allows children to create miniature worlds using figurines and sand, helping them process complex emotions and life events in a non-verbal way.

  • Sandplay Therapy: A Jungian-based, non-directive approach that taps into the unconscious mind and helps children access deep healing and transformation through symbolic expression.

  • AutPlay Therapy: Specifically tailored for neurodiverse children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and other developmental differences. This integrated model combines play and behavioral therapy to build social skills, emotional regulation, and family connection.

  • Art Therapy: Encourages children to express their inner world through drawing, painting, and creative exploration enhancing emotional insight, self-esteem, and communication.

What We Support

  • Anxiety and fears

  • Grief and loss

  • Divorce or family transitions

  • Attachment issues

  • Sensory and regulation challenges

  • Behavioral struggles

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • School-related stress

A Safe Space for Healing

Carmen provides a nurturing, non-judgmental environment rooted in client-centered and trauma-informed care. Each child is seen as the expert of their own experience, and therapy is paced to their comfort and developmental needs.

As a member of the Association for Play Therapy (National and Illinois Chapters), Carmen is dedicated to using research-based practices and ongoing professional development to provide the highest standard of care.