Trauma & Play Therapy
Trauma & Play Therapy for Children, Adolescents & Families
Specialized, developmentally appropriate trauma care led by clinical expertise.
At Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling, trauma treatment is not an add-on - it is the foundation of our work.
Founded and led by Natalie, trauma-informed therapist, play therapy specialist, and clinical supervisor, Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling provides highly specialized care for children, adolescents, adults and families impacted by trauma, emotional dysregulation, attachment disruptions, and overwhelming life experiences.
Our trauma and play therapy services integrate neuroscience, attachment theory, nervous system regulation, and evidence-based trauma treatment to create a deeply attuned and developmentally responsive healing environment.
WHY PLAY THERAPY FOR TRAUMA?
Children experience and store trauma differently than adults.
Because children's primary language is play, not words, traditional talk therapy often fails to reach the emotional and neurological layers where trauma is held.
Play therapy allows children to:
- Process traumatic experiences safely
- Regulate their nervous systems
- Restore emotional safety
- Express emotions symbolically
- Rebuild trust and attachment
- Develop health coping and relational skills
Through carefully selected therapeutic play interventions, children are able to process experiences that feel too overwhelming, confusing, or unsafe to verbalized.
OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH
Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling utilizes an integrative trauma model that includes:
- Play Therapy - developmentally appropriate emotional processing
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) - trauma memory integration
- TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) - structured trauma processing
- Attachment-Based Therapy - relational repair and safety building
- Nervous System Regulation - sensory and somatic stabilization
This approach ensures therapy is safe, paced, and responsive to each child's emotional capacity and developmental needs.
COMMON CONCERNS WE TREAT
- Trauma & abuse
- Neglect
- Attachment disruptions
- Foster care & adoption
- Anxiety & emotional dysregulation
- Behavioral challenges
- ADHD & sensory processing differences
- Grief & loss
- Medical trauma
- Family separation or divorce
THE ILLUMINATE DIFFERENCE
Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling was created to offer something deeper, safer, and more clinically grounded than traditional therapy models.
Our work is:
Trauma-Informed
Every interaction is guided by nervous system awareness, safety, and emotional attunement.
Developmentally Focused
We meet children exactly where they are - emotionally, neurologically, and relationally.
Attachment-Centered
Healing happens in relationship. Parent support and family involvement are central to our model.
Clinically Led
Our work is guided by advanced training, supervision, and specialized trauma education.
PARENT & CAREGIVER INVOLVEMENT
Parents and caregivers are a vital part of the healing process.
We provide:
- Parent consultation
- Trauma-informed parenting education
- Attachment support
- Behavioral regulation strategies
- Family sessions when clinically appropriate
Our goal is to help caregivers understand their child's emotional world and build safety, connection, and regulation at home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your child's therapy journey will be:
- Gentle
- Structured
- Trauma-sensitive
- Strength-based
- Individually tailored
Healing is not rushed. We honor each child's pace, capacity, and story.
WHO WE SERVE
- Children (3+)
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Families
- Caregivers
READY TO BEGIN?
If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or relationally, specialized trauma and play therapy can make a meaningful difference.
Schedule a Consultation →
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