The Marriage & Family Institute
Play Therapy in Columbus, OH
Play therapy to help children who are acting out, shutting down, or struggling with emotions they can’t put into words. In-person sessions in Columbus and online across Ohio.
Ease Anxiety Through Play
Help Them Manage Big Feelings
Build Emotional Awareness & Communication Skills
It shouldn’t be so hard…
…to understand what your child is going through when they can’t explain it themselves.
…to find support that goes beyond lectures, rewards, or time-outs.
…to help your child manage big emotions without daily meltdowns.
…to feel hopeful when nothing else seems to be working.
When kids struggle to express themselves, it often shows up as anxiety, outbursts, or withdrawal. As a parent, it can feel overwhelming not knowing where the behavior is coming from or how to help.
Play Therapy in Columbus & Across Ohio
What Is Play Therapy And How Can It Help?
When a child is struggling with big feelings, behavioral outbursts, or emotional overwhelm, it’s not always easy to get to the root of what’s going on. They may not have the words yet or be too afraid or confused to use them.
Play therapy for kids offers a gentle, effective, and non-intimidating path forward. By meeting children where they are—through play—we help them explore, process, and heal from difficult experiences. Whether it’s anxiety, trauma, grief, or behavioral issues, child-centered play therapy in Columbus, OH, creates a safe space where children feel supported, empowered, and more in control of their inner world.
And while it’s most commonly used with children, play therapy for adults can also be a powerful tool for healing when words fall short—particularly in the context of trauma, grief, or emotional blocks. No matter the age, the benefits of play therapy include improved emotional awareness, healthier coping, and stronger connections.
Play Therapy Can Help With:
- Anxiety and worry
- Behavioral outbursts and emotional meltdowns
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- ADHD and Autism-related challenges
- Anger and frustration
- Adoption and attachment concerns
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Social struggles and peer conflict
Play Therapy in Columbus, OH, helps children express what they can’t always say with words—giving them a safe space to process big emotions, work through difficult experiences, and build the skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and in relationships.
Play Therapy in Columbus & Across Ohio
How Play Therapy Can Help
If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or stuck in patterns of frustration and outbursts, play therapy in Columbus, OH, offers a compassionate and developmentally appropriate path toward healing and growth. Through a variety of types of play therapy, your child is given space to explore their feelings, build skills, and grow in a way that feels safe and natural.
Build Emotional Awareness
Children often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling—but their behavior speaks volumes. Child-centered play therapy in Columbus, OH, helps kids safely explore their inner world so they can begin to recognize and understand their emotions. This awareness lays the foundation for meaningful change.
Support Healthy Expression
When emotions feel too big or confusing, kids may shut down or act out. Play therapy in Columbus, OH, creates a safe space where children can express themselves through creative activities, helping them feel seen, heard, and validated—without the pressure to “talk it out” before they’re ready.
Turn Big Feelings Into Coping Skills
Whether it’s anxiety, grief, anger, or trauma, play therapy for kids offers tools to manage hard emotions. Through guided play, children practice calming techniques, problem-solving, and emotional regulation—skills they can use long after the session ends.
Strengthen Relationships & Connection
One of the benefits of play therapy is that it often strengthens the parent-child bond. As children grow in their emotional regulation and communication skills, families report fewer power struggles and more connection, cooperation, and closeness.
Reduce Anxiety & Emotional Outbursts
When kids learn how to identify and express their feelings in healthy ways, overwhelming emotions like anxiety and frustration become easier to manage. With consistent support, many families begin to notice fewer outbursts and a greater sense of calm and confidence.
Process Grief, Trauma, & Life Transitions
Sometimes, words just aren’t enough. Whether your child is navigating a loss, a difficult transition, or past trauma, different types of play therapy—like SandPlay or expressive art—can help them process and heal in ways that feel approachable and deeply effective.
Get started today!
Book an appointment or free consultation online or contact us directly.
Why Us
The Marriage & Family Institute
We understand that while we can't change the difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and overcome the challenges you face today.
With decades of combined experience, we take an integrative, compassionate, and genuine approach to therapy, rooted in the philosophy that all parts of the human person need to be addressed to bring long-lasting and substantial change. We believe in a holistic therapy approach that considers all aspects of your experience — psychological, spiritual, and physical to help you heal from trauma, improve relationships, and live a fulfilling life.
At The Marriage & Family Institute, our mission is to strengthen individuals and families by promoting healthy relationships, building resilience, and fostering secure attachments. We provide evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive services to help couples, individuals, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve a fulfilling life together.
Together, we support you in creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Compassionate
We create a safe and respectful environment that allows space for deep healing and transformation.
Integrative
We address intergenerational trauma in addition to your psychological, spiritual, & physical well-being to foster lasting change.
Authentic
We believe in being genuine and transparent with ourselves, colleagues, and clients, to support personal & relational growth.
Meet Our Team
Match With A Play Therapist
Our Approach
How Play Therapy Works
We Begin With Connection & Safety
The first step in Play Therapy in Columbus, OH, is helping your child feel safe, seen, and understood. Through creative and engaging play, we build a strong therapeutic relationship—one that allows your child to relax, open up, and begin their healing journey.
We Use Play to Understand Emotions
Children often express their inner world through toys, stories, art, and movement. As your child plays, we gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences—especially the ones they might not have the words for yet.
We Build Skills Through Creative Expression
In sessions, your child practices emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills in fun and age-appropriate ways. These skills help them feel more in control of their emotions and more confident in daily life.
We Support Growth at Every Stage
Every child’s path is unique. As they grow and their needs evolve, we adjust our approach to meet them where they are—always guided by curiosity, compassion, and respect for their pace.
Through Play Therapy in Columbus, OH, we follow your child’s lead—creating a safe space where they can express big feelings, work through challenges, and begin to heal in ways that feel natural.
Play Therapy in Columbus & Across Ohio
Common Questions About Play Therapy
Does play therapy have the same effect as talk therapy?
Yes! While it may look like simple play on the surface, Play Therapy is a research-supported therapeutic approach. A trained therapist carefully selects activities that are developmentally appropriate and intentionally designed to help children express emotions, build skills, and work through difficult experiences in a safe and engaging way..
How do you know what my child needs if they can’t talk about it?
Absolutely. While sessions may feel like fun and games, Play Therapy in Columbus, OH, helps children develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and healthy communication. These are real-life tools that children carry with them into school, home, and relationships.
How long does Play Therapy take to work?
Every child is different, but many families begin to notice positive changes after 6–8 sessions. Some children may benefit from longer-term support depending on the complexity of their emotional needs and life experiences. Your therapist will collaborate with you to evaluate progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Can Play Therapy help older children, teens, or adults?
Yes. While traditionally used with children ages 3–12, Play Therapy techniques—especially SandPlay and expressive arts—can be incredibly helpful for teens and even adults. These approaches allow clients of all ages to explore and express deep emotions in non-verbal, symbolic, and creative ways, especially when talking feels too overwhelming.
How do play therapy sessions work?
Play Therapy sessions in Columbus, OH, typically last between 45–50 minutes and are tailored to your child’s age, needs, and personality. In the first few sessions, the therapist focuses on building trust and helping your child feel safe and comfortable in the space. This might look like free play, storytelling, art, or using a sand tray—activities that feel natural and enjoyable for your child.
As the relationship develops, the therapist uses specific play-based techniques to help your child explore their emotions, practice coping skills, and work through challenges in a way that feels accessible and non-threatening. While it may seem like “just play,” each activity is thoughtfully chosen to support emotional growth, problem-solving, and self-expression.
Parents are often involved outside the session through regular check-ins, updates, and collaboration—so you’re supported, too, every step of the way.
Play Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio
Positive Outcomes Of Play Therapy
Play Therapy in Columbus, OH, offers children—and even teens and adults—a safe, supportive space to process emotions, develop skills, and build a stronger sense of self. While every child’s journey is unique, many families begin to notice meaningful changes over time, including:
- A clearer understanding of emotions and how to express them
- Fewer behavioral outbursts and emotional meltdowns
- Greater confidence and improved self-esteem
- Healthier communication and stronger social skills
- Healing from grief, trauma, or challenging life events
- Increased emotional resilience and coping strategies
- Improved sleep, focus, and overall sense of calm
The Marriage & Family Institute
How To Get Started
*Free 15-minute consultations
*For fastest response, please use the contact form.
Locations
- German Village: 855 S. Wall St. Columbus, OH 43206
- Worthington: 6797 North High St. Suite 203 Worthington, OH 43085
- Grove City: 2684 Columbus St, Grove City, OH 43123 (Telehealth)
- Online therapy sessions are available across Ohio.
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Play Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio
The Marriage & Family Institute
Helping kids feel seen, supported, and safe—one playful step at a time.