Play Therapy in Hickory, NC

Children often struggle to express their emotions through words alone. Play therapy provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can communicate their feelings, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping skills — all through the natural language of play.

At Guided Hope Family Counseling, play therapy is led by Meghan Adams, LCMHC, who specializes in working with children and adolescents. Meghan draws on Adlerian and client-centered play therapy approaches, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help young clients tap into their inner resilience and build confidence.

Play therapy is effective for children dealing with complex trauma, anxiety, behavioral challenges, life transitions such as divorce or moving, grief and loss, social difficulties, and self-esteem issues. Through carefully chosen activities — including art, sand tray, storytelling, and imaginative play — children are empowered to make sense of their world and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Meghan believes in meeting each child exactly where they are, creating an LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally sensitive space where healing can happen at its own pace. Parents and caregivers are also engaged in the process, receiving guidance on how to support their child's growth at home.