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Frequently Asked Questions
It's Okay to Have Questions
Reaching out for counseling is a big step, especially when it's for your child. Many parents come to me feeling uncertain about what to expect or wondering whether they're making the right decision.
These are some of the questions I hear most often. If you don't see yours here, I’m always happy to talk through your concerns during a free consultation.
Every child has difficult days, and every stage of development brings new challenges. Therapy may be worth considering when changes in your child's emotions, behavior, relationships, or daily routines begin affecting life at home, school, or with friends - or when your instincts tell you something doesn't feel quite right.
Many parents reach out after trying different approaches on their own. You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming before asking questions.Yes.
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling. Some express themselves through behavior, play, artwork, or changes in their routines instead. Part of therapy is creating a safe environment where children can communicate in ways that feel natural to them while we work together to better understand what they're experiencing.Not necessarily. There isn't a specific age when a child becomes "too old" or play therapy. Younger children often benefit from child-centered play therapy because play gives them a natural way to express thoughts and emotions they may not yet have words for. As children grow, therapy may incorporate more structured or directive approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depending on their developmental stage and individual needs.
I don't choose a therapy approach based on age alone. I consider your child's personality, experiences, goals, developmental needs, and the ways they communicate best. As therapy progresses and your child's needs change, the approach may evolve too.No. Every child is different, and no single approach is right for every child. While many younger children benefit from child-centered play therapy because it gives them a natural way to express thoughts and emotions, older children and teens may benefit from more structured approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or a combination of therapeutic techniques. As I get to know your child, I consider their age, developmental stage, personality, experiences, and goals before recommending an approach. As your child grows and their needs change, therapy may evolve as well.
My goal isn't to fit your child into a specific type of therapy. It's to find the approach that helps them feel safe, understood, and supported.Families seek therapy for many different reasons, including anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, trauma, grief, school concerns, life transitions, friendship difficulties, family changes, and more.
Sometimes parents know exactly what's happened. Sometimes they simply know their child doesn't seem like themselves. Both are good reasons to reach out.
The first appointment is just for parents or caregivers. This gives us time to talk openly about your concerns, your child's development, current challenges, family dynamics, and any important experiences without your child having to sit and listen to adults talk about them.
There's no pressure to have everything figured out before we meet. This first conversation gives me an opportunity to better understand what you're seeing, answer your questions, and begin thinking about how I can best support your child.
I'll meet with your child at the following session, where I can begin getting to know them and building a comfortable, trusting relationship at their own pace.Yes.
Children don't need to prepare for therapy or know exactly what to say. My role is to create a safe, welcoming environment where they can become comfortable at their own pace. I'll guide the process in a way that feels appropriate for your child's age, personality, and developmental stage.Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses play as a child's natural form of communication.
Rather than expecting children to explain complex emotions through conversation alone, play therapy allows them to safely express experiences, practice problem-solving, develop coping skills, and process difficult emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.Not necessarily.
Every child is different. Depending on your child's age, goals, and needs, therapy may include child-centered play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), parent coaching, or a combination of approaches.
Treatment is always individualized and may evolve as your child grows.Every child is unique, so there's no set timeline.
Some children benefit from short-term support around a specific challenge, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy depending on their needs and goals. We'll regularly review progress together and adjust the plan as your child grows.
In many situations, yes.
When parents share legal custody, it's generally best for both parents to function as a team and participate in the decision to begin therapy whenever possible. If you have questions about your family's specific circumstances, I’m happy to discuss them during your consultation.My practice is centered on helping children heal and supporting families as they work together.
When parents are involved in an active, high-conflict custody dispute, therapy can unintentionally become part of the legal process rather than remaining focused on the child's well-being. In those situations, I'll recommend providers who specialize in working with families navigating custody-related matters.Absolutely.
Parents are an important part of the therapeutic process. Throughout treatment, we'll regularly discuss your child's progress, answer questions, and provide practical strategies you can use at home to continue supporting your child between sessions.The best preparation is simply letting your child know they're coming to meet someone whose job is to help children with big feelings, worries, or difficult experiences.
There's no need to rehearse what they'll say or pressure them to talk. Every child adjusts at their own pace, and I'll meet them where they are. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where they can begin building trust and expressing themselves in ways that feel natural.Children need to know they have a safe place where they can express themselves honestly, which is an important part of building trust in therapy.
At the same time, I believe parents are an essential part of the therapeutic process. I'll regularly meet with you to discuss your child's progress, share observations, answer questions, and provide practical strategies you can use at home. If I ever have concerns about your child's safety or the safety of someone else, I'll discuss those with you right away.
The goal is to support both your child and your family while respecting the trust that's built during therapy. This balance between a child's need for a safe therapeutic space and meaningful parent involvement is a key part of effective play therapy.That's exactly why I offer a free consultation.
You don't have to make that decision alone. I’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine whether therapy is the right next step for your child. If another resource or provider would better meet your family's needs, I will tell you that too.
My office is located in Charlotte, NC, where I see families from Charlotte and surrounding communities. I'm also licensed in South Carolina and can provide virtual therapy to families in both North and South Carolina when it's an appropriate fit.
I am licensed to provide therapy in both North Carolina and South Carolina. My office is located in Charlotte, NC, where I see children and families in person. Depending on your child's age, needs, and circumstances, virtual therapy may also be available for families located in either state.
Yes, in certain situations.
Virtual therapy can be an effective option for older children and teens, parent consultations, or ongoing maintenance after therapeutic goals have been established. Because I am licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina, I can provide virtual therapy to clients located in either state when teletherapy is an appropriate fit.
During your consultation, we'll talk about your child's needs and determine whether in-person or virtual therapy is the best option.Yes, I am fluent in English and Spanish.
SOL Play Therapy & Counseling accepts:
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AETNA, including SHP and most commercial plans
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BlueCross and BlueShield: Blue Advantage, Blue Value, Blue Care, Classic Blue, Blue Options
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If you are submitting your own claims to your health insurance for reimbursement, the following codes are most commonly used:
National Provider Identification (NPI): 1619514098
CPT Codes
90791- Diagnostic Assessment
90837- 60min session
90834- 45min session
90846- Session with Family without client present (parent consultation)SOL Play Therapy & Counseling does not accept Medicaid.
If I’m not the right fit for your family because of insurance or financial considerations, I’m happy to discuss possible alternatives and help connect you with additional resources whenever possible. Every child deserves access to quality mental health support.Yes. Sliding scale availability is based on household income and current availability. Please contact me to learn more.
Continue Learning
If you'd like to continue learning after your visit here, the Association for Play Therapy Parents Corner offers trusted information, videos, and practical guidance for parents and caregivers.
