Play Therapy in Cape Girardeau – Helping Children Thrive Through Play
Great Oak Counseling specializes in play therapy for children in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Our highly skilled and compassionate counselors help children express themselves through play—an essential method for understanding emotions, behavior, and experiences. Inspired by the Great Oak tree—a symbol of courage, patience, and strength—we serve children, teens, adults, and couples who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and more.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to therapy that allows children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through play. Since many children lack the verbal skills to fully articulate emotions, play becomes their language. Our clinicians are certified through The Association for Play Therapy. Their credentialing process is rigorous and requires supervised experience, continuing education and ongoing training.
At Great Oak Counseling, we use specialized techniques to help children facing challenges like:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Behavioral problems
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Trauma or abuse
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Grief and loss
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ADHD and emotional dysregulation
Through guided play, our therapists observe and interact with the child to gain insight, build trust, and facilitate healing.
Our Spaces
Our dedicated play therapy room is designed to encourage creativity, emotional expression, and therapeutic connection. This room is fully equipped with toys and tools to help children explore their inner world in a safe and structured environment.
What to Expect in Session
Each journey begins with a comprehensive intake session where we gather essential information about your child’s needs and history. Afterward, your counselor will help discuss options for treatment and plan that works for you and your child.
Sessions typically involve:
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Freedom to engage with toys, art, or sand trays
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Observation of behaviors and emotional responses
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A trusting relationship between child and therapist
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Parental feedback and ongoing treatment planning
Our goal is to create a setting where your child feels seen, heard, and supported.
Meet Our Play Therapists:
Dr. Janice Ward, LPC, RPT-S, is a passionate and experienced counselor and registered play therapist supervisor (RPT-S) serving Southeast Missouri for over 20 years. Dr. Ward’s counseling approach blends Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused techniques to meet children where they are.
Rhonda Hughey, LPC, RPT, Registered Play Therapist, specializes in play therapy, child and teen counseling, and ADHD testing, using Person Centered and Reality/Solution Focused approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Rhonda has extensive experience treating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and relational issues in young clients. She continues advancing her expertise in play therapy, EMDR, and other evidence-based approaches to provide effective care for children and teens.
Also at Great Oak Counseling, these counselors are currently being supervised and working toward their Play Therapy Certification.
Sierra Elliott-Cotton, Counselor-in-Training
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Play therapy for ADHD, trauma, and anxiety
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Counseling for mood and personality disorders
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Educational evaluations for learning disabilities
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Crisis intervention and support for grief and self-harm
Whether working in schools, clinics, or now at Great Oak Counseling, Dr. Ward brings warmth, experience, and deep clinical knowledge to every child therapy session.
Ready to Start?
If you think your child could benefit from our services, we’re here to help.
Call us today at (573) 271-2008
Email: info@greatoakcounseling.com
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Serving Jackson, Sikeston, Perryville, Carbondale, and the surrounding Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois areas.
Play therapy can help your child build emotional resilience and thrive. Contact Great Oak Counseling to schedule an appointment or learn more about our therapy services.
We look forward to growing with you!
