The Antidote® - A Better You

PLAY THERAPY

Houston, TX

At The Antidote® – A Better You, our dedicated play therapy room in Houston is intentionally designed to support emotional healing, healthy development, and connection. Led by licensed professionals, our child-centered therapy approach uses play as a powerful tool to help children express feelings, resolve challenges, and build resilience.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps children communicate through play—their most natural form of expression. Just as adults use talk therapy, children use toys and creative activities to process emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve behavior.

Children playing with colorful building blocks and a small rabbit figurine in a cozy indoor setting.

benefits of play therapy

  • Helps children express emotions naturally

    Play therapy allows children to communicate thoughts and feelings through toys, art, and creative activities—methods that feel more natural than verbal expression, especially for younger children.

  • Reduces anxiety and stress

    Through therapist-guided play, children can work through anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.

  • Addresses trauma and major life changes

    Licensed play therapists support children experiencing trauma, grief, PTSD, family transitions (such as divorce), or crisis situations by providing a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship.

  • Behavioral Concerns & Aggression

    Play therapy helps children safely express big emotions, learn impulse control, and practice healthier ways to respond to frustration, anger, and stress in a supportive environment.

  • Social and developmental delays

    Through therapist‑guided play, children build communication skills, emotional awareness, and confidence while practicing age‑appropriate social interactions at their own pace.

  • Autism and ADHD

    Play therapy supports children with autism and ADHD by strengthening emotional regulation, attention, flexibility, and social connection in ways that align with their unique developmental needs.

OUR PLAYROOM

Intentionally stocked with toys that promote emotional expression

Therapist-guided – fostering trust, co-regulation, and growth

Relationship-focused – healing happens through the therapist-child bond

Portrait of a woman with blonde hair wearing a blue dress, standing with one hand on her hip against a gray background.

LAUREN JAEHNE BURNS

MA, LPC, NCC, RPT (In Training), EMDR® Trained

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

  • National Certified Counselor (Board Certified)

  • Registered Play Therapy (RPT) In Training

  • EMDR® Trained

Works with:

Children (3-12 years old)

Teenagers (13+)

Young Adults (18-25 years old)