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Helping Big Feelings Find Calm –
Through the Power of Art, Play, and Connection.
Specialized behavioral health services for children navigating behavioral challenges, anxiety, ADHD, defiance, emotional overwhelm and, more.
Where Big Feelings
Become Brighter Futures
At Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center®, we believe every child’s emotions are pathways to growth, connection, and creativity. Our mental health therapy center offers a safe and nurturing space where children explore their inner worlds through play, art, and movement. Grounded in depth psychology, expressive arts therapy, and neuroscience-informed care, we help children transform overwhelming feelings into confidence, resilience, and self-understanding. Whether your child struggles with anxiety, emotional regulation, attachment, or behavioral challenges, our integrative approach supports healing from the inside out—turning big feelings into brighter futures for children and families alike.
Our compassionate and highly trained providers bring over 45 years of combined experience in children’s mental health, using creative, evidence-based, and developmentally informed approaches to support each child’s unique needs.
Therapy at Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center
Therapy at Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center
Where Big Feelings Become Brighter Futures
Gentle, evidence-informed care for children and families
Gentle, evidence-informed care for children and families
At Rocky Mountain Art & Play Center, we help children transform overwhelm into skills and confidence—one playful, meaningful session at a time. Our team brings over 45 years of combined experience supporting kids with anxiety, ADHD, ODD, attachment challenges, school stress, disability-related needs, and big emotions. We blend Play Therapy with expressive arts, Montessori-informed strategies, and depth-psychology wisdom to meet each child exactly where they are.
What is Play Therapy?
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of psychotherapy for children. Through toys, stories, sand, art, movement, and imagination, kids express what words can’t yet hold. In the safety of the playroom, they practice problem-solving, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and healthy communication—skills they can bring home and to school.
Why play?
Because play is a child’s natural language. In play, the nervous system softens, curiosity awakens, and new patterns take root.
Who We Help
Who We Help
We provide individualized sessions for children experiencing:
Anxiety, separation anxiety, and worries about school or peers
ADHD, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and focus challenges
ODD, defiance, meltdowns, and emotional dysregulation
Attachment-related struggles, grief, and big life transitions
Disability-related challenges and sensory needs
Mood concerns, low confidence, and social skills delays
Ages typically served: toddlers through pre-teens (and teens as appropriate). Parent coaching is available for all ages.
How Our Play Therapy Works
How Our Play Therapy Works
1) Thoughtful Intake & Assessment
1) Thoughtful Intake & Assessment
We begin with a parent consultation to understand strengths, concerns, history, and goals. When helpful, we offer Assessment & Identification to clarify learning, attention, social-emotional, and sensory profiles—so care plans truly fit your child.
2) Individual Play Sessions
2) Individual Play Sessions
Children meet with a dedicated clinician in a warm, well-equipped play space (sandtray, art, stories, building, movement). Sessions focus on regulation, expression, and practicing new behaviors safely.
3) Parent Collaboration
3) Parent Collaboration
You’re the most important person in your child’s growth. We provide coaching, home strategies, and school-friendly tools so progress sticks beyond the playroom.
4) Review & Refine
4) Review & Refine
We set clear goals, track wins, and adjust supports as your child grows. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why.
Our Integrated Approach
Our Integrated Approach
Every child is unique. We craft a personalized blend of:
Child-Centered Play Therapy & Sandplay
Choice, safety, and symbolic play allow children to express experiences that may be difficult to put into words while building confidence and emotional resilience.
Expressive Arts & Movement Therapy
Drawing, storytelling, music, and movement help children process emotions, release stress, and rehearse healthy coping strategies.
Attachment-Based & Relational Work
Guided interactions help children and caregivers strengthen connection, practice repair after conflict, and build emotional safety in relationships.
Montessori-Informed Structure
Predictable routines, hands-on materials, and independence-building activities help children feel competent, capable, and secure.
Depth Psychology & Imaginal Approaches
Using metaphor, symbolism, and storytelling children explore their inner emotional world through imagination and play and through a symbolic emotional mapping system as a way to work with feelings they have.
Polyvagal-Informed Nervous System
Regulation Body-based tools such as breathing, rhythm, sensory grounding, and bilateral movement help calm the nervous system and support emotional regulation.
Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Skills
Children learn practical tools for noticing thoughts and feelings, calming their bodies, and responding to challenges in healthy ways.
CBT, DBT & ACT-Informed Coping Skills
Evidence-based strategies help children develop flexible thinking, distress tolerance, problem-solving skills, and values-based decision making.
Parent Coaching & Family Support
Parents learn practical strategies to support emotional regulation, strengthen connection, and reinforce skills at home.
Goals Kids Work Toward
Goals Kids Work Toward
Name feelings and needs
Use “calm-down” tools before a meltdown
Wait, take turns, and handle “no” without losing control
Repair after conflict (apologize, rebuild trust)
Ask for help and advocate at school
Grow confidence, resilience, and self-compassion
Why Families Choose Us
Why Families Choose Us
Whole-child lens: Behavior is communication; we listen to what’s underneath.
Creative, developmentally smart: Play and arts meet kids where they learn best.
Parent partnership: Practical tools you can use the same day.
Experienced team: 45+ years combined in children’s mental health.
Trauma-aware & neurodiversity-affirming: Safety, dignity, and strengths first.
Aligned with home & school: We collaborate with your village.
What a First Month Can Look Like
What a First Month Can Look Like
Week 1: Parent consult + gentle child intake play session
Week 2: Regulation and relationship-building through play
Week 3: Targeted skill practice (transitions, frustration tolerance, repair)
Week 4: Parent coaching + progress check + home plan refresh
What To Expect
What To Expect
Characteristics Parents Often See as a Result of Therapy with Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center®
Characteristics Parents Often See as a Result of Therapy with Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center®
Greater Empathy: Your child may become more attuned to the feelings of others, showing increased understanding and compassion in their interactions.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: As children recognize their strengths and progress, you may notice a boost in their confidence and self-worth.
More Effective Problem-Solving Skills: Your child might start approaching challenges with a more solution-focused mindset, applying critical thinking to find resolutions.
Increased Resilience: Look for signs of your child bouncing back from setbacks more easily, demonstrating persistence in the face of difficulties.
Stronger Peer Relationships: You may observe improved friendships and social interactions as your child learns to connect more effectively with peers.
Willingness to Take Responsibility: Your child might begin to take ownership of their actions, acknowledging mistakes and learning from them without fear of judgment.
Greater Independence: You may see your child making decisions and solving problems on their own, showcasing their growing autonomy.
Enhanced Focus and Attention: As emotional challenges decrease, your child may exhibit improved concentration, leading to better performance in academic settings.
Positive Coping Strategies: Instead of resorting to negative behaviors, your child may adopt healthier ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
Decreased Anxiety: You might notice a reduction in anxious behaviors, with your child approaching new situations with more confidence and calmness.
Healthier Boundaries: Your child may begin to understand and respect personal boundaries, both for themselves and others, leading to more balanced relationships.
Curiosity and Openness: You may see your child exhibiting a greater willingness to explore new ideas and experiences, showing a desire for growth and learning.
Positive Attitude Toward Challenges: Your child may develop a more optimistic outlook, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Better Stress Management: You might notice your child employing effective techniques to handle stress, such as deep breathing or talking through their feelings.
Improved Academic Engagement: Your child may show a renewed interest in schoolwork, participating more actively and taking pride in their accomplishments.
Increased Initiative: Your child may begin to take the lead in group activities or family discussions, showing confidence in their opinions and ideas.
Heightened Sense of Responsibility: You might see your child taking on age-appropriate chores or tasks, contributing to the family and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Greater Emotional Vocabulary: Your child may expand their emotional vocabulary, allowing them to express a wider range of feelings accurately.
Enhanced Creativity: Engaging in therapy can stimulate creative expression, leading your child to explore new artistic or imaginative outlets.
Ability to Reflect: Your child may develop the ability to reflect on their actions and emotions, fostering self-awareness and growth.
Social Awareness: You might observe your child becoming more aware of social dynamics, understanding the impact of their actions on others.
Improved Impulse Control: Your child may show increased control over impulsive behaviors, leading to more thoughtful decision-making.
Ability to Set and Achieve Goals: Your child might begin to set personal goals, both big and small, and work diligently to achieve them.
Reduction in Perfectionism: You may notice a decrease in perfectionist tendencies, allowing your child to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
More Effective Conflict Resolution: Your child may learn to navigate conflicts with peers and family members more effectively, promoting healthier relationships.
Stronger Sense of Identity: Engaging in therapy can help children develop a clearer sense of who they are, including their values and aspirations.
Enhanced Gratitude: You might see your child expressing gratitude more frequently, recognizing the positive aspects of their life.
Increased Motivation: As therapy progresses, your child may exhibit a newfound motivation to pursue interests and hobbies they enjoy.
Through their transformative theraputic journey with Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center®, your child will not only gain essential skills but will also develop a stronger sense of self and the confidence to thrive in various aspects of life. Together, we can celebrate these milestones and continue to build a foundation for a successful future.
Tired of seeing your child struggle with explosive anger and emotional outbursts?
It can be heartbreaking to watch them go through such turmoil, not knowing how to help.
Imagine a world where your child is able to regulate their emotions and express without the destructive behavior. Sound too good to be true? It's not, not with us!
Psychological expressive emotional support for kids and families at Rocky Mountain Art and Play Center® is specialized care for children and families with anger (among other emotions) and emotional dysregulation issues.
We teach you to teach your child how to instill long-lasting life long skills and strategies that will enhance your child's life in the long-term.
Not only that but with parent coaching, you will also learn how to support your child more effectively, creating a harmonious home environment and a safe and supportive school environment that reduces the guilt and shame currently present.
This is a life-long improvement and transformation that is abundantly worth investing in.
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