Welcoming children ages 3-17 for after school appointments
Nathalie is a former preschool teacher in the process of earning her masters degree in counseling at Grandview University. She will be seeing clients for free during her internship Monday-Friday 2-6 pm. She will begin accepting BCBS in June 2026.
To set up an appointment email her directly at Nathalie@mvillhauerlmhc.com.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a specialized approach that recognizes that, for a child, "play is their talk and toys are their words." Instead of requiring a child to sit on a couch and explain their feelings—which is developmentally difficult for young minds—a play therapist uses a structured environment where the child feels safe to express themselves through dolls, art, sand, or storytelling. This process allows them to "play out" their internal stresses, helping them make sense of complex experiences and process trauma in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.
Beyond just emotional expression, play therapy equips your child with practical life skills that improve their daily well-being. As they navigate different scenarios in the playroom, they learn how to regulate their emotions, develop better problem-solving strategies, and improve their social skills. You may notice your child becoming more confident, less anxious, and more communicative at home. Ultimately, play therapy strengthens the bond between you and your child by providing them with a healthy outlet to resolve inner conflicts, leading to more resilient behavior and a happier family dynamic.