Business Details
11 Years
experience
Child Therapy Services in Athens, GA
Growth Therapy was founded in 2015 as a dedicated space for child and adolescent counseling in Athens, Georgia. Our practice specializes in play therapy and family-centered approaches to address behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges. With over 15 years of clinical experience, our lead therapist has worked extensively with children affected by anxiety, family transitions, and trauma. We prioritize parental involvement as a core component of successful therapy outcomes, offering tools and strategies for home application. Our services include individual counseling, family sessions, parent coaching, and specialized consultations.As co-founders of the Athens Center for Counseling and Play Therapy, we maintain a collaborative environment for child-focused mental health professionals. Our practice combines evidence-based methodologies with creative therapeutic techniques tailored to each child's unique needs. We emphasize confidentiality while maintaining transparent communication with caregivers throughout the therapeutic process. Our team actively contributes to professional development through training programs and community education initiatives.
Services
Individual Counseling
Family Therapy
Parent Coaching
Play Therapy
Consultations
Supervision
Court Testimony
E-Courses
Speaking Engagements
Writing Services
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized experience in child mental health
- Our practice emphasizes parent involvement as key agents of change
- We provide registered play therapy supervision and training programs
- Our team includes the only Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in Athens
- We offer expert witness services in child mental health and abuse cases
Associations and certifications
- Association for Play Therapy
Services
Individual Counseling
Specialized one-on-one therapy sessions for children aged 2 and older using play-based techniques. Our approach addresses emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and developmental concerns through age-appropriate interventions. Sessions focus on building coping skills and fostering emotional growth in a safe, supportive environment.
Family Therapy
Structured sessions involving family members to address relational dynamics and systemic challenges. We help families develop communication strategies and resolve conflicts through interactive therapeutic activities. This service supports collective healing while respecting individual boundaries and confidentiality needs.
Play Therapy
Evidence-based therapeutic approach using play to help children express emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Sessions incorporate art, games, and imaginative activities tailored to developmental stages. Our registered play therapists guide children through processing experiences and building emotional resilience through structured play activities.
Parent Coaching
Guidance for parents navigating behavioral and developmental challenges in children. We provide practical strategies for home implementation and help interpret children's behavioral communication. This service empowers caregivers to reinforce therapeutic progress through everyday interactions and consistent support approaches.
Court Testimony
Expert witness services for legal proceedings involving child mental health matters. Our testimony addresses therapeutic observations and clinical insights while maintaining ethical boundaries. We provide factual documentation and professional perspectives on child development issues relevant to court cases involving minors.
People
Leigh Ellen
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with 15+ years of experience in child mental health. Graduated from University of Georgia with MSW in 2005. Former crisis counselor for child victims of crime and founder of Athens Center for Counseling and Play Therapy.
Questions
What is play therapy and how does it work?
Play therapy uses structured play activities to help children express emotions and develop coping skills. Our registered therapists use age-appropriate techniques like art, games, and storytelling to address emotional and behavioral challenges through natural child communication methods.
How are parents involved in the therapy process?
Parents participate through collaborative sessions, home strategy implementation, and regular progress updates. We offer parent coaching and family therapy sessions to reinforce therapeutic goals while maintaining appropriate confidentiality boundaries with child clients.
What ages do you work with?
We provide services for children starting at age 2 through adolescence. Our play therapy techniques are adapted to each child's developmental stage, with specialized approaches for different age groups and specific behavioral or emotional needs.
Do you accept insurance?
Clients are responsible for payment at time of service. We provide documentation for potential insurance reimbursement. No shows and late cancellations incur full session fees as insurance cannot be billed for missed appointments.
What types of issues do you address?
We specialize in anxiety, family transitions, trauma recovery, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties. Our experience includes working with children affected by crime victimization and those needing support through academic or social adjustments.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Complete our online contact form to request an appointment. We'll provide portal access for paperwork and schedule your session. For urgent scheduling needs within 48 hours, contact us directly via phone or email.
