In-Person and Virtual Play Therapy in Colorado
Play Therapy for Children, Adolescents, Adults & Families
At Illuminate, trauma treatment is not an add-on, it’s the foundation of our work.
Founded and led by Natalie Hanks, trauma-informed therapist, play therapy specialist, and clinical supervisor.
We provide highly specialized care for children, adolescents, adults and families impacted by trauma, emotional dysregulation, attachment disruptions, and overwhelming life experiences.
Through trauma and play therapy for children, we integrate neuroscience, attachment theory, nervous system regulation, and evidence-based trauma treatment to create a deeply attuned and developmentally responsive healing environment.
Why Play Therapy for Children?
Children experience and store trauma differently than adults.
Because children's primary language is play, not words, traditional talk therapy often fails to reach the emotional and neurological layers where trauma is held.
Play therapy allows children to:
Process traumatic experiences safely
Regulate their nervous systems
Restore emotional safety
Express emotions symbolically
Rebuild trust and attachment
Develop health coping and relational skills
Through carefully selected therapeutic play interventions, children are able to process experiences that feel too overwhelming, confusing, or unsafe to verbalized.
Healing Through Safe, Creative Expression
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Healing Through Safe, Creative Expression ✨
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
We utilize an integrative trauma model that includes:
Play Therapy - developmentally appropriate emotional processing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) - trauma memory integration
TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) - structured trauma processing
Attachment-Based Therapy - relational repair and safety building
Nervous System Regulation - sensory and somatic stabilization
This approach ensures therapy is safe, paced, and responsive to each child's emotional capacity and developmental needs.
How Play Therapy Can Help
Common concerns we treat:
Trauma, abuse, neglect
Attachment disruptions
Foster care & adoption
Anxiety & emotional dysregulation
Behavioral challenges
ADHD & sensory processing differences
Grief & loss
Medical trauma
Family separation or divorce
Who Play Therapy is For
Children (3+)
Adolescents
Adults
Parents
Caregivers
Families
Parent & Caregiver Involvement
Parents and caregivers are a vital part of the healing process. That’s why we provide:
Parent consultation
Trauma-informed parenting education
Attachment support
Behavioral regulation strategies
Family sessions when clinically appropriate
Our goal is to help caregivers understand their child's emotional world and build safety, connection, and regulation at home.
If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or relationally, specialized trauma therapy and play therapy can make a meaningful difference.
What to Expect During Play Therapy
Your child's therapy journey will be:
Gentle
Structured
Trauma-sensitive
Strength-based
Individually tailored
Healing is not rushed. We honor each child's pace, capacity, and story.
How Illuminate is Different
Trauma-Informed
Every interaction is guided by nervous system awareness, safety, and emotional attunement.
Developmentally Focused
We meet children exactly where they are - emotionally, neurologically, and relationally.
Attachment-Centered
Healing happens in relationship. Parent support and family involvement are central to our model.
Clinically Led
Our work is guided by advanced training, supervision, and specialized trauma education.
Begin the Healing Journey with Compassionate Play Therapy
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you gently through scheduling your child’s initial session. We offer flexible appointments, including virtual options, to meet your family’s needs. From your first contact, you’ll find a steady presence ready to bring light and hope into your child’s healing process.