Therapy for Children and Teens in West Virginia
Helping children and teens heal, grow, and build confidence through play therapy and EMDR therapy.
A Safe Space for Kids
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A Trusted Partner for Parents
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A Safe Space for Kids ⚪ A Trusted Partner for Parents ⚪
Welcome to The Sandbox
West Virginia Play Therapy Center
When your child or teen is struggling, finding the right therapist matters.
At The Sandbox we prioritize building genuine connections with young people while supporting parents every step of the way. We provide a safe, private space where children and teens can be themselves while working through life’s challenges.
You might be noticing:
— Anxiety that won’t ease
— Big emotions or meltdowns
— Withdrawal or shutdown
— Intrusive thoughts or OCD patterns
— School struggles or social worries
— Changes after stressful experiences
And you may be wondering:
“How do I help my child?”
That’s where we come in.
We are a West Virginia practice created specifically for children and teens, blending Play Therapy, EMDR, and strong parent collaboration to support healing that lasts beyond the therapy room.
We don’t just work with kids.
We support families.
We support families.
When your child or teen is struggling, finding the right therapist matters.
❊ Who We Help ❊
Children (Elementary School Age)
Ages 4-10
Big emotions can feel overwhelming for young children. We commonly support children who are experiencing:
• Anxiety or separation worries
• Big emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings
• Behavioral changes at home or school
• Life transitions such as divorce, loss, or new environments
Preteens (Middle School Age)
Ages 11-13
Middle school years often bring social pressure, shifting identities, and growing emotional awareness.
We often help preteens with:
• Social anxiety or friendship challenges
• Low self-esteem or increased self-doubt
• Academic stress or school avoidance
• Mood changes and emotional overwhelm
Teens (High School Age)
Ages 14-18
Adolescence can feel intense and uncertain. We offer a confidential space where teens can explore their thoughts and emotions safely and honestly.
We support teens experiencing:
• Anxiety, depression, or persistent stress
• Trauma or difficult life experiences
• Relationship and identity concerns
• Academic or future-related pressure
Young Adults (After High School)
Ages 18-25
Early adulthood brings major transitions and new responsibilities. Therapy offers space for clarity, direction, and emotional growth.
We work with young adults navigating:
• Anxiety and life transitions
• Identity exploration and independence
• Relationship patterns and boundaries
• Trauma processing and healing
❊ Our Therapy Services ❊
EMDR Therapy
Evidence-based trauma treatment that helps children and teens process difficult experiences, reduce anxiety, and build lasting emotional resilience in a structured, supportive setting.
Group Therapy
Small, structured groups where children and teens build social skills, gain peer support, and practice coping strategies in a safe, guided environment.
Groups may focus on topics like social anxiety, building self-esteem, school transitions, navigating parent’s divorce, and much more.
Play Therapy
Developmentally appropriate therapy that uses creative, expressive techniques to help children and teens process emotions, navigate behavioral challenges, and work through life transitions.
Ready to Support Your Child?
If you're wondering whether therapy might help your child or teen, we're here to talk.
❊ Meet out Clinical Director ❊
Stephanie Majetich, LICSW, RPT, Certified EMDR Therapist
Helping children and teens feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges.
Stephanie Majetich has been supporting children and teens since 2013, with a deep passion for helping young people feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Her experience includes several years working as a therapist in the school system, where she witnessed firsthand how much children often carry quietly and how important it is for them to have a safe, supportive space to express themselves.
As a Registered Play Therapist and EMDR-certified therapist, Stephanie combines play therapy and EMDR to help children and teens process difficult experiences in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate.
As the founder of the Play Therapy Center at The Sandbox, she created a warm and welcoming space designed specifically for children and teens to explore their feelings, build resilience, and experience meaningful healing.
❊ Testimonials ❊
A Safe Space for Kids. A Trusted Partner for Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
“My son was starting high school and I was nervous because he’s really reserved. I’m really glad I took him here. He came out of his shell and even signed up for basketball. Couldn’t believe it. Best decision I ever made.”
— 15 year old boy, Father
“My father died, my daughter’s grandpa. Then there was a situation at school with some of her friends (gossiping and social media) but she really struggled with it all.
I was worried about her being anxious and starting to isolate. She would breakdown at night and then I really worried about self-harm and wanted to make sure she felt supported.
Stephanie was the perfect therapist for her, I’m so glad we found her! She helped ease my momma anxiety.”
— Teenage girl, Mom
“My son is 8 years old. He has always had big feelings but we thought it wasn’t a big deal.
He started to have trouble sleeping at night in his own room, which was a change. He also would get really upset and say things like ‘no one likes me’, that broke my heart and I knew I wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to make sure he’s okay and learning to regulate his emotions.”
— 8 year old boy, Parent
FAQs
Still have questions? That’s completely normal. Here are some answers that may help.
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Yes. Play therapy for a teen looks different than play therapy with a 5 year old. While Play Therapy is often associated with younger children, it can be highly effective for teens when tailored to their developmental needs. For teens, Play Therapy may incorporate creative activities, structured exercises, expressive arts, or experiential techniques that help them process emotions, manage anxiety, and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Our therapists adjust the approach for each teen to ensure it feels meaningful and respectful of their maturity.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that can help children and teens work through hard things, process traumatic events that might be stuck. Sometimes things happen in a child’s life that get “stuck”, EMDR therapy helps them overcome that so they are able to live life and not be held back from the bad thing that happened. EMDR can also help to improve self esteem and beliefs about themselves such as changing “I’m not good enough” to “I’m enough as I am.”
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Yes. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, PEIA (UMR), and PEAK. If you have an indurance we are out-of-network with, we can provide you with a superbill to try and get reimbursement through your insurance with out of network benefits.
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The duration varies depending on your child’s needs and goals. Some children benefit from short-term sessions, while others may continue therapy over several months. Progress is regularly reviewed with parents to ensure effective support.
All therapy begins with a parent intake with just you and the therapist. Sessions are all 55 minutes long and we can schedule appointments as frequently as needed.
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Some signs that therapy may be helpful include persistent anxiety, difficulty managing emotions, changes in behavior, struggles at school or with peers, traumatic experiences, or challenges navigating life transitions. Even if you’re unsure, reaching out for a consultation can help you understand your child’s needs and explore supportive options. Therapy isn’t only for crises, it can provide guidance, coping skills, and emotional support before challenges become overwhelming.
Wondering if Group therapy could help your child?
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed approaches and can help determine whether EMDR is the right fit.
