Feeding Therapy at Puzzle Pieces
Mental Health Therapy at Puzzle Pieces
At Puzzle Pieces, mental health therapy is relationship-based, play-centered, and developmentally informed. Sessions are designed to meet your child exactly where they are, using play, conversation, co-regulation strategies, and collaboration with caregivers to support emotional, social, and behavioral growth. Therapy may include play-based activities that build connection and regulation, visual supports and games, movement breaks, caregiver guidance for supporting skills at home, and opportunities for children to practice communication, coping, and flexibility in a safe, supported space.
Relationship-Based Mental Health Therapy That Meets Your Child Where They Are
Our goal is always the same: to understand the “why” beneath behaviors and help children feel safe, confident, and connected. Mental health therapy can support challenges such as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, behavioral concerns, social difficulties, school stress, transitions, family changes, and struggles with self-esteem or peer relationships. We work alongside families to strengthen connection, reduce daily stress, and build skills that carry over into home, school, and community life.
What We Address
Big feelings that are hard to manage (anger, anxiety, sadness)
Social difficulties or friendship struggles
Behavioral challenges at home or school
Life transitions such as divorce, moves, new siblings, or grief
Trauma, stress, or overwhelming experiences
Difficulty expressing emotions or needs
Rigid thinking, sensory sensitivities, or shutdowns
Autism-related experiences such as sensory overload, difficulty navigating social expectations, or feeling misunderstood in school, community, or family settings
Self-esteem challenges related to ADHD, including feeling “different,” struggling with impulsivity, or experiencing frustration around attention and organization
Our Evaluation Process
Our evaluation process is thorough, family-centered, and developmentally informed. It typically includes:
Parent Intake Session
We begin by meeting with caregivers—without the child present—to understand concerns, developmental history, strengths, and goals.
Child Sessions
Your therapist meets with your child over one or more sessions to build rapport, observe play and communication, and understand how your child processes emotions and relationships.
Collaboration with Other Providers (if applicable)
With your consent, your therapist may connect with teachers, pediatricians, or other providers to gather a complete picture.
Feedback & Treatment Planning
We share our impressions and recommendations, answer questions, and create a tailored plan that supports your child’s growth.
What Makes the Puzzle Pieces Approach Different
Puzzle Pieces provides developmental, relationship-based, family-centered neurodiversity-affirming care. What sets us apart:
- DIRFloortime® foundation — We look beyond surface behaviors to understand what a child is communicating and what skills they’re ready to build next.
- Whole-child & whole-family focus — We see therapy as a partnership with caregivers, not a drop-off service.
- Highly trained therapists — Our clinicians specialize in child development, emotional regulation, and family systems.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration — Our mental health clinicians work closely with our SLPs and OTs to support the full picture of your child’s development. If your child receives other services at Puzzle Pieces, we actively collaborate across disciplines to ensure cohesive, coordinated care.
- Strength-based & affirming — We honor each child’s individual profile, identity, sensory needs, and communication style.
- Play-first therapy — Play drives connection, safety, and growth, especially for young children.
Families often tell us that Puzzle Pieces “feels different” — warmer, more collaborative, and more attuned to who their child is as a whole person
FAQ
You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Many families seek support when they notice:
- More intense emotions or meltdowns
- Increased anxiety, worries, or fears
- Sleep or school challenges
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Withdrawal, sadness, or loss of interest in activities
- Behavioral challenges that feel “bigger” than typical for their age
- Difficulty communicating needs
- Stressful family changes or transitions
- Feeling like parenting has become very hard, overwhelming, or confusing—even when you’re trying your best
If something feels “off,” or you’re wondering whether your child’s struggles are typical, a consultation can help you decide what level of support is right.
Puzzle Pieces serves children from toddlerhood through early adolescence. For mental health therapy, we currently accept new clients who are approximately 12 years old and younger. Because our approach is rooted in play, we are able to work effectively with very young children. Especially when there are developmental concerns—such as autism—there is no “too young” to start if you have questions or worries about your child’s development.
Every child’s journey is unique. Length of therapy depends on:
- Your child’s individual needs and goals
- Frequency of sessions
- The pace of skill development
- Your family’s preferences
Some families come for short-term support around a specific challenge, while others benefit from ongoing therapy grounded in relationship and developmental growth. Your therapist will regularly check in with you about progress and needs.
Yes—caregiver involvement is encouraged and highly valued.
Depending on your child’s age and goals, involvement may look like:
- Participating directly in sessions.
- Observing some sessions.
- Regular sessions with your therapist without your child present so you can freely express concerns.
We believe parents are the most important partners in a child’s therapeutic progress.
