Play Therapy
Helping Your Child Heal Through the Natural Language of Play
Healing Through the Language of Play
It's hard to watch your child struggle with big emotions they can't express. For children, the world can be confusing, and they often don't have the words to explain their anxiety, sadness, or anger. That's where play therapy comes in.
At Vannest Counseling, we use play—a child's natural language—to help them process difficult experiences, learn new coping skills, and build resilience. Our compassionate therapists create a safe, supportive space where your child can truly be themselves and begin their journey to healing.
Playrooms at Vannest Counseling
Our Approach:
Your Partner in Healing
At Vannest Counseling, we believe that you, the parent or guardian, are the most important person in your child's life. Our approach is collaborative.
While our therapist works one-on-one with your child, we also work closely with you. We provide regular consultations and support to help you understand your child's progress, learn new ways to reinforce positive skills at home, and strengthen your parent-child relationship. Your child's well-being is our shared goal.
Why Play?
The Power of Therapeutic Play
For adults, healing often comes from talking. For children, healing comes from playing.
Play is the natural way children learn to understand their world, process their experiences, and communicate feelings they don't yet have the words for. In a play therapy session, our therapists use specially selected toys, games, and art to help children:
Express and process complex emotions safely.
Develop and practice new, positive coping skills.
Build problem-solving abilities and resilience.
Heal from trauma or stressful life events.
Improve communication and build self-esteem.Bullet List 1
Play therapy is not just "play time." It is a structured, evidence-based, and highly effective therapeutic approach led by a trained therapist.
Meet Our Play Therapists
Laura Hoskisson
LPC, NCC & SCL
I’m Laura, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with training in Play Therapy. I hold additional credentials as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a School Counselor (SCL). I am passionate about helping children and adolescents gain the emotional and social skills needed to navigate life’s experiences. I believe in the transformative power of Play Therapy. Using play therapy techniques such as art, sand tray, books, pretend, and creativity, I help children to express themselves, explore their emotions, and process events in a safe and nurturing environment.
Additionally, I am passionate about helping adults and children cope with the life changes and emotional challenges that come with divorce. Experiencing my own divorce inspired me to help others and their children through one of life’s most difficult transitions. As each person’s experience is unique, I use a client-centered approach that allows me to mold my counseling services to the specific needs of the individual. I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients to process emotions, gain clarity, rebuild their confidence, and heal during and after their divorce.
Christa Mott
LLPC & EMDR Trained
Christa is here to support you on life's journey with empathy and respect, fostering a safe and validating space. Christa will join you in exploring your authentic self, strengths, and challenges, working towards your goals, and nurturing self-worth and compassion.
Tailored to your unique needs, Christa offers an integrative counseling approach rooted in trust and encouragement. Using person-centered, strength-based, EMDR, and DBT techniques, Christa will help you build coping skills in a supportive environment.
Christa specializes in supporting diverse populations, including those navigating perinatal, pregnancy, postpartum, children, and youth experiences. With a compassionate and professional approach, Christa is dedicated to helping individuals and families through life transitions and mental health challenges. Whether addressing self-esteem issues, parental mental health, or coping with anxiety and depression, Christa is here to provide the guidance and support you need to foster resilience and well-being at every stage of life.
Dr. Jason Vannest
CEO & Clinical Director
PhD, LPC, LPC-S, RPT, NCC & SCL
Dr. Jason Vannest is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to the well-being of children and families. His journey in mental health began in the early 2000s, uniquely positioning him not only as a clinical therapist but also as a former classroom teacher and school counselor. This firsthand experience in schools and community settings provides him with a deep, practical understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioral challenges children face today.
Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, accessible mental healthcare for young people, Dr. Vannest founded Vannest Counseling to provide a compassionate and evidence-based support system for children and families.
As a play therapist, Dr. Vannest specializes in using play—a child's natural language—to help them process complex emotions, heal from difficult experiences, and build confidence. He focuses on the relational struggles between children and their parents, working one-on-one with young people to help them feel more comfortable navigating life's struggles. As a university professor, researcher, and author, he integrates the latest research into his practice, ensuring that the most effective, evidence-based interventions support your child's healing journey.
Your Child's Journey Toward a
Better Life Starts Here
Anxiety, worries, and phobias
Child feels more confident and engages more with life.
Struggling from trauma, abuse, or neglect
Encourages feelings of safety, build resilience, and learn to trust again.
Difficulties with family changes like divorce
Lets children safely process, express, and adapt to family changes.
ADHD and focus-related issues
Allow the child to thrive with better focus, confidence, and social success.
Adjusting to school or social pressures
Build confidence, social skills, and greater emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience do your Play Therapists have?
All of our Play Therapists are either Registered Play Therapists (RPT) or have specialized training in Play Therapy techniques.
Do you accept my insurance?
Vannest Consulting accepts the following insurance providers: Meridian, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Complete, United, Priority, Aetna, and Medicare. If you don't see your provider on this list, please give us a call!
What if I don't have insurance?
Not a problem! We offer reasonable rates for individuals, couples, and families that are not covered by insurance.
Can I get a free consultation?
Absolutely! We'd love to meet with you and your child on a consultation basis. This allows you both to meet your prospective Play Therapist, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how Play Therapy can help.
What People Say
about Vannest Counseling
“The Vannest Counseling Supervisors created a trusting, inclusive, and supportive environment that allowed me to feel comfortable sharing challenges, questions and concerns I had while developing as a counselor. I was able to learn and grow as a counselor and a person during my time in supervision.”
Gregorio Cognetto
"Dr. Vannest asked thought provoking questions and provided actionable, ethical and reliable advice while also engaging and utilizing the experience and perspectives of the group.
Participating in Vannest Counseling group supervision was the best decision I have ever made!"
Samantha
MA School Counselor, LPC
"If I had to choose one thing I loved the most, it would be how attentive the Supervisors were. Whether I needed something during session or out of session they listen closely and helped. The Vannest Counseling Supervisors are amazing!
Their advice was informative, constructive, and ethical."
Vashon
Start Your Child's Journey Today
You don't have to navigate these challenges alone. If you feel your child could benefit from a safe space to express themselves and heal, we are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team. We'll answer your questions and help you find the best path forward for your child and your family.
Find Us
1955 W Hamlin Rd Suite 201
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Monday-Friday 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Vannest Counseling. All Rights Reserved.