Does this sound like your child?
You’ve reassured them a hundred times. You’ve tried calming strategies, deep breaths, even rewards. But no matter what you do, the worries keep coming back. Your child seems stuck in fear, avoiding new situations, clinging to you, or melting down when things feel overwhelming.
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It’s Not Just “Being Sensitive.”
Kids and teens with anxiety often struggle with:
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Constant worries or endless “what if” questions
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Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
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Stomachaches, headaches, or other body complaints
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Difficulty separating from parents
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Avoiding school, social events, or new activities
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Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
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Meltdowns when routines change
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Feeling misunderstood or called “dramatic”
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These challenges are rooted in the amygdala, not in weakness or attention seeking.
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Many children and teens with anxiety also have incredible empathy, creativity, and thoughtfulness, but their strengths can get buried under worry and avoidance because the world isn’t built to support their unique brains.
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Whether your child is clinging to you at drop-off, avoiding situations that feel “too much,” or melting down when change comes suddenly, anxiety can leave families feeling stuck. You’re not a “bad parent”. Your child isn’t “too dramatic”. They need support that’s grounded in neuroscience and built around how their brain experiences the world.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens With Anxiety Thrive
Anxiety doesn't always look like worry, it often shows up as irritability, meltdowns, or "being moody". Therapy helps kids learn to manage the feelings that are going on beneath the surface.
At PlayWorks, therapy is tailored for anxious minds. We use developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approaches to help kids and teens with anxiety:
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Build calming strategies that actually work in the moment
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Learn tools for managing worries and “what if” thoughts
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Practice bravery in small, safe steps to reduce avoidance
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Strengthen friendships and ease social anxiety
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Rebuild confidence and reduce shame
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No long lectures. No judgment. Just real tools for real kids!
Play therapy consistently reduces anxiety in children, helping them express fears, build coping skills, and feel understood in a natural, engaging way.
- A 2021 review of Play Therapy research by Setyowati & Pandin
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Anxiety?
When the fear center (amygdala) takes over, the thinking part of the brain (prefrontal cortex) can’t step in. Play therapy strengthens this connection, helping kids feel calmer and more in control.
When kids are anxious, their brains go into alarm mode. Talking about fears directly can feel overwhelming, or even shut them down. Play offers a different pathway.
Through play, children can:
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Express fears safely: toys, art, and stories give kids distance from overwhelming emotions.
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Regulate their bodies: movement and imaginative play naturally calm the nervous system.
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Practice courage: role play and games let kids rehearse facing fears in bite-sized, safe ways.
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Build mastery: success in play carries over into real-life situations, increasing confidence.
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Play isn’t “just for fun”, it’s how children learn best. That’s why at PlayWorks, therapy is play-based, neuroscience-informed, and designed to help anxious kids thrive.
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks
for Anxiety Support
We’re neuroscience-informed
Our therapists stay up to date with the latest brain research and use it to guide interventions that actually work for Anxiety.
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We make therapy playful and effective
From puppet shows to Pokémon, every session is tailored to your child’s age, interests, and needs, so they feel engaged, not embarrassed.
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We support YOU too
We offer parent check-ins, progress feedback, and practical strategies you can use at home (without adding to your plate).
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just reduce “symptoms”, we support emotional growth, identity development, and resilience for a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
We know that parenting a child with anxiety can feel exhausting. We also know that therapy can feel like one more thing on your plate.​ At PlayWorks, therapy is kid-first, family-focused, and actually fun; Plus, it works!
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Together, we’ll help your child build calm, confidence, and the skills to thrive at home, school, and in life.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.