Supportive Child Anxiety Therapy Using Play and Collaboration Sterling VA

As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel heartbreaking. You may see them overwhelmed by worries, shutting down, or acting out, and despite your best efforts, it feels like nothing is working. You're not failing. Parenting an anxious child is incredibly hard, and asking for help is a powerful act of love.

Hi, I’m Nichole Venable, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Sterling, Virginia. I specialize in supportive child anxiety therapy using play and collaboration. I help children ages 6 to 12 feel seen, heard, and supported as they work through anxiety in a safe and engaging environment.

About Me and How I Work

I’m not just a therapist, I’m also a mom. I understand how important it is to feel like your child is in good hands. My approach is compassionate, playful, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I blend structured therapeutic techniques with child-led play to create a space where kids can truly be themselves while learning how to manage anxiety.

I’ve worked with children in schools, community programs, and private practice. I believe therapy should feel natural and collaborative, not intimidating. Whether we’re working with sand trays, drawing out emotions, or creating coping toolkits, everything we do is designed to meet your child where they are.

Does This Sound Familiar?

Your child often says they “can’t” or avoids new experiences because of fear.
Big emotions lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or behavior struggles at home or school.
You worry about your child’s self-esteem and how anxiety might be shaping how they see themselves.
You're not sure what to say when your child is spiraling, or how to make them feel safe.
You’re looking for a therapist who understands both child development and emotional wellness.

These challenges are common for families I work with, and you don’t have to face them alone. Together, we can equip your child with the tools they need to face life’s ups and downs with more confidence and calm.

What Play Therapy Looks Like

When your child begins therapy, we’ll start with a collaborative session involving you as the parent. This helps me learn about your child’s unique strengths, interests, and challenges. From there, your child and I will begin individual sessions that incorporate play-based methods, creativity, and age-appropriate skill-building strategies.

Therapy is not about “fixing” your child; it’s about helping them grow in emotional awareness and resilience. Using techniques rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), expressive arts, and child-centered play therapy, sessions might include:

Role-playing to practice social and emotional skills
Storytelling to reframe anxious thoughts
Drawing or games to explore emotions safely
Teaching coping tools like deep breathing or visualization

I also keep you involved through regular check-ins and parent collaboration sessions. You’ll never be left out of your child’s healing journey.

What Changes Can You Expect?

With time and consistency, families often begin to notice:

Your child becomes more emotionally expressive and less reactive
Improved self-confidence and greater independence
Fewer outbursts or shutdowns at home and school
More positive interactions with peers and adults
A calmer, more connected home environment

I work with families throughout the Sterling, VA area, offering a warm and welcoming space for your child to grow and heal. Whether your child has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or is simply struggling with daily stress, support is available, and it works.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Seeking therapy for your child is an act of strength and love. If you’re ready to explore supportive child anxiety therapy using play and collaboration in Sterling, VA, I’d be honored to help.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Let’s give your child the tools to thrive.