About The Sandbox

West Virginia's Play Therapy Center

Blending play therapy and EMDR to support healing at every stage of development.

The Sandbox is West Virginia’s private practice dedicated exclusively to children and teens.

We specialize in evidence-based Play Therapy and EMDR, helping young people navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and other emotional challenges.

Our team of licensed therapists brings advanced training, experience, and a genuine commitment to supporting both children and their families. We focus on building trust, fostering growth, and collaborating with parents to ensure every child receives care tailored to their needs.

A colorful and cozy home office or playroom with a white round table holding a basket of small toys and plush toys nearby. The room features multicolored patterned cushions, a vibrant pink and yellow rug, and a window with small potted plants on the windowsill. A wooden bookshelf contains books, decorative objects, and a large plush purple monster doll. The walls are decorated with framed artwork, mirrors, and hanging plants. A whiteboard with colored markers is mounted on the wall, and a desk with office supplies and organizational trays is situated in the corner. A purple plush smiley face pillow is on the floor.

OUR STORY

Two women smiling at a social event, with colorful balloons in the background. One woman wears rainbow earrings and the other has curly hair, wearing a yellow blazer with a name tag that says 'Presenter'.

The Sandbox began as a shared dream to create a special place dedicated to kids and teens in West Virginia.

After several years working together at The Counseling Nook, it became increasingly clear that there was a growing need in our community for therapy that thoughtfully supports children, teens, and their parents. Families were searching for specialized care, and we knew there was an opportunity to create something intentional.

In 2025, the building beside The Counseling Nook became available for sale and we immediately recognized the opportunity to bring this vision to life. With a space of our own, we could design an environment specifically for kids and teens, built from the ground up with their needs in mind.

The Sandbox was created to be more than just a therapy office.

It’s a place designed to feel welcoming, comfortable, safe, and hopeful from the moment families walk through the door.

Our hope is that when children and families enter The Sandbox, they feel supported, understood, and confident that they are in a space created just for them.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Carly and Stephanie’s journey began at West Virginia University, where they graduated together with their Master’s degrees in Social Work. Years later, their paths crossed again in 2023 when Stephanie joined The Counseling Nook, just as the group practice was beginning to grow.

Working together again quickly revealed a shared vision.

Both Carly and Stephanie felt passionate about supporting children, teens, and families—and they began dreaming about creating a space intentionally designed just for them. A space where therapists could specialize in working with kids, and where children could feel comfortable, safe, and understood from the moment they walked in.

As they continued working with families in the community, they quickly recognized a growing need for therapists who not only work with children, but truly specialize in it and feel passionate about doing so.