A space for kids to Play, heal & grow
Helping children thrive, one playful step at a time
About Play Therapy of the Pines
Our Mission
At Play Therapy of the Pines, we are dedicated to providing compassionate counseling services to children and families struggling with mental health and life issues. We believe in empowering children to make their own choices, take responsibility, and assert their autonomy by engaging in an accepting, safe, and trusting therapeutic relationship. We strive to be with and for our clients so that they can heal and grow through play!
Our Approach
At Play Therapy of the Pines, our licensed clinicians use proven child-centered and play based techniques and interventions to help clients express their emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate through life's challenges so that they can heal and grow into the best version of themselves.
Our Team
Our team is made up of licensed clinical mental health counselors and licensed clinical social workers who specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, gender identity, relationship issues, and many more. We are dedicated to providing individualized care to each of our clients, and are committed to ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.
Our Locations
Meet Our Clinicians - Southern Pines
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Dr. Megan, the founder of Play Therapy of the Pines, has over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in working with military children and families.
Dr. Megan uses a variety of expressive interventions to include: sandplay therapy, art therapy, music therapy, Theraplay, TF-CBT, Internal Family Systems, clinical pediatric hypnotherapy and so much more!
Kayla Staples, LCSW, RPT, RST
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Kayla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience supporting children and families through trauma, loss, and major life transitions. She has a special passion for working with youth in foster care and brings a creative, trauma-informed approach to her work.
As a registered play and sand therapist, Kayla uses expressive and evidence-based methods like Sandtray, TF-CBT, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Synergetic Play Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs.
She has extensive experience with divorced and blended families, helping strengthen connections, improve communication, and build healthy coping strategies.
As a military spouse, Kayla understands the challenges of military life and offers a supportive space for military-connected families to process and heal.
Her style is warm, relational, and rooted in connection, curiosity, and empowerment.
Chelsea Carroll, LCMHC
Dr. Megan Numbers, PhD, LCMHC-QS, RPT-S
Jaycie Hester, MA, LCMHCA
Chelsea has over 14 years of experience in the mental health field. She has experience working in school based, residential, crisis intervention, and outpatient programs. She works with clients of all ages (including adults). She utilizes elements from a variety of theoretical approaches including CBT, Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems, Expressive Arts, Play Therapy, and more. She strives to create an affirming and supportive dynamic tailored to address each client’s unique symptoms, needs, and goals.
Jaycie Hester, MA, LCMHCA
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Jaycie Hester, MA, LCMHCA
Jaycie has several years of experience working with children and families and is passionate about supporting children’s emotional growth. She has worked extensively with neurodivergent children, as well as children navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Jaycie also has experience supporting military families and children. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches to include: play-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and expressive arts. Jaycie is committed to creating a warm, supportive, and empowering environment for the children and families she serves. She is starting her training toward become a registered play therapist and is excited to continue to learn and grow!
Amanda Bailey, LCMHC
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Amanda has four years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. She is trained in EMDR and passionate about helping clients heal from trauma, whether it stems from recent events or long-standing wounds. As a military spouse and daughter of a police officer, Amanda holds deep respect for veterans, service members, and first responders, and finds great meaning in working with this community.
Amanda believes therapy should be a place where people feel safe, seen, and empowered. Her approach is client-centered and adaptable, using a range of techniques including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, SFBT, animal-assisted therapy, and play therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. She is known for her direct, compassionate style and commitment to helping clients make progress without spending more time suffering than necessary. Her goal is to help you hit the ground running—toward relief, healing, and hope.
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Amanda Spanoudis - Office Manager
Amanda has always had a strong passion for building community, supporting families, and empowering children through literacy and play. As a military spouse, she’s had the opportunity to serve and support families in many different capacities. While stationed overseas, Amanda acted as the liaison between arriving families and military command to facilitate smooth transitions. She’s also taught English abroad and worked on the early literacy team at her local library, while devoting time to raising two children of her own. She looks forward to the continued opportunity to serve this community provided by Play Therapy of the Pines.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -Mr. Fred Rogers
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Nicole is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with 5 years of experience helping children reach their fullest potential through play-based, child-led interventions. With a strong belief in meeting children where they are, Nicole specializes in sensory integration, emotional regulation, and fine motor development.
She values strong partnerships with families and is passionate about empowering parents through education and collaboration. Her sessions are joyful, engaging, and rooted in the belief that therapy should be both meaningful and fun. Whether through sensory play, creative exploration, or skill-building activities, Nicole is committed to supporting each child’s unique journey.
Fennel - The Therapy Dog
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Fennel the Therapy Dog is a wonderful, furry addition to Play Therapy of the Pines! She is here to lend a paw and a wagging tail to support kiddos on their journey to healing and growth. Fennel helps Dr. Megan create a safe and welcoming environment, whether it's snuggling up for a moment of calm or playfully engaging in activities, she helps kiddos navigate their emotions and build resilience, making every session a little brighter and a lot more fun!
Wojo - The Therapy Dog
Nicole Gonzalez - Occupational Therapist
Wojo - The Therapy Dog
Wojo is a 7-year-old German Shepherd and an essential part of Amanda’s therapy team. Whether he’s lending a calming presence during EMDR sessions, offering a hug when words are hard to find, or just making you laugh with his expressive ears and silly antics, Wojo brings heart, safety, and warmth to the therapy space.
He’s always ready for a cuddle, a chest scratch, or to quietly sit nearby while you process what’s on your mind. Wojo helps both kids and adults feel grounded, supported, and a little less alone on their mental health journey—and he takes his role as your four-legged co-therapist very seriously (except when he’s napping on the job).
Meet Our Clinicians- Charlotte
Play Therapy of the Pines - Charlotte
Mrs. Cheyanne spent 1.5 years working with Dr. Megan and is now overseeing our new Charlotte location. She has 7 years of experience working with child and teen athletes in the sports psychology field and has now transitioned to working with all children on the mental health side. She specializes in working with children who are neurodivergent and who are experiencing life transitions. Cheyanne uses expressive techniques like sandtray therapy, art therapy, and TF-CBT.
Please contact Mrs. Cheyanne at cheyanne@playtherapyofthepines.com
Meet Our Clinicians - Virtual
Therapy of the Pines
In response to the evolving needs of our clients, Play Therapy of the Pines has opened a branch that offers telehealth counseling options for those who prefer remote sessions.
Our licensed counselors provide the same level of care and support through secure online platforms, making it convenient for clients to access services from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth allows for flexibility in scheduling while ensuring that you receive the professional guidance you need, regardless of your location in NC. Reach out to learn more about our telehealth services and provider, Nikki Cordova, LCMHC. Contact Nikki at nsetliff.therapyofthepines@gmail.com
Our services
Play Therapy Sessions
Our play therapy services at Play Therapy of the Pines are specifically tailored for children aged 3 and up. We understand that children often express themselves through play, and our registered play therapists use this medium to help them process emotions, develop social skills, and cope with difficult situations. Through play therapy, children can explore their feelings in a safe environment, leading to positive behavioral changes. We believe that every child has the potential to thrive, and we aim to support them in reaching that potential.
Family Therapy Sessions
At Play Therapy of the Pines, we recognize the importance of family dynamics in the emotional well-being of individuals. Our family counseling sessions are designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster healthier relationships among family members. We work collaboratively with families to identify issues and develop effective strategies for creating a harmonious home environment. By addressing family challenges together, we can strengthen bonds and promote understanding, ensuring that every family member feels heard and valued.
Trauma & Grief/Loss Therapy
If you've experienced trauma or grief/loss, it's important to seek help from a qualified therapist. Our clinicians are trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy (TF-IPT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Traumatic Grief to help you and your children work through trauma and grief/loss and develop healthy coping strategies.
Assessment & Evaluation
Our mental health assessments and evaluations provide a thorough understanding of emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs. Whether for children, adolescents, or adults, these evaluations are designed to identify underlying concerns, offer clarify and guide personalized treatment plans. With a compassionate and professional approach, our clinicians can assess a wide range of issues anxiety and depression, to ADHD and trauma, ensuring that each individual receives the care and support they need to thrive.
Play Therapy Supervision
Dr. Megan offers play therapy consultation and supervision to support aspiring play therapists in developing their play therapy careers. Whether you're seeking consultation on complex cases or fulfilling licensure or play therapy credential requirements, Dr. Megan's consultation and supervision services provide expert insight, constructive feedback, and mentorship. With a focus on ethical practice, professional growth, and client-centered play therapy, she helps you gain knowledge, understanding, and play therapy skills while also focusing on the highest standards of clinical excellence.
Telehealth Services
In response to the evolving needs of our clients, Play Therapy of the Pines offers telehealth counseling options for those who prefer remote sessions. Our licensed counselors provide the same level of care and support through secure online platforms, making it convenient for clients to access services from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth allows for flexibility in scheduling while ensuring that you receive the professional guidance you need, regardless of location. Reach out to learn more about our telehealth services and provider, Nikki Cordova, LCMHC.