Sydney Sarfan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who provides play therapy and child-centered therapy for children, teens, and families in Charlotte, NC. She specializes in helping children express emotions, build coping skills, and feel understood through a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. Her approach is warm, relational, and strengths-based, with a strong focus on partnering with parents to support growth both in and outside of therapy.
At a Glance
- Specialty: Play therapy for children ages 4-13
- Credentials: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
- Training highlight: Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Additional training: Advanced training in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) and a certificate in play therapy
- Areas of focus: Anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, and technology addiction
- Works with: Children, teens, and families
Education and Training
Sydney earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has advanced training in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), a relationship-based approach that helps parents strengthen connection, communication, and emotional understanding with their child.
Sydney also holds a certificate in play therapy and has specialized training in developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches for children.
Play Therapy for Children Ages 4-13
Children do not always have the words to explain worry, anger, fear, sadness, or overwhelm. Play therapy gives them a natural way to communicate through toys, art, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Sydney uses play therapy to better understand a child’s inner world and help parents make sense of what may be happening beneath the behavior. For many children, play therapy can support emotional regulation, coping skills, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of safety in relationships.
Sydney’s Therapeutic Approach
Sydney believes relationship comes first. She takes time to build trust so children can engage at their own pace and feel empowered in the therapy space.
Her work is not about blaming children or parents. Instead, Sydney helps families understand the emotions and survival strategies behind behavior. She advocates for the child’s voice while also supporting parents with language, perspective, and tools they can use at home.
Parents are an important part of the process. Sydney values open communication with caregivers and works to help families feel less alone and more equipped to respond to their child’s needs.
Areas of Focus
Sydney supports children and families navigating concerns such as:
- Anxiety and worry
- Trauma and stressful life experiences
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Behavioral concerns at home or school
- Technology addiction and challenges with screen use
- ADHD-related emotional and executive functioning challenges
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Oppositional or defiant behaviors
- Mood-related challenges
How Sydney Supports Parents
Parents often reach out when they feel stuck. They may know their child is struggling, but they may not know what is driving the behavior or how to respond.
Sydney helps parents connect the dots between what they see at home or school and what may be happening emotionally for their child. Her goal is to help parents feel more confident, connected, and supported as they navigate challenges alongside their child.
What to Expect
The therapy process begins with understanding your child, your family, and the concerns that brought you in. Sydney works to create a calm, welcoming space where children feel comfortable and parents feel included.
In sessions, children may use play, art, imagination, and conversation depending on their age, needs, and comfort level. Sydney observes emerging themes and patterns, then helps families understand what those patterns may mean.
A Caring Next Step
If you're wondering how to best support your child through big emotions, behavior challenges, anxiety, or difficult transitions, therapy can provide a safe place to build understanding, coping skills, and confidence. Request an appointment to talk with our team about what support may be the best fit for your child and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of therapy that helps children communicate through play, creativity, and relationship. For many children, play is the most natural way to express feelings, work through experiences, and practice new coping skills.
What ages does Sydney Sarfan work with for play therapy?
Sydney specializes in play therapy for children ages 4-13. She also works with adolescents and families depending on the child’s needs and the goals for therapy.
How can play therapy help my child?
Play therapy may help children express emotions, build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, process stressful experiences, and feel more secure in relationships. The exact focus depends on the child and family.
Will parents be involved in the therapy process?
Yes. Sydney views parents as important partners. Parent involvement may include consultation, updates, support around patterns at home, and guidance for responding to your child in a way that supports connection and emotional growth.
Does Sydney work with technology addiction or screen-time concerns?
Yes. Sydney has specialized certification related to child and adolescent technology addiction. She supports families navigating screen-time conflicts, technology balance, emotional regulation challenges related to screens, and patterns that may affect daily functioning.
How do I know if my child needs play therapy?
Parents often reach out when a child’s emotions or behaviors feel too big to manage alone. Concerns may include anxiety, frequent meltdowns, withdrawal, trauma, school struggles, defiance, difficulty coping, or changes in behavior that leave parents unsure what to do next.
