Brainspotting and Play Therapy for Children and Teens
Trauma-informed care for children age 2 and up, in Brandon and online across Florida
Children often can't explain what hurts. They show it instead, through big reactions, sleep troubles, worry, or pulling away. Talking alone doesn't always reach what's going on underneath.
Brainspotting and play therapy give children another way to heal. Both work with the body and the brain, so children can process hard experiences at a pace that feels safe.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a therapy that uses where a person looks to help the brain find and process stored stress and trauma. It is gentle and doesn't require a child to retell every detail of what happened. Many children and teens find it easier than talk therapy.
Maxine is a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner and uses it with children, teens and parents.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play is how children make sense of their world. In play therapy, toys, art and games become the language for feelings a child can't yet put into words. Maxine is certified in play therapy and uses it to help children build confidence, calm and trust.
Children We Often Help
- Children who have experienced trauma, loss, foster care or adoption
- Kids with intense anger, meltdowns or anxiety
- Children who struggle to trust or attach to caregivers
- Neurodivergent children, including autistic children
- Teens dealing with stress, identity questions or past hurt
Parents Are Part of the Work
Your child's healing grows fastest when home feels safe too. Maxine includes parents in the process, sharing simple tools based on TBRI and Polyvagal Theory that you can use every day.
About Maxine
Maxine Golden, RMFTI, has over 25 years of experience with foster, adoptive and court-involved families. She holds certifications in Brainspotting, play therapy and somatic therapy, and is a Certified Autism Disorder Clinical Specialist. She is a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Florida.
Where and How
In person at our Brandon office, serving Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Online sessions are available anywhere in Florida. We do not bill insurance, but we accept Step Up For Students scholarships and can provide a superbill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
Maxine works with children from age 2 and up, including teens and their parents.
Does Brainspotting work online?
Yes. Brainspotting can be done in online sessions, and many clients find it works well from home.
How many sessions will my child need?
Every child is different. Maxine will talk with you about goals and progress along the way.
Help your child feel safe in their body again. Book a consultation or call (813) 545-9505.