Who we Are and What we Offer
If your child suffers from anxiety & depression, divorce/separation, or behavioral issues, y'all are not alone!
At HeartsPlay, we help the child & teen who's been struggling with divorce, behavioral issues, or emotion regulation by providing a safe spot to feel seen, heard, & accepted to create healthy change. Our sessions will prioritize trust in the therapeutic relationship to process life’s challenges, by the power of play! Oftentimes, children will feel like they’re just having fun. That’s the experience we prioritize they have! But actually, through their play, we are processing their life situations & learning coping skills. As counselors, we encourage our clients to openly share their challenges, & together, we carry the load until it's time to let go.
We use child-centered play therapy when working with kiddos. Play therapy provides a safe space for kids to express their inner struggles by using the language they know best: play. If play therapy isn't the right fit, we transition to creative counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy to help teens explore their feelings, thoughts, and deep beliefs & connect them to their behaviors.
If you're ready to empower your child's journey, navigate life's challenges, and provide them with the support they need, please reach out to us. We are here to assist your family in initiating this transformative process! We look forward to speaking with you!
Meet the Founder
I’m Dr. Amaris Molina, founder of HeartsPlay. I started this center because I believe children and teens deserve a safe, trusting place to explore feelings, rebuild resilience, and grow into their healthiest selves. My path to founding HeartsPlay began with years of clinical practice, training in play therapy techniques, and a deep commitment to family-centered care. I’ve seen how therapeutic play unlocks expression and healing for young people who might not find words for their pain or stress.
I have a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UTSA and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education from Sam Houston State University. My training and experience include specialized certifications in play therapy, child and adolescent counseling, and family systems work. I’ve worked in community mental health clinics, non-profit organizations, and private practice settings, treating a wide range of concerns: anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, grief and loss, autism spectrum differences, and life after divorce. These experiences taught me that effective therapy for young kiddos must be flexible, developmentally appropriate, culturally respectful, and accessible to families.
At HeartsPlay, our approach centers on play as the primary language of childhood. We combine evidence-based modalities—such as Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral strategies adapted for kids—with compassionate, individualized care. We partner with parents and caregivers through coaching, family sessions, and practical tools so therapeutic gains extend into daily life.
I founded HeartsPlay to make high-quality, affordable play therapy available in San Antonio. Accessibility matters: families should not have to choose between financial stability and their child’s mental health. We prioritize clear communication, coordinated care with schools and pediatricians when appropriate, and sliding-fee options to reduce barriers to services.
Beyond clinical work, I am committed to training and mentoring the next generation of play therapists and supporting community education about children’s mental health. I regularly consult with schools, parent groups, and local organizations to promote early intervention and reduce stigma.
My promise to families who come through our doors is straightforward: we will listen first, meet your child where they are, and work collaboratively with your family to set realistic, measurable goals. Healing through play is not a quick fix, but it is a powerful, evidence-informed path toward lasting change. At HeartsPlay, helping hearts heal through the power of play is more than a tagline—it’s the foundation of every interaction we have with children, teens, and the families who love them.
I look forward to meeting your family and walking alongside you on the journey toward greater well-being.
