Where play is taken seriously

Hi, I’m glad
you’re here! I’m Amanda Serio.

Welcome to Serious About Play - a safe, compassionate, and playful approach to mental health. I’m Amanda Serio (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. I love helping children and teens navigate stressors in their life using the language they relate
to best - play!

  • MISSION

    My mission is to empower children and provide families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to handle any big feeling or situation that may arise.

  • PARENTS

    Parents are an integral part of the process. No one knows your child better than you. Through play therapy, parents learn techniques to better support their child.

  • GOALS

    I am committed to providing a safe environment where your child will acquire confidence, and the coping skills necessary to explore their feelings.

  • CHANGE

    Play therapy is a powerful tool that creates positive change in behaviors and attitudes contributing to improved emotional wellness.

  • “Remember, no matter the problem, kindness is always the right response. When your child is having a problem, stop, listen, then respond to the need, not the behavior. The behavior can be addressed later, after the need has been met, because only then is the door to effective communication truly open.”

    — L.R. Knost

More about Amanda

Education: Masters of Education in Counseling from University of Missouri-St. Louis

Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, National Certified Counselor

Professional Affiliations: Association for Play Therapy

Experience: More than eight years of experience working with children and teens in both school settings and private practice

Fun Fact: I am a picky eater. I don’t like cheese unless it is melted. I understand and sympathize with kids who are picky eaters, sometimes it is just a texture thing.

  • Ages 3-12

  • Struggling in the classroom with behavior or poor grades

  • Easily overwhelmed or sensitive to dysregulation from loud noises or bright lights

  • Described as neurodivergent with trouble paying attention or struggling to control impulsive behaviors

  • Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

I WORK BEST WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE…

  • Suffering from separation anxiety, social anxiety, perfectionism, or panic attacks

  • Struggling to accept mistakes

  • Experiencing low self confidence

  • Recovering from a traumatic event or going through a major life trauma

  • Having difficulty navigating social situations

  • Quick to anger or have big reactions to little problems