Kristin brings approximately 20 years of clinical experience to her work with children and families. She specializes in child-centered play therapy and incorporates cognitive behavioral approaches when appropriate, helping children ages 4–12 express feelings, work through challenges, and develop confidence.
Learn more about Kristin's approach and experienceChildren often experience emotions and challenges they aren't yet able to explain in words. Play therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that uses a child's natural language—play—to help them express feelings, process difficult experiences, develop emotional awareness, and find healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT), the national professional organization dedicated to advancing play therapy, describes it as "a way of being with the child that honors their unique developmental level."
Unlike ordinary playtime, play therapy is an intentional clinical process grounded in established psychological theories and a therapeutic relationship. Through imaginative play, toys, art, sand trays, and other forms of expression, children can explore emotions and experiences that may be difficult to communicate through talking alone.
According to the Association for Play Therapy, therapeutic play can help children express troubling experiences, develop problem-solving skills, improve emotional regulation, and discover healthier ways of relating to others.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) states that play therapy “should only be provided by licensed clinical mental health professionals” with extensive specialized education, training, and supervised experience in play therapy.
Working with children and being specially credentialed in play therapy are not the same thing. The Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) designation recognizes licensed mental health professionals who have met APT's rigorous standards for specialized education, supervised clinical experience, and demonstrated preparation in play therapy.
For parents choosing a therapist, this credential provides an important distinction: independently verified specialized training and experience in play therapy, beyond general experience working with children.
Emotional outbursts or frequent meltdowns
Difficulty calming down after frustration
Anxiety related to school, separation, or friendships
Sensitivity to mistakes or perceived criticism
Behavioral challenges at home or school
Trouble with focus, attention, or impulsivity
Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
Increased parent-child conflict
Beginning therapy for your child often comes with questions about what the process will look like and how you, as a parent, will be involved. While treatment is tailored to each child's needs, our approach emphasizes clear communication, collaboration, and a strong therapeutic relationship.
We begin by learning about your concerns, your child's developmental history, and the challenges your family is experiencing. This initial assessment helps Kristin better understand your child's circumstances, identify treatment goals, and determine how to approach therapy in a way that fits their individual needs.
Early sessions focus on helping your child feel comfortable with Kristin and the therapy environment. Children develop trust at different paces, and establishing a secure therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process. As that relationship develops, Kristin continues to assess your child's needs and adjusts treatment accordingly.
Parents are important partners in their child's progress. Throughout treatment, Kristin incorporates parent consultations to discuss progress, address emerging concerns, and consider ways to support your child outside of sessions. These conversations balance meaningful parental involvement with respect for your child's therapeutic privacy, helping everyone work toward shared treatment goals.
Kristin's approach is grounded in Child-Centered Play Therapy, a relationship-based model that respects each child's individuality, developmental needs, and natural pace. Rather than directing every activity or expecting children to respond in a particular way, she creates a therapeutic environment where children have the freedom to explore, express themselves, and develop greater confidence within a consistent, supportive relationship.
Her work incorporates a variety of expressive techniques, including sand tray therapy, art, imaginative play, and other creative activities. These methods provide opportunities to explore experiences, recognize emotional patterns, and work through challenges in ways that feel natural and accessible to children.
When clinically appropriate, Kristin also integrates developmentally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help children recognize connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop practical strategies for navigating difficult situations.
Throughout treatment, Kristin thoughtfully adapts her approach to each child's personality, developmental stage, and therapeutic needs—balancing the freedom of child-centered exploration with purposeful clinical care.
Kristin also incorporates canine-assisted play therapy with Tripp, her therapy dog.
When appropriate for the child and family, this can offer opportunities to practice connection, emotional awareness, empathy, and social skills within the therapeutic relationship.
— Garry L. Landreth, renowned play therapy researcher and author of Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.
— Fred Rogers, Child Development Advocate and Educator
At Insight Therapy Group in Sandy Springs, Registered Play Therapist™ Kristin Coggin, MEd, LPC, RPT™, works primarily with children ages 4–12. Play therapy is especially well-suited for children who may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings through traditional talk therapy. The appropriate treatment approach depends on each child's developmental needs and individual circumstances.
The length of play therapy varies depending on a child's needs, the concerns being addressed, and their progress throughout treatment. Some children benefit from shorter-term support, while others need more time to work through complex or ongoing challenges. Kristin regularly evaluates treatment goals and collaborates with parents to determine the appropriate course of therapy.
Yes. Insight Therapy Group offers a complimentary 10-minute consultation to help parents explore whether play therapy may be appropriate for their child. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss initial concerns, and learn more about working with Kristin before scheduling an initial appointment.
The first therapy appointment is an Intake Session. This is for parent(s) or guardian(s) only. This gives uninterrupted time for you and Kristin to discuss observations, concerns, and needs. It also allows Kristin to go more in depth in explaining her initial approach and thoughts about what she is hearing from you. From there, she develops a treatment plan as a flexible guideline to move forward in treatment. This will include developing treatment goals and desired outcomes for your child.
Play therapy may be eligible for out-of-network insurance reimbursement, depending on your specific health insurance plan. Insight Therapy Group is a private-pay, out-of-network psychotherapy practice in Sandy Springs. We provide superbills that families can submit to their insurance providers for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, deductible, and other policy requirements. Visit our Rates & Insurance page for more information.
Insight Therapy Group provides play therapy in Sandy Springs, serving families from Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Buckhead, and surrounding North Atlanta communities. Our office is conveniently located near the Central Perimeter area with easy access from GA-400 and I-285, making it accessible for busy families.