Tampa Therapist Specializing in Play Therapy & Child Trauma Recovery
Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
With extensive training in play therapy and trauma-focused treatment, Lauren supports children, adolescents, and families navigating emotional challenges, behavioral struggles, and traumatic experiences through developmentally-appropriate approaches
About Lauren
Lauren has specialized experience working with children and adolescents across various mental health treatment settings. She is passionate about using play therapy to help young people process emotions, heal from trauma, and develop healthy coping skills. Lauren also supports parents in strengthening their relationship with their child and learning therapeutic strategies to use at home.
Credentials & Education
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) — Florida | License #MH22958
M.A. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida
Formal training in Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) from the University of Central Florida
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through the Medical University of South Carolina
Who Lauren Supports
Lauren works with:
Children navigating trauma — abuse, neglect, adverse childhood experiences, or family system stress
Kids and teens with behavioral challenges — impulse control, emotional outbursts, aggression, or defiance at home or school
Children experiencing anxiety and depression — worry, fear, low mood, or emotional overwhelm
Neurodivergent children — ADHD, autism spectrum differences, or other developmental considerations
Foster youth and their families — navigating placement changes, attachment wounds, or systemic complexit
Parents wanting guidance — learning how to support their child's emotions, behavior, and nervous system regulation through Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Tampa families appreciate Lauren's ability to connect with children in their natural language of play, while equipping parents with tools they can use at home.
Lauren’s Approach to Therapy
Lauren blends evidence-based modalities with a client-centered, trauma-informed approach. Her sessions are emotionally safe, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to each child's unique needs.
She focuses on:
Using play therapy and art therapy to access children's inner worlds and promote emotional growth
Processing trauma using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Supporting nervous system regulation through polyvagal-informed interventions and stress response awareness
Teaching parents therapeutic skills through Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Working with neurodivergent children in ways that honor their developmental differences
Lauren believes the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing and meets clients where they are with an eclectic, strength-based approach.
What Lauren Helps Clients With
Lauren supports Tampa children, adolescents, and families experiencing:
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Behavioral challenges at home or school
Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
Suicidal ideation and self-harm
Grief and loss
Foster care transitions and attachment wounds
Family conflict or parenting stress
Identity exploration for LGBTQIA+ youth
Lauren’s Background & Training
Lauren's professional experience includes:
Play therapy and art therapy with children across multiple treatment settings
Providing parent training through Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Her advanced training includes:
Ongoing work toward Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentialing
Training in polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation
Continued education in trauma-informed, strength-based, and developmentally-responsive care
A Message From Lauren
"Children communicate through play, and my job is to meet them in that space—helping them make sense of their emotions, experiences, and behaviors in ways that feel safe and natural. Whether you're a parent seeking support or a child navigating something difficult, therapy should feel like a place where you can show up exactly as you are."
Ready to work with Lauren?
We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Child Therapy
Do you offer in-person child therapy in Tampa?
Yes. Lauren provides therapy exclusively at IBW's Tampa office.
What age range do you work with?
Lauren works with children as young as 2.5 years old utilizing play therapy.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses play as a child’s natural form of communication. Through play, children can safely express emotions, process experiences, and learn coping skills they may not yet have words for. Lauren uses play therapy to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and help children feel more understood and secure.
Does Lauren work with foster families?
Yes. Lauren has extensive experience supporting foster youth and foster families. She helps children navigate trauma, attachment disruptions, and system-related stress while also supporting caregivers with tools to build trust, safety, and consistency at home.
Is Lauren experienced working with neurodivergent children?
Yes. Lauren specializes in working with neurodivergent children and adolescents, including those with autism spectrum differences and sensory processing challenges. Her approach is developmentally informed, strengths-based, and tailored to each child’s unique needs.
How do parents know if their child needs therapy?
Parents often seek child therapy when they notice big emotions, behavioral changes, anxiety, social struggles, or difficulty coping with transitions. Lauren works collaboratively with families to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and determine the best path forward.
What makes Lauren’s approach to child therapy different?
Lauren integrates play therapy, developmental psychology, and parent involvement to support lasting change—not just short-term behavior management. Her work focuses on helping children feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported while empowering parents along the way.
Locations Served
Lauren offers in-person therapy in Tampa and serves clients throughout:
Westshore
South Tampa
Hyde Park
Carrollwood
Town 'N' Country
Davis Islands
Seminole Heights