Therapy through play

At Playful Pathways, healing begins through play. Founded by licensed mental health therapist Emilee Greenman, the private therapeutic practice at 800 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 210, Birmingham, is dedicated to helping children, teens, and families navigate emotional challenges using the power of play therapy — a specialized form of counseling that allows young people to express themselves through creativity and imagination. “It’s really hard for kids to sit down in a chair, look an adult in the eye, and talk about their feelings,” says Greenman. “Children live a lot on the right side of the brain—that’s where the imaginative and artistic side thrives. So, we do a lot of imaginative play.” Through the use of toys, games, art, music, and storytelling, Playful Pathways helps children and teens process experiences, build coping skills, and foster emotional resilience in a safe, supportive environment. The practice addresses a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, grief and loss, ADHD, and family transitions such as divorce or separation. Greenman brings both academic excellence and hands-on experience to her work. After earning her undergraduate degree from Oakland University and her Master’s degree from Michigan State University, she spent six years working in diverse settings with children, adolescents, and families—an experience she credits as foundational to her development as a therapist. A dedicated member of the Michigan Association for Play Therapy, Greenman continues to advance her expertise through doctoral-level supervision in play therapy, underscoring her commitment to professional growth and clinical excellence.

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