helps children and families
navigate trauma, anxiety, depression and life’s challenges through the healing power of play.
Through play, children can express emotions, work through difficult experiences and build confidence in a space designed just for them.
Amanda Baird, LCSW, RPT, QS
Amanda Baird
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Qualified Supervisor (QS)
I serve children, teens and families in the Tampa Bay, Florida area through Exhilarate Mental Wellness. I created this practice to give children a space designed just for them. A place where they can feel safe, supported and understood as they heal, grow and thrive.
When your child is struggling, you want someone who not only has the training to help but also feels like a relatable person who truly gets it. My approach is warm, collaborative and practical by helping children and families move through big feelings, tough situations and everyday challenges.
Foxworth’s a brave, calm, curious and kind fox friend who helps make the playroom feel welcoming, safe and fun. He’s here to help children feel more comfortable when starting therapy and to remind them that it’s okay to take their time, be themselves and grow at their own pace. Foxworth helps bring a little extra warmth, playfulness and encouragement to the therapy journey.
Ab-so-lutely! This Foxworth miniature serves as a comfort object during therapy sessions. It’s also an exclusive toy we manufacture that isn’t available online or in stores!
Accessories include
For rolling wildly into new adventures. A slot on the back seat perfectly fits his fox tail.
For those important moments when a regular fox just isn’t fancy enough. Perfectly slots onto his left ear.
For joining new friends on the wellness journey ahead. Slips onto his existing brown shoes.
For when Foxworth's lookin' cute, feelin' cute. Small divots on Foxworth's head snap them in place. Comes with a backup set.
Tiny aviator shades? Foxworth's gonna' love the way he looks, we guarantee it. Small divots on Foxworth's head snap them in place. Comes with a backup set.
For throwing, playing and proving therapy can be fun. A hole on the bottom means kids can balance it on his ear.
A tiny backdrop for big adventures and even bigger imaginations.
A research-inspired toy companion
Children often form meaningful connections with familiar objects that bring comfort and a sense of security. Psychology researcher Richard H. Passman explored how attachment objects, also known as comfort objects, can help children feel more at ease during unfamiliar experiences.
Kids can use Foxworth as part of their initial experience in the playroom and then take their own Foxworth keepsake home at no extra cost. This is available exclusively for our clients and isn’t sold or offered to anyone else. For online therapy (telehealth) clients, shipping starts after the intake session. Since we manufacture these ourselves here in Tampa Bay, they’re available when supplies allow. (Choking hazard: Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)
to our therapy journey
support healing, growth and connection. From the first conversation to the final celebration of progress, therapy is a thoughtful process designed to help children and families feel supported every step of the way.
Let's Talk
Discovery
Playtime
Growth
Graduation
approaches to creative healing
services offer support for children, teens and families.
From early childhood through the teen years, therapy is tailored to meet each child and family where they are while supporting healing, connection and growth.
Articles
How to Help a Teen With Body Image Issues
Your teen stands in front of the mirror and pulls at their shirt. They change clothes three times before school, refuse to be in pictures or stop wearing things they used to love. You tell them they look beautiful or
When Are Tantrums Not Normal? 7 Signs to Look For
Tantrums can be loud, exhausting, and deeply personal, especially when your child seems to save the biggest ones for you. Most tantrums are part of growing up, but some are signals that a child needs more support than patience and
See what's on our
Bookshelves
A curated
Exhilarate Mental Wellness
collection for children, parents and clinicians.
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions
by
Anna Llenas
Breathe Like A Bear
by
Kira Willey
your journey to wellness.
I’d love to meet you and your kiddo. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel stiff, scary or like everyone suddenly has to speak in perfect grown-up therapy language. I offer a warm, playful and supportive space where children can feel safe being themselves, parents can feel heard and families can begin moving toward more connection. If you’re ready to take that first step, you can request a free 15-minute consultation and we can talk about what support may be the right fit for your child and family.
