Play-based studio · North Phoenix · Since 2009
Some things are too big for words.
Your child isn’t broken. They’re still finding the words. Here, they play it out with a guide who gets them, and learn they can handle it.
Before you leave, we’ll share what we noticed. No more guessing.
What we did today ♥
Wrote his “I can’t” thoughts on paper, dropped them in a bowl of kindness water, and practiced new ones.
At home: when he says “I can’t,” try “You can’t yet. What could we try first?”
Example of the note parents get
- Pick a time that worksOnline, in about a minute. Nothing is charged to hold it.
- Fifty minutes, at their paceStuffed animals, role-play, games and art. They act out the hard stuff and practice new endings.
- You’re in it togetherBefore you leave, we share what we noticed and one thing to try at home. Same guide, every other week.
We’ll match your child in 30 seconds.
Tell us their age, what’s going on, and when your week has room. We only suggest a guide who fits and has that time open.
The people who’ll get to know your child
Six extraordinary guides. Every one of them chose this work because they love watching kids surprise themselves.
Families come to us when their child…
- Feels things deeply and intensely
- Gets stuck, overwhelmed, or hard on themselves
- Has plenty to say at home and nothing at school
- Thinks, feels, or communicates a little differently
- Is going through a hard season at home or at school
- Could use one steady adult outside home and school
You noticed something. That isn’t overreacting. That’s knowing your child.
What ArtPlay is — and isn't
ArtPlay is
- A studio where kids build confidence and their own voice
- With a guide who gets to know your child
- A place with no wrong answers
- Practical — they learn to speak up for what they need
- Sessions for one child, for siblings together, or for you
ArtPlay isn't
- A medical or behavioral health clinic
- A place that diagnoses or labels
- An insurance process — nothing goes on their record
- A weekly obligation — sessions are every other week
We’re parents too.
We’re Brandon and Jenelle Gaylord, and in 2026 we became ArtPlay’s new owners. We have three kids under five, so we know the long nights, the meltdowns, and the quiet worry that you’re getting it wrong.
We kept what families love here: the guides, the rooms, and the way every child is met exactly where they are.
— The Gaylords
The ArtPlay Way
Start with what they love
Dragons, dogs, comics, clay, big messy projects. We begin where your child already is.
Play out the hard parts
With stuffed animals, puppets, and pretend, kids act out what happened and practice what they could do next time.
You hear what we heard
Their guide walks you through it before you leave — and what to try at home.
Built to feel like anywhere but a clinic
Murals instead of diplomas. Swings instead of waiting-room chairs. Rooms kids ask to come back to.
As a parent of a highly sensitive six-year-old with big emotions, ArtPlay has exceeded every expectation.
AimeeGoogle review
A tremendous amount of growth in our now almost seven-year-old.
Jennifer K.ArtPlay family since 2022
Ms. Becky is an amazing listener and guide for my daughter.
Wendy M.Google review
ArtPlay was recommended to our family by another children's health specialist.
Stacy R.Google review
Stop repeating yourself.
Less yelling. More cooperation. Starting tonight.
The ArtPlay Way: short weekly lessons, real-life scripts, and low‑prep family games for parents of kids 3–8.
Created by Brandon Gaylord, M.Ed. (“Mr. G”)
Owner of ArtPlay · Educator · Dad of three
The honest answers
Is this therapy?
Do you work with parents too?
Why don't you take insurance?
Why every other week?
What if my child says they're "not good at art"?
Pick a time and we'll take it from here.
Tell us about your kid — what they're great at, and where they could use a boost. If ArtPlay isn't the right fit, we'll say so and point you somewhere better.