Play Therapy
Kids need help. Parents need help with learning to help their children. Play therapy allows children to express themselves naturally in order to truly heal. Having a therapist with advanced training in play therapy ensures that your child will be able to appropriately have their needs met in therapy. I most often practice child-centered play therapy. This means that your child will take charge of the session in the same way that adults are allowed to be in charge of their sessions. I have a play room stocked with play equipment carefully selected to allow your child to fully express themselves. I focus on working with children aged ten and under.
Learn more about play therapy by visiting the Association for Play Therapy.
Areas of Focus for Children
Autism
Autistic children can experience difficulties with anxiety, depression, and sensory difficulties. Neurodiversity-affirming play therapy can help them with their unique needs.
ADHD
ADHD can come with difficulties with anxiety, executive functioning, and a range of other struggles that may impact school and home.
PDA
Pathological demand avoidance or persistent drive for autonomy can be challenging for everyone involved. As a nervous system disorder, there are many strategies to help reduce the nervous system response.
Anxiety
Children with anxiety may have a hard time concentrating, irritability, sleep difficulties, or constant worry.
Depression
While everyone gets sad sometimes, some children may be struggling more. Some signs of depression in children can also be seen at times through stomachaches, sleep changes, negative self-talk, or lack of interest in activities.
Divorce
Divorce and blended families can be difficult adjustments that require additional support.
Adjustment
Kids are constantly going through changes in their life. Kids and families benefit from additional support when adjusting to these changes.
Difficulties in School
School comes with lots of stressors. When grades, friendships, and home are affected by challenges at school, it may be time to seek additional support.
Aggression
Kids often express a variety of emotions through aggressive behaviors. These are probably wearing you out. Maybe your child’s teacher is unwilling to work with these challenging behaviors. I will help you and your child identify the root of the concern and improve symptoms from the bottom up.
Adoption
I have obtained advanced training as an adoption competent provider. I have training to understand the unique challenges and differences for families joined through adoption.
Trauma
Play therapy allows for your child to fully express their emotions and feelings surrounding trauma. I worked for six years providing therapy to children and families that experienced significant traumas through foster care.
Parenting
Sometimes the best way to help your child is to help you through the process. Throughout therapy with your child, I will incorporate you in a variety of ways to ensure your family has what they need to fully improve your concerns.
I have used play therapy techniques since 2015. In 2022, I began the official process of obtaining the necessary training, supervision, and experience to earn the credential of Registered Play Therapist. I am currently in that process in order to obtain the best care for my clients. This credential is expected to be obtained in January 2025.
“Enter into children’s play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”