Why Play Therapy?
Play is purposeful.
Adults talk when they go to therapy; children learn by doing. Until they have the cognitive skills that come online in adolescence, they often don't know why they're feeling off or acting up. Attempts at getting children to talk usually leaves them (and their adults) more frustrated.
But all hope is not lost, children can, and will, feel better when they learn new ways of coping. What better and faster way to learn than through play?
As a registered play therapist, I have specialized training in using play as a vehicle for behavioral change. Through play, children experience a range of emotions and learn to cope with them in real time. ​​
I utilize a blend of child-led play, attachment-based activities with parents and children, and directive activities to teach new strategies. ​The foundation of my work with children is based on a supportive and respectful relationship with them and their caregivers.
I'm trained in Child Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay (Level I), Foundational TraumaPlay, and Synergetic Play Therapy (Level I).
Resources
How Do You Work With Adolescents?
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
-Carl R. Rogers
My work with tweens and teens has taught me that most adolescents want two things: the joy of childhood and the autonomy of adulthood. In an effort to affirm both, I create a therapy space that's playful and goal-directed.
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Sessions are often focused on:
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coping with anxiety and depression.
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building confidence.
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establishing a healthy sense of identity.
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communicating effectively.
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coping with strong emotions.
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learning to set and keep boundaries.
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navigating friendships and peer conflict​.
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meeting the growing demands of school, sports, and other responsibilities.​
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Adolescents are developmentally driven to figure out who they are while also needing the support and ongoing encouragement of their parents. Being a teenager is no joke! And also... raising a teenager is no joke!
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I'm trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), positive psychology, and Mind Body Bridging (Level 2).
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As adults, we'll still meet regularly. I'll share actionable ways you can support your child's work in therapy and help you problem solve challenges at home.