Play Therapy
Play Therapy
Children need play to grow, thrive and learn!
Child counseling focuses on the use of the therapeutic power of play. Since children are still developing their cognitive and verbal ability, play therapy helps children communicate how they experience life and express their feelings. Toys become the children’s words so they can express and communicate their inner thoughts and feelings.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” - Fred Rogers
What Does “Registered Play Therapist” Mean?
Therapists, with varying levels of training, work with children utilizing play, which is a child's natural medium of expression. Registered Play Therapists are credentialed through the National Association for Play Therapy.
To be credentialed, play therapists must go through a rigorous training program which includes at least 150 approved play therapy education hours, 500 hours of supervised play therapy experience that includes at least 50 hours of supervision by a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor.
How It Works
Play therapy is more than just playing. As a play therapist, I am specially trained to evaluate and understand children's play. My goal is to help children learn to cope in healthier ways and approach problems differently.
I begin helping your child learn to fully express and explore their feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviors by creating a caring and accepting environment. By building this authentic and encouraging relationship with your child, I help your child build confidence, improve their communication skills, grow their social skills, and enhance their problem-solving abilities so they can make better choices. I have a passion for working with Highly Sensitive Children (mini HSPs), children with anxietn, children experiencing grief or trauma, and children adjusting to a new transition or change in the family- like a move or additional family member.
I also understand that when a child is struggling it impacts the entire family. I work with parents to help you understand the reasons for your child’s behaviors, how you can help them cope, and how you can strengthen your relationship with your child so they feel accepted and understood.
Learn More About Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy? A Brief Introduction for Parents
What is Play Therapy? A Brief Introduction for Children
