Play therapy was developed with the knowledge that play is the language of children.

  While it is often therapeutic for adults to attend a 50 minute session of primarily talk therapy, children benefit similarly from a 50 minute session of unstructured play.

 

My practice is based on the belief that children need time and space to work through feelings and thoughts, practice appropriate social interactions, and just generally feel free to express themselves in whichever way they choose. The play therapy room provides the opportunity for just that. With an impartial, non-directive play therapist, they have an ally in their development and a partner in play rather than an authority figure telling them how to act or what to do. 

 

  I approach children as equals and meet them wherever they are. Although I do have the knowledge and experience to develop an effective treatment plan, rather than positioning myself in a place of authority or expertise, I am humbled by the knowledge that they are choosing to show me their world. This is no small gift, and I never take the privilege lightly. 

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  Children have a natural resilience, but they may need guidance as they identify feelings, learn coping skills, or simply navigate life changes. Seemingly small changes like new teachers, a new house, making new friends, or even more complicated issues such as losing a loved one, divorce, or sibling rivalry can be very difficult and confusing for children. I love being able to step inside their world with them and get a peek at how it feels to be in their shoe.

 

  Since I started working with children in 2013, I have seen so many children benefit from nondirective play and helped many parents gain understanding and discover new methods of relating to their child. I have seen a toddler work through grief using a sandtray. I have seen children process lingering and very complicated emotions due to sexual abuse while playing Candy Land. I have palpably felt anger released through more physically expressive games. 

 

  Play is a powerful tool, and children naturally gravitate toward the tools in the room that will best help them process and heal. 

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  If you think that you or your child could benefit from the use of play therapy, please feel free to use the           form in the contact tab to reach out with any questions or to set up an initial parent consultation.* 

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*Typically, I will meet with the parent(s) to get a sense of what their concerns are before

setting up the first appointment with the child.