Children (6-12)

Behavior is communication. A child may not yet know how to verbally say “I’m really frustrated that I’m not allowed to have dessert,” “I’m devastated that mom left,” or “I’m ashamed that school is so hard for me,” but they do know how to express that through behaviors big and small. Whether they cry, whine, yell, hit, or withdraw, these behaviors are an effort (often unconscious) to communicate feelings, wants and needs. 

I use play therapy to help uncover the feelings and needs behind these behaviors. Play therapy allows me to engage children in a developmentally appropriate way.  Through the creative medium of play, children learn to express their feelings, process their experiences, and develop problem solving skills. Toys can provide a child with psychological distance from a painful event or big feelings, giving them a symbolic means of expression. Click here to learn more about play therapy or book a free 20-minute consultation with me to discuss my approach to play therapy and what working with me would look like for your family.

I use a child-centered approach, which emphasizes child autonomy and acceptance of the child as a person. By first building a therapeutic relationship with the child through the shared language of play, I communicate a genuine desire to understand and share space with them. I consider this approach neurodivergent-affirming, as play therapy sessions with me have no standard cookie-cutter outline. This is because I am responding in real time to your child’s sensory needs, communication style, regulatory capacity, and strengths. My goal is never compliance. Instead, I acknowledge that every child is doing the best they can at that particular moment. Contact me to learn more about how I use play therapy to support a child’s mental health and familial wellness.

Play therapy involves parents too! Click here for more information.