Play Therapy

Play is the natural language of children, and in treatment, toys are their words. In treatment, kids use the natural language of play to make meaning of what they are experiencing and to explore new possibilities. Training: Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School's practicum for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Currently pursuing Registered Play Therapist Credentials from the American Association for Play Therapy;

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.

I believe that everyone can benefit from play. Research has shown that children learn the most while playing because of the way that their brains take in information. I don't think that stops when you turn 18. For that reason, I try to incorporate play therapy techniques when I can, which may mean playing games, doing art, or simply trying fun movements to demonstrate my point.

Play Therapy has been researched as the most effective modality for treating children. Children communicate through play, and in child-centered Play Therapy the therapist enters into the child's world, responding with validation and reflection to provide relief from the symptoms which brought the child to therapy. The therapist then models responding in a regulated way to the child's play, so that the child can acquire tools to support themselves in regulating their own emotions.

Play is the language of children, and often how we find out more about what they're thinking and feeling. I like to use play therapy as a way to engage with younger clients, whether the session is focused around undirected play or if we're simply playing a game together while we talk. I utilize dollhouses, sand trays, and therapeutic games in-session.

play therapy and sandtray therapy are offered for any age! Play is the language of children for expression, processing and healing.

Children explore the world through play. While a 3 year old might not be able to talk about their feelings, or what they experienced yet, they can show you through play. Play therapy is my preferred method of working with young children who have experienced trauma. While it may not look like "real" therapy, some of the most powerful and impactful moments I have experienced as a therapist have occurred during "just play".

It can be hard for individuals of all ages to manage life stressors, anxiety, fears and their own feelings. For my clients who are younger I ensure that they have a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings without the fear of judgment. Through play kids are able to express their thoughts that would be otherwise difficult to put into words. I value meeting clients where they are at to make sure that they are growing and changing at their own pace.

People use materials in the room to express their inner world and find new meaning with creative problem solving. Request intensives for faster progress.

A few things I want you to know about play therapy: Children use play as means to process their world, it’s amazing. Play is for adults too. The therapeutic relationship helps to facilitate the play therapy process. Themes emerge from play. The foundation of safety and security, and ultimately healthy attachment are built and strengthened through play.

Play therapy is critical for my younger clients - sand tray, games, role play, puppets, dolls, legos/building, art therapy, it matters!

Talk therapy just doesn't seem to cut it with children so they require a mode of communication and expression on their developmental level. I learned Play Therapy at Stetson University where I now teach it as a professor and use it daily in my private practice. Play is a child's natural language and toys, paint brushes, and crayons are their words. This is a well researched and evidenced based approach to treatment that allows children, and their caregivers, to be supported.

I do Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy, two therapies that use play to help parents and children overcome difficulties and process difficult feelings. In Parent Child Interaction Therapy, I will help you follow along with your child's play, while also setting limits. In Child Parent Psychotherapy, I will also help you follow along with you child's play, and help your child use play to process difficult experiences.

My office offers teletherapy play sessions with children and is also easily transformed into a space comfortable for adolescents, adults, and couples. For more than 15 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and emotional challenges.

The primary language of children is play - this is where the therapeutic magic happens! In play therapy, children are given the freedom to express their uniques needs, emotions, thoughts, and fears through the symbols that make the most sense to them - toys. Through sandtray, creative arts, imaginative play, and story telling, children are able to express their emotions, work through difficult memories, and gain mastery over their unique story.

I use virtual play therapy to help kids explore emotions, build skills, and develop confidence in a way that feels natural and engaging. Through Minecraft-based play therapy, kids can express themselves in a familiar, creative environment. With role-playing game therapy, they take on characters, solve challenges, and navigate emotional landscapes in a safe space. These interactive approaches make therapy accessible, fun, and highly effective for fostering growth, connection, and self-expression.

I offer sand try therapy and play therapy from a Polyvagal lense.

Through play therapy, children and youth are able to explore and express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they have not yet developed the language skills necessary. Through play therapy, we are able to interact on a level that children and youth understand and respond to, leading to healing and growth.

Play therapy is critical for my younger clients - sand tray, games, role play, puppets, dolls, legos/building, art therapy, it matters!