Karen Poynor, LPC, NCC, RPT (She/Her)

I am skilled with the ability to help the most challenging of children with research-supported non-directive Play Therapy, in which the child takes the lead in the session healing at their needed pace, while I closely follow and examine his or her play. I believe that children know what they need to work on and that their play will take them to where they need to go for healing. I have successfully worked with children since 2001.

Play therapy helps children by providing a safe and non-threatening environment for them to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences safely. Through play, children can communicate and work through their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, improve self-esteem, and learn coping strategies. Play therapy allows children to process and make sense of their experiences in a developmentally appropriate way, which can lead to healing and positive behavioral changes.

Play therapy can be beneficial for children with ADHD because it allows them to engage in activities that are both enjoyable and stimulating. By using play as a form of therapy, children with ADHD can improve their focus, attention, and impulse control skills. Play therapy also provides a structured and safe environment for children to learn and practice social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Through play, children can communicate their anxieties, fears, and worries in a more comfortable and natural way. Play therapy allows individuals to externalize their internal struggles and gain a sense of control over their emotions. It also helps them develop coping skills and problem-solving abilities, as they work through their anxieties. Play therapy can help children build a trusting relationship with the therapist, which further enhances their ability to manage and overcome anxiety.