Play Therapy

Children learn through play. By allowing them to playout their experiences in a safe, nurturing environment, children process and heal from traumatic experiences. Sandtray therapy (which is also used with teens and adults) allows children to make sense of their world through directive and non-directive means. Using the Nurtured Heart Approach during sessions also allows dysregulated children the space and control to help monitor and manage their own behaviors. Though not a registered play therapist, I have taken courses in graduate school and have seven years of continuing education and experience working primarily with children in the school setting.

I use play therapy techniques to help youth learn self-trust, self-compassion, and process and heal from difficult life experiences. I love developing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust with my kiddo clients, and helping them learn that they are inherently strong and resilient.

I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor treating children of all ages

I am a Registered Play Therapist and am constantly seeking out continuing education opportunities to learn more about how to better help the children I work with.

As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who works via telehealth, I love being able to combine my Child-Centered approach with Digital Play Therapy. Using tools like the Virtual Sandtray App, whiteboards, Minecraft, Roblox, and digital versions of traditional board games I can bring the play therapy office to my clients, allowing them the power to speak in the language of play.

I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) with extensive experience and training in providing play therapy and supervising play therapists. I attended the University of North Texas for graduate school where I was able to learn play therapy from the true experts. I have been providing play therapy since 2012.

Children learn through play. By allowing them to play-out their experiences in a safe, nurturing environment, children process and heal from traumatic experiences. Sandtray therapy (which is also used with teens and adults) allows children to make sense of their world through directive and non-directive means. Using the Nurtured Heart Approach during sessions also allows dysregulated children the space and control to help monitor and manage their own behaviors. Though not a registered play therapist, I have taken courses in graduate school and have seven years of continuing education and experience working primarily with children in the school setting.

GAMING THERAPY, also known as video game therapy, is a form of therapy that uses video games as a tool to address various mental health issues. It involves playing video games that are specifically designed to promote mental and emotional well-being and to help individuals overcome a range of issues.

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.

I utilize several approaches to play therapy, depending on the child. I have completed training in Theraplay and sand tray therapy.

For children, it might seems as though talking comes much too naturally. However, finding the words they need to say isn’t as easy during this time. Our belief as play therapists is that a child’s language is play and toys are children’s words. Toys are carefully selected for play therapy for children to play with so the therapist can search for themes and engage in play with the child which is their natural form of self-expression. Play therapy is more than just playing.

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.

I utilize play therapy when working with children and adolescents because play is the main way children communicate. I have had several years using play therapy and believe it is one of the most tools to meet a child where they are at. I primarily use child-centered play therapy to empower children in their truest self. I will also use play therapy to help adolescent and adults tend to their inner child and provide a safe space for them to heal.

I enjoy using play and art therapy techniques with adults and children alike. Non-traditional techniques help to give you a new perspective and some distance from the problems. This kind of therapy also helps with trauma and other experiences that are difficult to talk openly about. This is a non-structured approach that promotes a feeling of freedom and calm. It is one of the best evidence-based treatments for children's mental health issues.

Traditional "talk therapy" just doesn't work with many kids. Why? Have you ever had an in-depth, emotionally-based verbal conversation with a child (ahem...or teen)? I know I haven't. It's not that children don't want to get these feelings out, but they aren't yet at the developmental level where they can do so through words. Think of it this way... if words are how adults communicate, then for children play is their language and Toys are their words!

I am trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy which is an evidenced based treatment for children 2-7 years exhibiting behavioral challenges. Phase one of PCIT focuses on increasing parent and child attachment by teaching parents a set of therapeutic play skills. Phase two focuses on teaching parents consistent and appropriate ways to manage challenging behaviors. My role in PCIT is acting as a "live coach" to increase parent's use of the PCIT skill set during sessions.

Children learn through play. By allowing them to playout their experiences in a safe, nurturing environment, children process and heal from traumatic experiences. Sandtray therapy (which is also used with teens and adults) allows children to make sense of their world through directive and non-directive means. Using the Nurtured Heart Approach during sessions also allows dysregulated children the space and control to help monitor and manage their own behaviors. Though not a registered play therapist, I have taken courses in graduate school and have seven years of continuing education and experience working primarily with children in the school setting.

I have worked with children ages 5 and up for over 20 years and have learned to adapt play therapy to the different developmental ages. Younger children typically act their feelings out through play. Older children usually combine play and talk therapy to express themselves. I am able to adapt the sessions to each child in order to make the session appropriate to their age and personality. Additionally, I have attended multiple play therapy trainings in order to further enhance my skills.

I have extensive play therapy training. With over 120 hours of continuing education and over 35 hours of supervision in play therapy, I am close to attaining the Registered Play Therapist credential. I have received training in Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, and play therapy based in Attachment Theory.