Play therapy
I am trained in both non-directive and directive play therapy. In non-directive play therapy, I allow the child to lead the play, trusting that the child’s issues will naturally arise in their play. I am trained to interpret the meaning of children’s play and discuss with parents what is at the root of their child’s behavior. I work closely with parents to generate strategies that will help bring resolution to the child’s problems. In directive play therapy, specific activities are selected to teach a child skills or to better understand necessary concepts. I may work with the whole family to engage in activities that will bring understanding to the child’s issues and increase support in the child’s healing.
I also use play-based activities to foster and increase attachment between parents and children. I provide an array of expressive arts therapies including play, sand tray, art, music and movement.
Play therapy can be beneficial to a child who is experiencing problems related to anger, ADHD, death, transitions such as a new move, body image, starting school, birth of a sibling, abandonment, divorce, blended families, self-esteem, potty-training as well as trauma and abuse.
“The play therapy process can be viewed as a relationship between the therapist and the child in which the child utilizes play to explore his or her personal world and also to make contact with the therapist in a way that is safe for the child. Play therapy provides an opportunity for children to live out, during play, experiences and associated feelings. This process allows the therapist to experience, in a personal and interactive way, the inner dimensions of the child’s world. This therapeutic relationship is what provides dynamic growth and healing for the child.” (Landreth & Bratton, 2001).
Play therapy helps a child feel validated and understood, helping the child to grow in confidence, while feeling safe in the play environment.
“By acting out through play a frightening or traumatic experience or situation symbolically, and perhaps changing or reversing the outcome in the play activity, children move toward an inner resolution, and then they are better able to cope with or adjust to problems.” (Landreth & Bratton, 2001)
Through the use of sand and miniatures an individual is able to creatively express themselves going to depths deeper than they may even be aware, it's not just for kids, adults too can find healing through the use of sand.
Sand Boxes of dry and moist sand are available. Client’s have at their disposal a number of small figures with which they can represent their internal worlds. “Sand Play” is a safe avenue to face inner fears and emotions. The therapist offers the client a “free and protected” space in which to work from.
I also use play-based activities to foster and increase attachment between parents and children. I provide an array of expressive arts therapies including play, sand tray, art, music and movement.
Play therapy can be beneficial to a child who is experiencing problems related to anger, ADHD, death, transitions such as a new move, body image, starting school, birth of a sibling, abandonment, divorce, blended families, self-esteem, potty-training as well as trauma and abuse.
“The play therapy process can be viewed as a relationship between the therapist and the child in which the child utilizes play to explore his or her personal world and also to make contact with the therapist in a way that is safe for the child. Play therapy provides an opportunity for children to live out, during play, experiences and associated feelings. This process allows the therapist to experience, in a personal and interactive way, the inner dimensions of the child’s world. This therapeutic relationship is what provides dynamic growth and healing for the child.” (Landreth & Bratton, 2001).
Play therapy helps a child feel validated and understood, helping the child to grow in confidence, while feeling safe in the play environment.
“By acting out through play a frightening or traumatic experience or situation symbolically, and perhaps changing or reversing the outcome in the play activity, children move toward an inner resolution, and then they are better able to cope with or adjust to problems.” (Landreth & Bratton, 2001)
Through the use of sand and miniatures an individual is able to creatively express themselves going to depths deeper than they may even be aware, it's not just for kids, adults too can find healing through the use of sand.
Sand Boxes of dry and moist sand are available. Client’s have at their disposal a number of small figures with which they can represent their internal worlds. “Sand Play” is a safe avenue to face inner fears and emotions. The therapist offers the client a “free and protected” space in which to work from.
Play Therapy Rooms
We have two unique Play Therapy Rooms at our location. Each Play Therapy room contains a Sand Tray.
Sand Tray therapy is a therapeutic approach used for people who have experienced a traumatic event. Although this type of therapy is used most often with children, it can also be helpful for teens and adults. Sand Therapy has been shown to benefit the following issues: ADHD Aggression Anger Management Anxiety Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorder Depression School-Related Problems Trauma and Crisis and much more. Puppets and toys offer a way to rebuild and restore positive relationships with children and adults, expression of emotions, exploration of real-life experiences. We have a variety of puppets and toys that are available that allow children and adults to project their thoughts and feelings. Our Play Therapy rooms also allow a parent and a child to connect and explore together. |