Do you have a concern about your child? Does your child complain about school and tell you they hate it and don’t want to go? Does your child act out and have negative behavior that you feel is linked to a change in your life stage such as a divorce or a remarriage?

I work with children ages 6-12 and offer you a diagnostic assessment that will address the specific needs of your child. We will work together to understand the needs of your child and help them to communicate to you.

I have a unique play therapy room that enables the children to play out their problems and be heard. Play therapy helps children to communicate their needs and problems.

In play therapy specific developmental appropriate toys aid the children to find the right words. Toys are children’s words and the play is their language.

Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn new ways or relating.

Play Therapy is helpful for children to:

• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
• Learn to experience and express emotions.
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities

The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing. (Moustakas, 1997)

Each play therapy session varies in length but usually last about 30 to 50 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly. Research suggests that it takes an average of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. Of course, some children may improve much faster while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve (Landreth, 2002; Carmichael, 2006).

I use toys and art materials to give the child the tools they need to express themselves. In my play therapy session the children use their play to show me what they are thinking and feeling. I use their play as the basis to communicate with the child about what problems they are experiencing in their lives I help them explore and learn problem solving alternatives.

Children should wear comfortable play clothes for the session and should be prepared that this is something that is a fun process and not formal requiring them to dress up.

Thank you for trusting your child in my care. It is an honor and a privilege for me to work with you and your child in developing problem solving strategies. I look forward to working with you and your family.