IS PLAY THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you are noticing that your child is struggling to regulate their emotions (be those anger, sadness, anxiety, etc), then Play Therapy could be a way to help them express what is happening in their world. Children use play, not words, in therapy. Therefore, play therapy meets them within their world to help support and affirm them as they work through challenges.
The Association for Play Therapy, or APT, further explains: "Play Therapy is not the same as regular, everyday play. While spontaneous play is a natural and essential part of the developmental process, Play Therapy is a systematic and therapeutic approach. Play Therapists are licensed mental health professionals with extensive training, supervision, and education in Play Therapy. Play Therapy incorporates a growing number of evidence-based practices and techniques (SAMSHA, 2014), and should only be utilized by specially trained mental health professionals."
HOW I CAN HELP
For the past year, I worked with children and families doing both Child Centered Play Therapy as well as varieties of expressive art and activity therapies, grounded in Person Centered Counseling. I have received prior trainings and am actively pursuing ongoing training offered both statewide and nationally. In my office, I use an adapted play therapy modality -- adjusting my office to become a kiddo friendly space which invites your child to explore, express, and grow. I am able to see children as young as 2 or 3 (often using pre-therapy techniques and sensorimotor toys for expression) up to pre teens and teens (often using more activity based, walk and talk, or expressive art techniques).
LETS WORK TOGETHER
Likewise, parents/guardians can learn to better support children through learning Child Parent Relationship Therapy, or CPRT for short, gaining skills to meet your child where they are and, if needed, support them as they practice increased self regulation. Play Therapy is considered most effective when paired with CPRT, and CPRT or Parenting sessions can likewise be handy for your teen or pre teen as you work to stay connected with your child.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED
I am more than happy to host you for a 30 minute free consultation so we can see if I can help meet you and your child's needs. Also, consider taking a look at the below information, which can help further explain what counseling can look like for you and your child.
Play Therapy - Parent's Guide and What to Expect
Play Therapy - Informed Consent
The Power of Play and Expressive Arts
Developmentally appropriate counseling for children and teens
