Your child has a story.

Like adults, kids need help sometimes. While sitting in a chair talking about problems may work for grownups, this approach may feel way too scary and intimidating for young children.

Play therapy is an approach that allows children to express their emotions, improve their communication, and solve problems. Play therapy capitalizes on children’s natural ability to express their emotions and resolve conflicts through playful interactions. Sometimes, a child may not have the language skills to express what has happened, or what they are feeling. Or they may simply not feel comfortable talking to a stranger about what hurts the most. Sometimes, the biggest feelings come out as big behaviors. I use play, stories, metaphor and hands-on activities to help children explore troubling issues and learn new adaptive skills.

The attachment formed in the context of my relationship with your child has the power to teach and heal. Play therapy creates a safe space for children to express feelings, develop problem-solving skills, modify behavior and learn new ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development. Over time, issues that felt scary, overwhelming, stressful, confusing or chaotic may become resolved or mastered.

Play therapy feels fun and natural for your child. Sharing about a scary monster under the bed, being in a bad car accident, going through a parent’s separation, or being a victim of something unspeakable becomes just a little easier through play. I will create a holding space of empathy. safety and comfort for your child to process their most troubling thoughts. By meeting your child where there are today, I will help them feel respected, heard, understood, and valued.