Play Therapy

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.

Play Therapy has been researched as the most effective modality for treating children. Children communicate through play, and in child-centered Play Therapy the therapist enters into the child's world, responding with validation and reflection to provide relief from the symptoms which brought the child to therapy. The therapist then models responding in a regulated way to the child's play, so that the child can acquire tools to support themselves in regulating their own emotions.

While working with children I utilize play therapy where they learn to manage their feelings and emotions as well as social skills. In 2016, I developed a play intervention program for children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Trained in play therapy, I work with children from ages 3 and up utilizing child-centered and cognitive-behavioral play therapy approaches to help children accomplish their emotional, social, and behavioral goals. I work with kids who experience trauma, anxiety, depression, social/behavioral problems at school or home, co-parenting and blended family issues.

Play therapy is incredibly beneficial as a form of communication but also as a way to observe the skills and areas of growth of children clients. Utilizing play therapy allows me to build rapport with children clients as well as foster the ability to compromise, healthy competition, good sportsmanship, and social skills.

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.

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 hours of practice, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.

I am a Registered Play Therapist and primarily use Adlerian Play Therapy. I also have training in SandTray Therapy.

As a registered drama therapist, I integrate elements of play therapy to help you safely explore emotions and experiences in a non-threatening way. Play therapy provides a space for creativity and spontaneity, allowing you to access deeper insights and process difficult feelings. This approach is especially effective for unlocking unconscious patterns and fostering emotional growth in a safe and engaging environment.

Play therapy is critical for my younger clients - sand tray, games, role play, puppets, dolls, legos/building, art therapy, it matters!

People use materials in the room to express their inner world and find new meaning with creative problem solving. Request intensives for faster progress.

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.

Talk therapy just doesn't seem to cut it with children so they require a mode of communication and expression on their developmental level. I learned Play Therapy at Stetson University where I now teach it as a professor and use it daily in my private practice. Play is a child's natural language and toys, paint brushes, and crayons are their words. This is a well researched and evidenced based approach to treatment that allows children, and their caregivers, to be supported.

I have worked with children in various settings for over five years. Through this experience, I have taken trainings centering on play therapy and am currently working towards becoming a registered play therapist with the Association of Play Therapy.

In my practice, I specialize in play therapy, a powerful approach that allows children to express themselves in a way that feels natural and safe. Through play, children can explore emotions, build problem-solving skills, and gain confidence—all while we work together to address challenges they may face. I create a supportive environment where play becomes a pathway to growth and healing.

Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices.

I believe that everyone can benefit from play. Research has shown that children learn the most while playing because of the way that their brains take in information. I don't think that stops when you turn 18. For that reason, I try to incorporate play therapy techniques when I can, which may mean playing games, doing art, or simply trying fun movements to demonstrate my point.