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Why Play Therapy?

You might be wondering, “Why Play Therapy?” or “What is Play Therapy?”

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines Play Therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

Even as adults, we often find ourselves struggling to verbalize and express our thoughts and feelings and communicate these aloud. For children and adolescents, this becomes an even more difficult task. This is where play comes into the picture. Play is a child’s language.

Play therapy provides children and teenagers an opportunity to express themselves freely through play, art, role-play and we are invited to see the world through their eyes.
Play therapy allows for children to develop their emotional expression, improve regulation of big emotions, and build and improve connections to their loved ones. Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic modality that meets children at their developmental stage and capacities. I utilize play therapy in my work with children and adolescents to help them develop problem-solving skills, coping skills, emotional awareness and expression and work towards a path of growth and healing.

For more information about Play Therapy, you may visit: Association for Play Therapy (www.a4pt.org link)

Concerns addressed in sessions include:

  • Depression
  • Self-esteem Issues
  • Anxiety and Worry
  • Social Anxiety
  • Separation Anxiety
  • ADHD/ADD
  • Stress
  • Emotional
  • Dysregulation
  • Trauma
  • Intergenerational Trauma
  • Grief/Bereavement
  • Adjustment Problems/Life Transitions
  • Relationship Difficulties
  • Bedtime/Sleep Problems
  • Parenting Difficulties
  • Discipline Difficulties
  • Defiance/Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Tantrums/Outbursts
  • Aggression
  • Self-Harm
  • Social Skills Difficulties
  • Panic Disorder and Phobias
  • Anger Management

Working With Teens / Adolescents

The adolescent stage of life can be one filled with great fun and exciting new changes such as developing new friendships and connections, starting high school, learning to drive, anticipation of graduating and becoming a young adult. However, it can also be one of the most difficult times as teenagers are experiencing tremendous stress, personal growth, finding their identity, feeling pressured to fit into certain social circles or do well academically. My goal is to help teens/adolescents learn to cope and adapt with constant changes, life transitions and personal struggles towards a path of growth and healing.

Family Therapy

I believe that all families are unique and special with their own cultures, traditions and history. Families are formed in many ways (through birth, adoption, step-marriages, foster) and all children deserve a loving, safe and healthy home. Family therapy can involve the child and their siblings or the child and their caregivers depending on the childs’ needs. I work closely and collaboratively with children/adolescents and their caregivers to enhance the parent-child relationship by developing healthy communication skills, improving parenting skills and creating positive moments of connection.