Play Therapy

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

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.

Play therapy use toys and games to help children express their feelings and thoughts in a way that's aligned with their developmental stage.

I love utilizing play therapy techniques in my work with individuals in couples. Depending on your level of interest and needs, we may draw, paint, play with clay, or utilize sand trays in session.

My office offers teletherapy play sessions with children and is also easily transformed into a space comfortable for adolescents, adults, and couples. For more than 15 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and emotional challenges.

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.

Play is the natural language of children, and in treatment, toys are their words. In treatment, kids use the natural language of play to make meaning of what they are experiencing and to explore new possibilities. Training: Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School's practicum for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Currently pursuing Registered Play Therapist Credentials from the American Association for Play Therapy;

I offer sand try therapy and play therapy from a Polyvagal lense.

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.

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 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.

Through play therapy, children and youth are able to explore and express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they have not yet developed the language skills necessary. Through play therapy, we are able to interact on a level that children and youth understand and respond to, leading to healing and growth.

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.

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.

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.