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 is the language of children, and often how we find out more about what they're thinking and feeling. I like to use play therapy as a way to engage with younger clients, whether the session is focused around undirected play or if we're simply playing a game together while we talk. I utilize dollhouses, sand trays, and therapeutic games in-session.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 do Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy, two therapies that use play to help parents and children overcome difficulties and process difficult feelings. In Parent Child Interaction Therapy, I will help you follow along with your child's play, while also setting limits. In Child Parent Psychotherapy, I will also help you follow along with you child's play, and help your child use play to process difficult experiences.

I am a Registered Play Therapist and am constantly seeking out continuing education opportunities to learn more about how to better help the children I work with.

Children explore the world through play. While a 3 year old might not be able to talk about their feelings, or what they experienced yet, they can show you through play. Play therapy is my preferred method of working with young children who have experienced trauma. While it may not look like "real" therapy, some of the most powerful and impactful moments I have experienced as a therapist have occurred during "just play".

play therapy and sandtray therapy are offered for any age! Play is the language of children for expression, processing and healing.