Children often do not have the verbal skills needed to express themselves and they do not have the life experience and coping skills to deal with emotional problems, anxiety, fears, or negative behaviors. Each child is different, but a child can usually express themselves through play, art, and talking. In play therapy, toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language (Landreth, 2002). Please read my blog article on play therapy for more information.
I will determine which approach is best to meet your child’s personality and what is needed for the child to express and work through their conflicts and problems. In addition to working directly with the child, I work with the family members to gain insight into the child’s feelings and concerns and help the family gain the skills needed to help the child at home.
Families are an important part of successful treatment and the child may be anxious at first and feel they are going to a “doctor.” It would be helpful to explain to your child that they will be meeting with me alone but that you will be nearby. Explain to your child that I will help them speak about anything they want to and that there will be things in the office they can play with.
Call or email me to schedule an appointment.
SPECIALTIES
- Depression
- Anxiety or Fears
- Trauma
- Stress
- Self Worth/Insecurity Issues
- Communication Problems
- LGBTQ Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- School Problems/Issues
- Family Conflict
- Separation/Divorce
- Peer Relationship Issues
- Grief and Loss
