Play Therapy

As a parent, I know it can be difficult to know if you can trust a provider. You want the best for your child. You also know you need help. I join with families to create trust and support. You are the expert in your child. I fully support and believe in your expertise and intuition. I also believe in your child’s intuition about what they need to heal. You are always welcome in my playroom as long as your child is okay with that. I encourage parents to follow the led of their child. If your child wants you in the room, you are welcome. If your child asks that you not remain in the room, I encourage you to trust in their independence that you have cultivated for them.

What happens in play therapy?

I typically practice child centered play therapy. That means that I follow the lead of your child. Children often do not speak specifically about their concerns or problems. They need some distance from their concerns. The first language of any child is play. Instead of asking them to come up to the adult level and talk cognitively about their concerns, I go to their level in the play. In play, children express their problem and concerns as well as practice skills they need to improve. I can provide the same reflections and support to a child who plays out a scene related to their needs and one who talks about their concerns. This form of therapy goes beyond the surface level behaviors that are of concern and improves the underlying concerns or problems. When children heal in this way, all problems have the opportunity to improve. Children are often told what to do, where to go, and how to do it. By design of our culture, they have little control over their own lives - including if they want to come to therapy or not. In play therapy, I give them some control back by allowing them to decide what they want to do in the session. I trust that they will show me what they need when they are ready.

My autistic child has specific needs

I specialize in working with neurodivergent children and have lived experience in this area. However, every child is different. I don’t assume to know everything about your child, but you can rest assured that your child is with a clinician who is knowledgeable about the unique needs of autistic children. Since my approach of using child centered play therapy does not focus on behaviors and follows the lead of your child, I do not practice any form of behavioral techniques. I believe that neurodiversity is not something we can or should change. Instead it works best to work with the brain that we have. I will help your child and your family further the strengths and abilities your child has to enhance their ability to function. I focus on sensory differences to ensure that your child has the appropriate accommodations to be successful.

This does not mean that I am dismissing your concerns. Autism is a disability that can greatly impact every area of life. There is often a great deal of learning that comes with understanding how to parent a child who has a neurodivergent brain. It is not a one size fits all approach. I will partner with you to explore what works for your child and your family.

My child isn’t autistic. Are you the right fit?

I see children of all neurotypes. Even neurotypical children can benefit from neurodiversity-affirming therapy. This means that I will support your child and your family to learn how to work with their brain. Maybe they are anxious or stressed from life adjustments. Maybe they are struggling in school, or they have experienced their parents’ divorce and a blended family. I will help them through any of the experiences they are facing in a way that is most supportive for them.

What about the logistics?

First I will meet with the parents in a private session without the child. This session allows us to communicate openly about concerns, problems, and background history. Then I will meet with your child to assess needs and determine goals with your help and the child’s. You are welcome to join this session if your child prefers. This session should be without siblings. If a young sibling is attending, I will ask that you remain in the waiting room with them, and I will have an individual session with your child.

My office is set up so that you will be right outside the door should your child need anything. I do not force children to stay in my office if they do not want to. We will come to you if your child needs you or additional support is required.

Play therapy allows children to fully express themselves. Children should wear clothing that you don’t mind if it gets a little messy.

After the intake process, we will work out a schedule together of the frequency of services. Often I meet with children weekly to start, but every other week works better for some children and families.

If you have any questions or you would like to schedule, please contact me today. Even if I am not the right fit for you, I will provide you with referrals to another provider.