Historically it was thought that children could experience emotional release the same way adults can, through talk therapy. Research has shown, however, that talk therapy can actually result in re-traumatizing the child because they don’t yet have the ability to deeply understand or make sense of their experiences. Children tend to act out and become unhappy because they are unequipped to solve their own problems. Because play is perceived as fun, the child is separated psychologically from those problems and given the freedom and safety to express their true feelings in ways appropriate to their development level.

Play therapy helps children learn how to take responsibility for behaviors, accept themselves and others, cultivate relational skills with family, exercise self-control and build self-esteem.

I am specially trained and qualified to assess and understand the metaphorical content of your child’s play. Taking place in a playroom containing carefully selected toys and materials, I help and support children to become more aware of their feelings, increase coping skills and master problem solving.

Especially beneficial for children ages 3-12, play therapy can address issues including but not limited to: