Counseling Services
PLAY THERAPY
Children as young as two may benefit from play therapy. During a play therapy session, your child is given access to a carefully selected collection of toys, art supplies, and musical instruments. I use a combination of child-led and therapist-led techniques. Play has long been recognized as a child's work. Through play, children can express and process overwhelming experiences and feelings. Even the most verbal and articulate children may struggle with finding the right words when they have experienced a traumatic event. Play therapy allows a child to find healing even when they cannot find the words. I have specialized training in EMDR and may use EMDR techniques with children who have a history of trauma.
Many of my clients are experiencing difficulty with:| • Adoption • Death or loss • School difficulties • Attachment • Abuse • Divorce |
• Anxiety |
ADOPTION & ATTACHMENT COUNSELING
If you child has been adopted or experienced abuse or neglect, traditional play therapy may not be the most effective form of therapy. When counseling is focused on attachment, you and your child will both participate in counseling sessions. My work with adopted children is heavily influenced by Theraplay, as well as the work of Daniel Hughes, Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Bruce Perry, Deborah Gray, MSW, and Heather Forbes, LCSW. Since many children who have been adopted or who struggle with attachment have a history of experiencing trauma, I am trained in EMDR and may bring this into our work together.
FAMILY COUNSELING
Family therapy may be helpful when your child is already involved in play therapy. Frequently when a child is in crisis, the entire family unit is thrown off balance. Family therapy can help stabilize the whole family while reinforcing the hard work your child is completing in individual therapy.