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Children communicate through their actions, behavior, and attitude, as well as through their words. While some children want to sit and talk over their problems with a supportive, neutral adult, many children are unable to express their complicated thoughts, needs and feelings verbally. For most children, it is easier to express themselves through play, therapeutic games, planned activities, and art. 

 

At the beginning of therapy, I work to gently develop a relationship with a child by engaging with them in a way that supports their self esteem and shows a genuine interest in them and in their concerns. With the development of this relationship comes trust, and with that trust, the child is able to reveal more about himself or herself. Within that strong relationship, I am able to gain a better understanding of the child and help them see things in different, healthier ways. 

 

There are many different therapeutic techniques that I use for child therapy, including play therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), imaginative play, Internal Family Systems (IFS), arts and crafts activities, sandtray, games and stories. 

 

My therapy office is stocked with a number of therapeutic games; a variety of arts and crafts supplies; a collection of objects and figures for making stories, such as fairy tale characters and animals; a sand box; a toy police station, a schoolhouse and a hospital; puppets; a doll house; dolls; and books.    

 

An important part of the therapeutic process is parent consultation. The purpose of  these meetings is to help you better understand your child and his or her unique problems and needs, and find solutions that work for your whole family.