services
individual therapy
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.
Therapeutic techniques are based on Child-Centered Play Therapy and non-directive approaches. Play Therapy focuses on play, the natural language of children, and therapeutic relationship to provide a safe, consistent therapeutic environment for the child. A child’s experience within the therapeutic relationship is the factor that is most healing and meaningful in creating lasting, positive change. The overarching goal is to unleash the child’s potential to move toward integration and self-enhancing ways of being.
family therapy
Techniques used in family therapy include Theraplay® and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy.
Theraplay® is a dyadic child and family therapy that focuses on creating and/or strengthening the child-caregiver attachment. Child-Parent Relationship Therapy is a play therapy based program typically done in a group setting for parents, although it can be done on an individual basis. Parents and caregivers will learn skills to respond more effectively to their children’s emotional and behavioral needs.
Benefits associated with play therapy for children include:
Emotional Expression: Play therapy provides children with a natural and familiar way to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through various play activities, children can communicate feelings that may be challenging to express verbally.
Communication Skills: Play therapy helps children improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. It allows them to practice expressing themselves, enhancing their ability to communicate with others more effectively.
Catharsis and Stress Reduction: Play therapy serves as a cathartic outlet for children to release built-up emotions and stress. Engaging in play can be therapeutic, helping children cope with challenging life situations and reduce anxiety.
Problem-Solving Skills: Play therapy encourages children to engage in imaginative and symbolic play, fostering the development of problem-solving skills. It enables them to explore various scenarios, try out different solutions, and learn from their experiences.
Building Trust and Rapport: Through play, children can establish a trusting relationship with the therapist. The non-directive nature of play therapy allows children to take the lead, fostering a sense of autonomy and control.
Social Skills Development: Play therapy provides a structured environment for children to interact with others. This can help improve social skills, including sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation, as well as understanding others' perspectives.
Self-Esteem Enhancement: Engaging in play activities and receiving positive feedback from the therapist can contribute to the development of a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. Success in play can be translated into increased confidence in facing real-life challenges.
Trauma Resolution: Play therapy is effective in addressing and processing traumatic experiences. Children can use play to recreate and make sense of distressing events, helping them work through trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
Behavioral Modification: Play therapy can be used to address behavioral issues by allowing children to express and explore the underlying causes of their behavior. It provides a platform for therapists to introduce and reinforce positive behaviors.
Cultural Sensitivity: Play therapy allows for cultural variations in communication styles and preferences. Therapists can adapt play therapy techniques to be culturally sensitive, making it more accessible and effective for a diverse range of children.