My Therapeutic Approach

I provide therapy that is gender-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and both culturally and trauma-informed. My practice is grounded in attachment, relational, psychoanalytic, and family systems theories. I prioritize creating a safe, supportive environment where each child’s unique identity, neurodevelopmental profile, and cultural background are respected and celebrated.

Foundations of Play Therapy

I utilize Non-Directive Play Therapy to help children explore and understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. This approach is grounded in psychoanalytic principles, focusing on the unconscious processes that influence emotional and psychological development. The therapeutic relationship is central, providing a trusting foundation for connection and meaningful play.

During unstructured play sessions, the child directs all activity, choosing how to interact with the available materials. This process is essential for facilitating the expression of unconscious thoughts and emotions. I provide a diverse array of mediums—including LEGO, dolls, action figures, animals, puppets, sandtrays, art supplies, and games—to support communication and sensory processing needs. I join in play if invited by the child; otherwise, I observe and offer reflective comments or questions as appropriate. This approach is designed to foster therapeutic rapport, support self-expression, and deepen understanding of internal conflicts and challenges.

Core Elements of the Therapeutic Process

• Therapeutic Alliance I prioritize building a strong, trusting relationship with each child as a fundamental component of treatment. This alliance serves as a secure base, enabling children to explore their emotions and experiences within the clinical setting.

• Symbolic Expression I utilize play as a medium for children to symbolically express fears, anxieties, and conflicts. This process provides valuable insight into each child’s internal world and underlying unconscious processes.

• Emotional Exploration I observe and guide children as they explore emotional experiences within the therapeutic relationship. Through this relational and attachment-focused process, children gain insight into their emotional lives, fostering growth and integration.

• Safe Environment I maintain the therapy room as a secure, non-judgmental space where children can express themselves freely. This environment is critical for fostering emotional development and psychological healing.

Who Can Benefit? Non-Directive Play Therapy is effective for children ages 3 to 10 who are experiencing a range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. I work with children who may be dealing with:

• Anxiety

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Attachment disruptions

• Complex trauma

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Sensory sensitivities

• Social challenges

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This approach supports children in processing their experiences, developing coping skills, and building resilience within a safe and affirming therapeutic environment.

Potential Benefits

• Improved Emotional Regulation: Helps children learn to manage and regulate emotions effectively.

• Enhanced Self-Expression: Encourages the healthy expression of thoughts and feelings.

• Increased Insight and Understanding: Provides clarity regarding internal thoughts, relational patterns, and behavioral responses.

• Developed Problem-Solving Skills: Enhances the child's capacity to navigate challenges and conflicts.

• Boosted Self-Esteem: Increases self-confidence and self-worth through the resolution of issues in play.

• Healing from Trauma: Provides a safe environment for children to process and recover from traumatic experiences, including abuse, loss, and other adverse events.

• Strengthened Relationships: Enhances the ability to form secure attachments and healthy interpersonal connections.

Parent Responsibilities in Play Therapy

Given that children function within the context of a family system, it is essential for caregivers to consistently implement attachment-based principles in the home environment to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This process requires your commitment to developing and maintaining your own self-regulation skills in order to support your child’s capacity for regulation. It also involves deepening your understanding of your child’s unique developmental profile, which may include sensory processing differences, neurodiversity, and specific stress reactions or trauma responses.

As part of the therapeutic process, I conduct monthly sessions with parents to provide guidance, education, and support. These sessions are designed to facilitate your ability to assist your child in progressing toward identified treatment goals. All questions and concerns will be addressed in parent sessions and will not take place during your child's play therapy session time.

If you choose to have your child work with me, you are making a commitment to the following:

Active Participation and Communication

• Attend scheduled parent sessions and communicate openly about your child’s progress, concerns, and any changes in the home environment that may impact therapy.

• Provide relevant information regarding your child’s medical, developmental, educational, or psychosocial history as requested.

Consistency and Follow-Through

• Implement therapeutic strategies, recommendations, and interventions consistently at home as discussed during parent sessions.

• Support regular attendance and punctuality for your child’s therapy appointments.

Modeling Healthy Behaviors

• Demonstrate and model healthy coping, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Foster a nurturing, predictable, and safe environment for your child.

Respect for Therapeutic Boundaries

• Avoid discussing therapy content or asking your child to report on sessions unless recommended by the therapist.

• Do not direct your child during therapy sessions, such as instructing them to ask the therapist to perform specific actions or pose particular questions. Such directives place unnecessary pressure on your child and attempt to influence the therapeutic process in ways that may not be beneficial. Please allow your child to engage in therapy organically, trusting the therapeutic framework and clinical judgment to support your child’s needs and progress.

Support for Therapeutic Goals

• Collaborate with the therapist to identify and reinforce treatment goals.

• Encourage your child’s engagement in therapy without pressuring them or expressing frustration about their progress.

Confidentiality and Privacy

• Respect your child’s privacy regarding therapy, understanding that some details may remain confidential to support a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Self-Reflection and Growth

• Be open to exploring your own parenting practices, emotional responses, and areas for growth as they relate to your child’s needs and therapy goals.

• Participate in recommended parent-focused interventions, education, or support groups if suggested.

Advocacy and Collaboration

• Advocate for your child’s needs in other settings (school, medical, community) as appropriate.

• Collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care, sharing information as permitted and recommended.

These responsibilities help create a supportive environment that maximizes the effectiveness of play therapy and promotes your child’s overall well-being.

How to Get Started If you believe your child could benefit from therapy, please reach out to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.