play therapy & parenting
Play Therapy
"Toys are children's words and play is their language" - Gary L. Landreth.
What is play therapy and how does it work? Important questions. Young children are building words and meaning as they communicate skills. When stressors occur, children may use challenging behaviors to communicate or stop communicating. Often parents feel confused and out of options. Children's behavior is a form of communication. Since children may not be able to communicate clearly about how they feel, or where they are struggling, play therapy provides a way for children to express, explore, and integrate those big feelings. Play therapy involves being with children as share and express the truth of their reality. Play therapy allows children time and space to integrate emotions through co-regulation, identifying themes, and working with parents to support their child's growth.
I am a Registered Play Therapist. (Profile)
I use Child- centered play therapy (CCPT). CCPT allows a child to express themselves, explore their emotions, and develop coping skills. It's grounded in person-centered counseling principles and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and the children natural way of communicating through play. CCPT aims to create a safe and supportive environment where children can process their experiences and feelings, ultimately leading to improved functioning and well-being.
Key Principles of CCPT:
The Therapeutic Relationship- The relationship between therapist and child is considered the primary healing factor.
Following the Child's Lead- CCPT emphasized that the child, rather than the therapist, should guide the play and the therapy session. The therapist responds to the child's cues and allows them to express themselves freely.
Unconditional Positive Regard- Therapists accept the child's feelings and behaviors without judgement.
Empathy- Therapists strive to understand the child's experiences and feelings from the child's perspective.
Congruence- Therapists are authentic and genuine in their interactions with the child.
Benefits of CCPT:
- Improved Emotional Regulation
- Enhanced Self-Esteem
- Improved Social Skills
- Increased Communication
- Reduced Behavioral Problems
In essence, CCPT empowers children to take control of their own healing journey through the natural language of play, fostering a strong therapeutic relationship and promoting positive change.
*For more detailed information regarding play therapy please visit Association for Play Therapy.
Parent Sessions
"There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one." -Sue Atkins
Parenting is my passion! My unique experience of becoming a parenting, being a child of foster care + adoption, losing a parent as an adolescent, and managing years of co-parenting has fueled my dedication for parent work. I've seen both the joy and the pain. I have dug deep into understanding what I missed as a child, how I wanted to show up as a mother, as well as the overwhelming reality of this challenge. I began the process of understanding child development and the process of re-parenting. Over time, I gained more confidence in my parenting. My ability to be in relationship authentically with myself, and with my sons, was the key for us to find our natural flow as a family. I share information about brain development, nervous system states, parenting curriculums, and resources to create more joy and connection at home.
Parent sessions are part of the child's play therapy process. Parents report enjoying these sessions tremendously as a place to get curious and explore what is happening for them in the moments. There is no perfect parent or perfect parenting, so let's work together and be REAL.
