Children often are affected by changes in their environment, challenging developmental tasks, changes in the family structure, traumatic events and experiences, peer interactions, and difficulty transitioning in school. Children require a different approach to therapy than adults. Most children are not equipped verbally to partake in traditional talk therapy. Children display emotions in behavioral ways and have trouble verbally labeling and identifying what emotions they are having. I offer therapy to children ages 5 through 12. I provide Play therapy sessions and tailor the treatment to best address their developmental and behavioral disturbances. I am skilled at recognizing strengths that will allow the children to feel competent and eager to participate in their treatment. The atmosphere of play is essential to allow children to process difficult or misunderstood emotions. I can help children recognize patterns of disruptive behavior and help the child review steps to make positive changes in a way that makes sense to their developing minds.

I also work with adolescents ages 13-18. During the teenage years many changes are occurring which can present as unique challenges to individuals. I will work on forming an alliance that is both comforting and motivating for young adults. I will help address internal conflicts and unconscious material that has been hidden from their conscious and explore ways of interacting that are more authentic to the individual. I use art, games, and talk therapy with adolescent clients. Adolescence can be a time of social discord and there lies a desperate attempt to belong and feel accepted from others outside of the family. When trauma presents many teenagers struggle to find it safe to address these issues with parents and other adults. I am very sensitive to fears that inhibit being vulnerable to let healing occur and work carefully to gain trust and openness. Most adolescent clients I have worked with come to enjoy having a safe place to explore their changing emotions and at times overwhelming feelings. I work to promote self worth and positive ways to communicate needs. I will help facilitate growth towards acceptance of self and improved clarity for healthy choices that fit into the adolescents plan for individual success.

 

“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.” — Donald Woods Winnicott