“A child needs your love the most, when they deserve it the least.”
Erma Bombeck
Parenting
Parenting is the toughest job there is. Each child is unique in their needs and issues, and they don’t come with instruction books. When challenges like Low Self-Esteem, Stealing, Lying and Sibling Rivalry come up, who do you turn to? What if you are a Grandparent Raising your Grandchildren, or have Adopted or Foster Children? When a child’s behavior becomes extra challenging, it is the sign of a strong parent who seeks help.
What is Play Therapy?
When a child is playing, they are discovering their world and discovering themselves. Play is a natural and important activity for children and helps them grow and mature successfully. 
Play is their language and toys are their words. While playing they learn new thinking skills, allowing them to clarify and master many basic physical, social and emotional skills and concepts.
Play Therapy helps children achieve developmental tasks, develop creativity and social skills, increase self-confidence and mastery over life, handle life’s transitions, process confusing experiences and more.
Play therapists are child therapists that work with children and divorce or those who have experienced trauma, grief/loss or have difficulty adjusting to everyday life because they are depressed. They create a safe atmosphere in which the child can express themselves, learn better ways to communicate, and “play” through their problems. When a child feels safe, accepted, understood and valued, therapeutic progress can occur.
During play therapy children use toys, drawings, stories and other ways of playing to work through their problems and experiences. The consistency of the playroom allows the child to express deep, complicated or even repressed feelings in a safe, non-threatening way. Play Therapy helps to teach new skills without the child feeling lectured or nagged.
Does My Child Need Play Therapy?
Many children go through difficult times during their lives. Self-Esteem issues and Difficulty Making Friends are some other challenges they face. Blended Families can create their own challenges and conflicts, which sometimes creates children with Defiant Behavior. Some children need more help than others to get through these times. Child Therapy strengthens a child’s inner core and helps them more better able to make sense of their world, and what has happened to them, creating stronger teens and adults. Parenting education is also part of the process.
What’s the Difference between Play Therapy and Playing at Home?
Play Therapists are specifically educated and trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy and understanding in the Play Therapy room. You child is given my complete and exclusive attention during each session. You are given guidance as to what themes are appearing and how you can help with the process.
How Long is a Child in Play Therapy?
The length of time for Child Therapy varies from child to child. My approach is Child-Centered and is unique to each child and their situation. Sessions are 45 minutes long and are usually held weekly. A 10 session minimum is necessary. Progress depends on the trauma, the child’s personality and how the child perceived the trauma. Parents are contacted via phone for a short check-in every other week, and are expected to attend a Parent Session once a month to discuss the child’s progress on a deeper level. We work as a team to help your child.