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PLAY THERAPY
Child-Directed Play Therapy
Child play therapy is a way of being with the child that honors their unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping in the “language” of the child – play. Licensed mental health professionals therapeutically use play to help their clients, most often children ages three to 12 years, to better express themselves and resolve their problems.
Source: www.a4pt.org
Expressive Arts
Expressive arts therapy combines psychology and the creative process to promote emotional growth and healing. This therapeutic tool can help initiate change, and can be useful as a different approach of self-expression. Expressive arts & yoga draw from a variety of backgrounds, and this integration of methods can help clients access their emotions.
Sandtray Therapy
Sand tray therapy, or sandplay therapy can be used to assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of presenting issues. Sand tray therapy is an evidence-based, Jungian therapy which can allow a safe space to externalize internal struggles. Sand tray therapy can be used with talk or play therapy as a powerful tool which can "facilitate the psyche's natural ability for healing."
Source: What Is Sandplay Therapy? – Sandplay Therapists of America
Theraplay - Attachment-Based Therapy
Several of our therapists are experienced and trained in Theraplay Level 1. According to The Theraplay Institute: "In treatment, the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child's behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy."
Source: Theraplay Institute
EMDR for kids & teens
EMDR can be playful! EMDR can help children and teens to shift perspectives on traumatic events and how they affect us in daily life.
Despite knowing that a scary or "icky" event in our lives is over, a hallmark of trauma can be that we maladaptively store a negative belief about ourselves moving forward. EMDR can help kids and teens to make different connections moving forward.
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Parenting Support
Parental involvement distinctly affects the success of child-centered play therapy. As a child's therapist, we typically meet with parents to learn about experiences at home, in school, or other environments. Working as a team approach, therapists are often available to meet with/speak with teachers, caretakers, or other significant adults in the child's life to make a difference through understanding and meeting the child's needs.