Children’s Therapy

Parenting is a difficult process…

… and, oh, by the way, no two kids are the same – which makes parenting even trickier.

Our children are living in a very fast-paced world. They’re surrounded by an overwhelming amount of technology, electronics, entertainment, noise – lots of incoming stimuli.

Sometimes they just shut down, sometimes they lash out, or throw things, or hit others… they don’t know how to deal with their frustrations.

This does not mean you’re a failure as a parent. It simply means you and your child may need a little help to process “life.”

I can help you.

I am passionate about working with kids!

I LOVED being a kid… and I vividly remember thinking, “One day this is all going to end. I’m gonna have to grow up!”

I wasn’t eager for that to happen, but I mention that experience because I seem to have a gift for getting into the head of a child. I really identify with the perspective of little people in a big people world.

I have so much respect for the season of childhood and believe that it must be handled delicately.

Therapy with the child’s mind… in mind.

So, as a therapist, when I think about my own comfort level as a child… would I have enjoyed sitting down and having a conversation with an adult? Probably not.

But would a child enjoy playing in my playroom while I observe quietly or just sit beside him or her?

Would a child enjoy having me read a book? Sing a song? Teach a game? Of course!!!!

That’s play therapy – an amazing way to discover how children express themselves and interpret the world… their world.

Children probably don’t even realize they’re in therapy.

They just know they’re having fun… they’re getting better – they’re feeling more secure.

Play therapy is unlimited in possibilities. Younger children play with toys – some represent real-life situations, like toy kitchens or baby dolls. Sometimes stuffed animals or puppets are used for expression.

I may toss a ball back and forth with an older child or play a board game… lots of talking can happen during these activities.

Painting or drawing pictures, making collages, creating scenarios with characters in a sandtray are all helpful and allow children to share their world in a way that is comfortable for them.

Including parents in the treatment is crucial.

When parents learn the cues their children are giving them, they will be better able to relate to them, to resolve differences, to communicate with the child in a way that makes sense for the child.

Through dialogue between the play therapist, the parent, and the child, the parent recognizes how to see and understand the child at a deeper level.

Let’s work together to help your child!

Help your child play out his difficulties.

Call or text me today at (903) 472-6461 to set up a parent session.

I’ll meet with you first; then, if you feel like we’ll work well together, I’ll meet with you and your child together to start playing.