I counsel children from the ages of 2 years to adolescents who experience emotional, social and behavioral problems.

As a play therapist I am trained to assist your child in playing in a way that will help him express emotions, explore problems, learn new skills, and resolve troubling situations.  With the younger child, who yet doesn’t have the words to express himself, we do a lot of play; with the older child talk therapy is suitable.

In more detail what does play therapy do for your child?
o   Play therapy helps your child develop problem solving skills and coping skills
o   Play therapy increases self confidence and concentration and therefore a better assurance of his abilities
o   Your child learns better self control by making appropriate choices and decisions for himself and in this way takes responsibility for his actions
o   Your child learns how to express his thoughts and feelings in a constructive way
o   Play therapy allows your child to learn from mistakes safely
o   Play therapy provides for your child a safe space for emotional expression
o   Play therapy helps your child explore and practice social skills
o   Your child learns what it takes to make friends and learns about their ever expanding world
o   Play therapy encourages creative thought and new ideas
o   Play therapy supports emotional healing and growth

Play is essential for children to develop physically, emotionally and socially.

Play is your child’s natural way of expressing himself. In my time with your child I provide him with opportunities to play out his thoughts, his feelings and his problems in a safe environment. Your child is allowed to explore the wide range of toys or mediums that have been carefully selected. Sometimes I play along with your child and sometimes I act as an observer. And as our relationship develops your child gains greater insight into his personal problems, through play.
In my play room I use the following toys or mediums: storytelling, creative visualization/imagery, puppets, music, sand play, painting and drawing and play dough.

Play therapy can also take the format of groups of children rather than individual counseling. During our group sessions we work towards a therapeutic aim – for example, to increase self-esteem or to develop an understanding of loss. And in these sessions I incorporate play mediums such as board games, play dough or picture drawing.

The child who would benefit from play therapy
o   The child with phobias and fears
o   The child who deals with parental conflict, separation or divorce
o   The child who has been traumatized through sexual, physical and emotional abuse
o   The child who is bullied or who is the bully
o   The child with low self esteem