What to Expect for Children

I own, use and recommend the book: Welcome to Therapy: A Mindful Introduction to Counseling for Kids by Andrea Dorn, MSW to help children understand some about what therapy will be like.

One video that caregivers can find helpful is:

Play Therapy Works

Often I talk with the guardian of the child for a 20 minute consultation. I typically meet one-on-one with the caregivers for the first session to ensure a complete understanding of what the adults in the child’s life are noticing. What therapy techniques the caregiver selects will determine what the first few sessions look like. 

Play is the language of children.

Play therapy has different models. Filial Play Therapy, Theraplay, and The Greenspan Floortime Approach techniques involve caregivers interacting with the child during some or part of the sessions and weaves in parent skills, coaching and attuning to the child. 

Play therapy can also be accomplished without a caregiver present during each session. Techniques used in Synergetic and Alderian play therapy are examples. I have a Counseling Children and Adolescents (CCA) post graduate certificate along with additional training in play therapy. I have a play therapy  supervisor I meet with regularly as I continue to attain hours to become a registered play therapist. We will discuss options together to decide what works best for your family.

I support children and caregivers through involving the parent and/or family when possible. Typically once a month I meet with the caregiver one-on-one for all or some of a session. I understand the caregiver is a larger part of the child’s experience and involving caregivers in and about what is happening in therapy will lend a more stable foundation for the child as the child develops.

Introducing Andrew

This is another great video on play therapy: Just Breathe