Therapy with Children
Play therapy is offered to children beginning at age 3 and can be effective through the developmental age of 10 - 12years old.
A child’s play tells us how their understanding is developing, how their wishes unfold, and how their feelings evolve. Through play therapy, a child begins to create a sense of understanding of the experiences that leave them overwhelmed, sad, and confused. Certain life events commonly contribute to a child’s sense of sadness, dysregulation, disconnection, and generalized anxiety, including parental discord or divorce; a traumatic or scary event; a violation or abuse; neglect; a new experience or developmental change; an attachment disruption or parental miss-attunement. A trained therapist utilizing child-centered play therapy begins by accepting the child exactly as they are. The therapist holds the highest respect for the child’s ability to solve their own problems. Through encouragement, permission, and acceptance, a sense of security is established within the child-therapist connection.
In a safe and secure therapeutic setting where the child feels free to play, the therapist reflects the child's feelings, affect, thoughts, and body sensations the child naturally gains insight into their behaviors. Through play, reflection, and curiosity, the child begins to formulate understanding and applies meaning to their experiences. Healing occurs by forming words around experiences, connecting language to physical sensations, and offering emotional literacy.
In my work with children, I utilize, The Multimodal Approach to EMDR Therapy which includes the use of Sandtray therapy, Play therapy, Theraplay, Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, Expressive Arts, Parent-Child Interventions, and Somatic Therapies. Utilizing these modalities and following a focused treatment plan assists the child to reestablish a sense of safety, age-appropriate responsibility, and a sense of personal empowerment following a trauma or adverse experience. EMDR Child interventions offer the child the ability to regain a sense of safety, love, peace, and emotional regulation. Children learn to regulate their body sensations, their feeling states, and thinking as they seek to get their needs met. And, in this regard, it is also through the child-parent co-regulation that promotes the sustainability of a child’s overall sense of self and contentment.
For more information, please contact me directly to discuss the details of what might be of concern with your child.