My Therapeutic Approach

I provide therapy that is gender-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and both culturally and trauma-informed. I prioritize creating a safe, supportive environment where each child’s unique identity, neurodevelopmental profile, and cultural background are respected and celebrated.

Foundations of Play Therapy

In my work with children, I use Non-Directive Play Therapy to create a safe, supportive space where your child can naturally explore and make sense of their emotions, thoughts, and body. Grounded in psychoanalytic principles, this approach gently honors the deeper, unspoken feelings that shape a child's inner world. At the heart of this therapy is our relationship—a trusting, secure connection that allows your child to heal and grow through the natural language of play.

In our play sessions, your child takes the lead. By choosing how to interact with the materials in the room, they naturally begin to express the deeper thoughts and feelings they might not have the words for yet. I provide a rich variety of creative tools—including LEGOs, dolls, action figures, animals, miniatures, puppets, a sandtray, art supplies, and games—to support their unique communication and sensory needs.

My role is to meet your child where they are. If invited, I will gladly join in their play; otherwise, I sit with them, quietly observing and offering gentle, reflective comments. This supportive space allows us to build a strong bond, helping your child express themselves fully and work through internal challenges in a way that feels safe and natural to them.

Core Elements of Play Therapy

• A Trusting Relationship (The Therapeutic Alliance): I prioritize building a warm, secure relationship with your child. This connection serves as a safe base, allowing them to comfortably explore big emotions and difficult experiences.

• Expressing Feelings Through Play (Symbolic Expression): Children often communicate their worries, fears, and conflicts through play rather than words. Observing how they play helps me understand their inner world and what they might be struggling with unconsciously.

• Exploring Emotions Together: Within our secure therapeutic relationship, I help your child gently navigate and make sense of their feelings. This relational, attachment-focused process helps them grow, heal, and understand their emotional lives.

• A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: The therapy room is a dedicated, secure environment where your child is free to express themselves fully, which is essential for emotional healing and development.

Who Can Benefit?

Non-Directive Play Therapy is highly effective for children ages 3 to 10. I support children navigating a variety of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Autism, ADHD, AuDHD and sensory sensitivities

• Attachment disruptions or family changes

• Complex trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse Recovery

• Grief and loss

• Social and behavioral challenges

The Potential Benefits of Play Therapy

• Better Emotional Regulation: Learning how to manage and express big feelings constructively.

• Healthy Self-Expression: Finding safe ways to communicate thoughts and emotions.

• Deeper Self-Understanding: Gaining clarity around their own behaviors and relationships.

• Stronger Problem-Solving Skills: Developing the confidence to navigate conflicts and challenges.

• Boosted Self-Esteem: Building self-worth as they work through difficulties in their play.

• Healing from Trauma: Safely processing and recovering from painful or overwhelming life events.

• Stronger Relationships: Improving their ability to form secure, healthy connections with others.

The Caregiver’s Role: Partnering in Your Child’s Healing

Because children are deeply connected to their family system, therapy is most effective when the healing work done in the playroom is supported by attachment-focused or connection based parenting at home.

This journey requires a commitment to your own self-regulation, deepening your understanding of your child’s unique developmental profile (including neurodiversity, sensory needs, or trauma responses), and collaboratively working together to understand and meet your child’s needs.

How to Get Started

If you believe your child could benefit from play therapy, please visit my Contact page to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Together, we can discuss how to best support your child and family.