Child Centered Play and Art Therapy

Children do not have the words yet to communicate the complex experiences and emotions they are struggling with. Toys and art are able to provide them with the most developmentally appropriate tools to communicate and process these emotions and experiences. I am trained to use play and art therapy to join their world in order to see where they are struggling and what kind of support they are needing. I can then help caregivers understand what support is needed from then, and help children re-wire their nervous systems by playing out their problems collaboratively in new ways.

  • I have lots of experience supporting kids ages 3-12 that are struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges such as: overwhelming anxiety, emotional shutdown, suicidality, self-harm, compulsions, oppositional defiance, aggressive meltdowns, intense emotions, trauma related symptoms, school attendance issues, and low self-esteem.

    I have specialized training and experience supporting neurodivergent kids with ADHD, Autism, and Pathological Demand Avoidance//Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, and Sensory Processing Disorder. The intersections of these neurodevelopmental disorders and the emotional/behavioral challenges is often complex, and I love untangling the ball of symptoms to figure out what kinds of support they need to live their best ND life.

    I also love working with kids that have had therapy in the past that was not effective or that they refused to attend because I love helping them see that therapy can be fun AND helpful.

  • Sessions are $180 and 45-50 minutes, varying by age and content of session. Child sessions are done in person in my Federal Way office so I can provide toys, art supplies, sensory soothing tools and in-person co-regulation and limits to keep them physically and emotionally safe.

    Sessions are done individually with the therapist so the child has more freedom to share their world and build a strong attachment with an adult outside of their family system. Weekly sessions are generally best for kids, and the younger they are the more important this is.

    I am trained in and provide Child Centered Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Art Therapy. I integrate these approaches with a variety of other nondirective and directive evidenced-based techniques that meet your child where they are at developmentally with compassion and curiosity. I am skilled at building a strong and fun connection with kids so they actually look forward to therapy

  • Caregiver support sessions are 53 minutes, usually done every 4th session, and can be done via teletherapy. They include assessing how things are going at home and school, discussing concerns, discussing therapy progress, learning new parenting skills, problem-solving situations together, encouragement for the tough times, and getting information that will help caregivers better understand and support their child.

    No one spends as much time with a child as their caregiver, so caregiver sessions are a necessary part of helping their child grow and thrive. Supporting caregivers is a way to further support the child in growing towards the treatment goals the caregiver has for therapy.

    I am also trained in Child Parent Relationship Therapy which is a unique caregiver curriculum that teaches caregivers how to provide Special Playtime to their kids improving connection and understanding. This approach improves the sense of security and stability for both parent and child.