blog
Welcome to the blog! This is a space for parents and caregivers looking for practical insight, encouragement, and expert support. Whether you're navigating big emotions, screen time struggles, picky eating, or mom guilt, these posts are here to help you feel less alone. As a play therapist and child therapist based in San Luis Obispo, I’m passionate about sharing tools and ideas that support children’s mental health and strengthen family connections. Explore topics like child therapy, parenting tips, behavioral challenges, and how play therapy can make a real difference in your child’s growth. If you're raising kids on the Central Coast or beyond, you're in the right place.
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Divorce, Two Homes, and Children’s Play
Helping children navigate divorce and two homes through the healing power of play.
Boosting Success in Play Therapy
Supporting parents as partners in their child’s healing through play therapy.
Big Emotions in the Playroom
Helping children process big emotions through the healing power of play.
Nurturing Toddler Emotions
Build a strong foundation for emotional health and social confidence in your toddler.
The 4 Phases of Play Therapy
Understanding each stage of play therapy helps parents support their child’s emotional development.
The Healing Side of Anger
Aggression isn’t always a warning, it can be a child’s way of working through their feelings.
Support for Kids with School Problems
Helping parents understand what school struggles really mean and how to support their child with confidence and clarity.
Play Is the Connection
Simple, realistic ways to use play to strengthen your relationship with your child and support emotional growth at home.
When Kids Are at Their Worst, They Need You Most
A compassionate reframe for difficult behavior, helping parents turn meltdowns and defiance into moments of connection, safety, and growth.
Raising a Child Who Believes in Themselves
A practical guide to building real self-esteem in children through capability, choice, and everyday experiences that foster confidence.
You Don’t Have to Fix Your Child’s Feelings
A compassionate look at why you don’t need to fix your child’s feelings and how emotional acceptance builds resilience, confidence, and connection.
What Does a Play Therapist Actually Do?
A clear, parent-friendly look at what play therapists actually do and how play therapy helps children build emotional skills and confidence.
What Your Child’s Behavior Is Really Telling You
A compassionate guide to understanding your child’s behavior as communication and responding in ways that build connection, skills, and long-term change.
Feelings Are Always Valid
Children need to know their feelings are understood, even when their behavior needs limits. Learn how the ACT model helps parents set boundaries while supporting emotional growth.
Discipline Without the Drama
A compassionate look at No-Drama Discipline and how the “connect and redirect” approach helps parents set limits while supporting emotional growth.
Fewer Power Struggles With Kids
Power struggles with kids often come down to control. Learn how offering simple choices can reduce defiance and build cooperation.
The Power of Open-Ended Toys
Open-ended toys offer endless opportunities for learning, growing, and emotional connection.