I believe most people, including children, can benefit from having a space to express themselves without judgment. It's completely normal for kids to go through phases, but if their behavior or emotions are making it hard for them to meet developmental milestones or feel successful day to day, it might be time to consider therapy.

The main requirement for therapy is your child’s ability to play. I typically work with children starting around age 3, when they are developmentally ready to engage in symbolic play. This kind of play is an important part of non-directive play therapy and allows children to express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have words for.

Your involvement is an important part of your child’s progress. In most cases, I will start by working with you and your child separately. This helps me build a strong connection with your child and better understand their needs.

I also ask parents to participate in regular collateral sessions. These are dedicated times for us to talk about how things are going at home, offer support, and build skills that can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. In some cases, family therapy that includes one or more family members may be helpful, and we will decide together if and when that makes sense.

When introducing therapy, keep it simple and honest. For younger kids (3–6), say something like:
”We’re going to meet with someone who helps kids talk about their feelings. I want us to work with them so our family can get along better. During sessions, you might play, draw, or use toys to share your feelings. Sometimes I’ll be with you, sometimes not. Therapy usually happens once a week.”

For older kids (7+), you can be more direct:
“We’re going to meet someone who helps kids talk about their feelings and work through problems. You’ll get to share your thoughts, you can talk if you want and you’ll have plenty of time to play. It’s up to you, because you get to be in charge.”

Prepare your child for the first session by explaining the therapist will get to know them and therapy is a safe space to share feelings. If your child asks questions you don’t know the answers to, be honest and say you’ll find out together.

Talking about therapy is like talking about a new school or doctor visit; it takes time to adjust. Your calm support helps your child feel safe and understood. Even if your child resists at first, therapy can still be very helpful, and you know what’s best for them.

It’s common for kids to feel nervous, shy, or even angry about starting therapy. Some children worry about meeting someone new or feel unsure about what therapy means. Others might think they’re in trouble, even if you’ve explained otherwise. These reactions are normal.

If your child is scared or hesitant, I’ll work with you to help them feel safe and in control. Sometimes that means having you stay in the room for a bit or letting your child warm up at their own pace. I don’t expect kids to talk right away. In the therapy room, play comes first and connection builds over time.

No. It's important that your child feels safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or consequences. I will, however, keep you involved through regular collateral sessions. In those, I may share general themes that show up in their play, such as a need for control or belonging, and help you understand how this connects to their behavior. If I ever have a concern about your child’s safety, I will share that with you directly.

Yes. Therapy can be very helpful for school-related challenges like ADHD, bullying, and anxiety. For children, play therapy in particular provides a space to express what they may not yet have the words to say. Through play, kids can work through difficult emotions, practice problem-solving, and build emotional regulation skills.

For children with ADHD, therapy can support focus, frustration tolerance, and impulse control, while also improving self-esteem. For kids who have experienced bullying, therapy can help rebuild a sense of safety and confidence. And for those struggling with anxiety, therapy offers a safe way to face worries, learn calming tools, and reduce physical symptoms of stress.

In all cases, therapy gives children a space to be heard, understood, and supported, while also giving parents tools to help their child thrive at home and at school.

Yes, play therapy, can be very effective for helping children who have frequent emotional outbursts or tantrums. These behaviors are often a sign that a child is overwhelmed and doesn’t yet have the skills to manage big feelings like anger, frustration, or sadness.

In therapy, children learn how to identify and express emotions in safer, more constructive ways. Play gives them the tools to explore difficult feelings, build self-awareness, and practice calming strategies. Over time, this can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbursts.

Collateral sessions will help parents understand what is driving the behavior and how to respond in ways that support emotional regulation and connection.

Yes. Neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences, can absolutely benefit from therapy. Play-based approaches often work well because they don't rely solely on verbal communication and can be adapted to support different ways of thinking, feeling, and interacting.

Therapy can help with emotional regulation, social connection, and skill-building, all while honoring your child’s unique perspective and needs. Sessions are tailored to support their growth in a way that feels safe and respectful.

If your child talks about self-harm or suicide, it’s important to know this is a serious concern. Research shows that self-harm and suicidal thoughts are sadly more common than many realize, even in children under 12. Early intervention is critical to keep your child safe. I will be open with you about what your child shares and include your child in those conversations whenever possible. If I have urgent concerns about your child’s safety, I will inform you immediately and work closely with you to develop a clear safety plan. My goal is to provide care and support while prioritizing your child’s safety.

No, I am not trained or qualified to provide custody evaluations.

If your child discloses abuse, I am legally required to report it whenever there is reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or any situation that puts your child’s safety at risk. This includes current or past harm, or if I believe your child is in danger. I understand this can be difficult for families, so I will do my best to be transparent with you throughout the process. My priority is your child’s well-being, and I will keep you informed while following mandatory reporting laws designed to protect children.

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