Working with Students

I work individually with students in the playroom using evidence-based play therapy techniques, including directive and non-directive approaches. I partner with students as they use play to work through their challenges and learn new ways to act and react.  The new skills and insights that they gain are generalized to the classroom and throughout the school.

Recent research has shown play therapy to be a powerful and effective therapeutic way to help children. New discoveries in brain growth, neural development, and on how trauma and stress affect the brain all point to the efficacy of play therapy as a powerful way to help children who are struggling.

Working with Schools

Serving as a play therapist in schools, I have found my experience as a school counselor to be invaluable. I understand how schools work, and am familiar with the myriad of pressures on teachers, support staff, and administrators. I know how a dysregulated student can disrupt the entire class, throw a wrench into teaching plans for that day, and take up valuable administrator time. I also know that students often “look different” in various school environments. They may struggle in class, but display kindness on the playground, or a special talent in PE.

Combining work in the playroom and observations from the classroom enables me to work collaboratively with the teachers and staff and come up with interventions and strategies to help these students.

Working with Parents

Working with parents is an important part of this equation. Parents are powerful change agents in the life of their child. Whenever possible, I work closely with caregivers to keep them informed of goals and progress in the playroom and to find ways that they can support this work at home. I communicate with parents on a regular basis to discuss their concerns and find ways that we can work together to help their child grow and be successful.