Child Therapy
Play and expressive arts therapy
Individual play-based therapy is offered for children who may need support without parents present to explore and process complex feelings. Sessions are 50 minutes and offered in-person in Northampton, MA.
Why play?
Play is the first language we know. It’s how young children learn about themselves and their relationships; it’s how they communicate feelings and needs. Therapeutic play is one of the most effective methods in child therapy because it’s a developmentally appropriate tool for resolving underlying issues using a child’s most natural form of language. Play provides a familiar and safe avenue into exploration of topics a child may find difficulty talking about.
Play-based therapy helps children:
Learn to experience & express challenging emotions
Process real-life situations causing stress
Strengthen communication & social skills
Develop problem-solving skills
Cultivate adaptive behaviors
Build confidence and self-esteem
What your child can expect:
Upon arrival in the “playroom” your child will find an inviting space with a variety of choices for play - including sand tray, puppets, house and people figures, play kitchen, animal families, vehicles, and items for building. Materials are always available for expression through art, movement, and dramatic play. I aim to have a sensory-supportive environment that can be either calming or enlivening depending on each child’s preferences and needs.
My Approach:
My style is warm, playful, and interactive. I integrate a child-led approach (following the play process as it unfolds) with guided activities aimed at skill-building using mindfulness exercises, sensory regulation games, and presentation of specific materials or books for exploration of relevant topics. I look for communication expressed through body language, sensory preferences, and play as assessment tools to better understand what your child is experiencing and to guide our work together.
