Child-directed play therapy
Children don't usually sit down and tell you what's wrong. They play it out — and if you know how to pay attention, play says a lot.
As a play therapist, I work in the language children already speak. Rather than asking a child to explain their feelings in words they may not have yet, I follow their lead in the playroom and pay close attention to what unfolds. Themes, patterns, what they return to, what they avoid — all of it tells a story. Part of my job is helping parents understand that story, so you can feel more equipped to meet your child where they actually are.
I work with children of all ages, and I have a particular focus on early intervention with children ages 4 to 8. These early years are a critical window. The emotional patterns, relational habits, and coping strategies children develop during this time tend to stick — which means that getting support early can make a meaningful difference not just now, but in how a child moves through school, friendships, and challenges for years to come. I find this work especially rewarding because the capacity for change at this age is real and often remarkable.
I work with children navigating anxiety, sadness, grief, aggression, big life transitions, divorce, bullying, rigid thinking and behavior, and struggles with self-esteem. I also specialize in working with neurodivergent children and their families, using an approach that centers each child's unique nervous system, strengths, and way of experiencing the world.
If you're wondering whether play therapy might be a good fit for your child, I'd love to connect.