Play Therapy

Source: www.A4PT.org

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is the preferred modality for treating children because they communicate through play. Children do not have the cognitive ability to hold a conversation about thoughts and feelings in the same capacity as an average adult.  When children play with us, they are giving us a glimpse into their world, allowing play therapists to interpret and assist them in solving their problems.

Play therapists offer acceptance and warmth to their clients allowing them to express themselves openly with minimal limits.  With this approach children can explore their world in a safe manner.  There are many different types of Play Therapy Modalities but most fit within two types of directive. There is Child Centered Play Therapy which allows children to lead the play with creativity and openness.  The other is Structured Play Therapy where therapists create the agenda with structured goal oriented activities.

 

What I offer

Play Therapy

Every child is different and I believe in treating each child with that in mind.  Depending on each child’s needs I will provide Child Centered Play Therapy and/or Structured Play Therapy.  I will also use these techniques with parents, family members and teens with whom I work.  

Play Therapy sessions are 50 minutes and offered weekly.  Consistency is important and by working with children weekly I can ensure better outcomes for children and their families.  

Parent Support/Family Counseling

I believe that to make children as successful as possible it’s important to include their families.  Parents and guardians are an agent of change and when they make meaningful changes in their lives, it benefits everyone around them, especially their own children.  Parents and/or guardians will have an opportunity to have monthly sessions with me to assist in the growth of the entire family.   Sessions are 1 hour/month or more as needed/requested. 

Telehealth

I am able to provide therapy using Telehealth via Simple Practice which offers secure HIPPA compliant video conference calls. Depending on each client’s needs this service can be used to replace in office visits or service clients who are outside of the San Diego area, but still reside in the state of California.

Mindfulness Groups for Teens and Adults

In this course you will learn specific ways of paying attention to your breath, body, thoughts, feelings and the world around you.  To be mindful, is to pay attention to here and now, with kindness and curiosity and then choosing your behavior.  Learning to pay attention is life changing because when you observe your thoughts and feelings, you can choose how you respond, rather than be controlled by those thoughts and feelings.

Research has proven the following benefits for people who practice mindfulness:

  • Increased attention

  • Increased executive function (working memory, planning, organization, and impulse control)

  • Decreased ADHD behaviors

  • Fewer conduct and anger management problems

  • Increased emotional regulation

  • Increased self-calming

  • Increased social skills 

  • Increased care for others

  • Decreased negative emotions

  • Decreased anxiety and depression

  • Increased sense of calmness, relaxation, and self-acceptance

  • Increased self-esteem

  • Increased quality of sleep

Learning to be mindful in daily life is a life changing skill that can be used with all ages.  I offer an opportunity for teens and adults to learn how to be mindful daily with formal ways (meditation, yoga, walking) and informal ways (eating, listening to other, brushing teeth, etc.). Groups are 1 hour per session for 6 weeks (adults) or 7 week (teen). 

Teen Group: $245 for 7 weeks
Adult Group: $210 for 6 weeks

If you are interested in knowing more or signing up for the next group for you or your teen please contact me here. Please complete the following information: