"For children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."        -- Author: Fred Rogers

How can your services help my child?                         

                   PLAY

Play is a fun, enjoyable activity which naturally helps children relax and improve mood. Play with a trained play therapist, allows a child to "talk" in the language they understand best. Play offers children a non-threatening way to express their feelings in an appropriate way. Children "play out" difficult life situations and learn new ways to cope, resulting in less stress and fewer emotional and behavioral issues. Anxious and traumatized children respond very well to play therapy. 

                          ART                             

Art is also a wonderful tool for children who lack the verbal ability to express their emotions. Art in its purest sense is fun, spontaneous and free. No judgments are allowed in the playroom. Color often helps children explore and identify feelings, leading to verbalizations of those feelings when the child becomes more comfortable. Children experiencing grief and loss as well as abuse and trauma respond very well to art.

                DRAMA

Drama allows children to try on different roles and be someone or something they are not. Through drama, children recognize values, expectations and roles played by adults. While "dress-up" is normal part of a healthy developing child, drama play with a therapist can help children shape and redefine appropriate behaviors and roles while increasing self-worth.

                  SAND TRAY

Sand tray is used by children, adolescents and adults. By creating miniature "worlds", children are able to control and learn about their world. Individuals, regardless of age, are able to change and manipulate the world they live in order to process realistic outcomes to a problem. Sand tray is another way for children to "talk" about their problems and feelings without using words.