Play Therapy for Children in Santa Monica
Helping young kids process their feelings through play
Relationship-based. Empathy-driven.
Here’s what it looks like to work with me.
I’ll meet with you (and any others) to learn more about your child and your family, and to jointly develop treatment goals.
I will spend several sessions developing a relationship with your child so they can open up in a safe, supportive setting.
I'll provide feedback and insight to gain a better understanding of your child (while maintaining their privacy and trust) and to help shift perspectives.
Play therapy can help with the following issues:
Anxiety/generalized fear
Sadness/depression
Separation issues
Social skills/boundaries
Grief and loss
Self-control/impulsivity
Aggressive behaviors
Life transitions such as a move or change in the family system
Bullying/struggling peer relationships
Focus/inattention
Low self esteem
Medical trauma
Strengthening family relationships
Challenges with academic motivation/success
Situational trauma
Nightmares/bed-wetting
Here’s how I can help your child overcome challenges they’re facing:
Play therapy
Children use toys like adults use words, to symbolize how they feel and what is going on in their life. This is why play therapy is the primary mode through which I work with young children. Through play, children can process their thoughts and feelings about challenging situations and practice new skills and relational strategies, leading to increased internal strength and a decrease in problematic behaviors.
Expressive arts
Whether it's through painting, drawing, music, or movement, children can explore and communicate their emotions in a safe space through an activity they enjoy. Expressive arts encourage self-expression and individuation while offering opportunities to improve self-awareness and self-esteem, regulate behaviors and advance social skills.
Working with parents/caregivers
As a parent, you are the most important adult in your child’s life and a key part of their healing. Regular parent consultations offer an opportunity to learn more about your child’s progress and to discover fresh approaches to support your child's success at home and in school.
EMDR THERAPY
Tailored specifically for children, EMDR therapy is a safe and effective approach to resolving emotional difficulties caused by disturbing, difficult, or frightening life experiences. By incorporating sand tray into the EMDR protocol, children can gradually alleviate the emotional intensity associated with traumatic events, empowering them to regain a sense of control over their emotions and reactions.
