About Us

Talk therapy relies on a person’s ability to identify, label, and verbalize complex emotions—a skill that is still developing in children and even some teens. Play Therapy meets the child at their developmental level. It uses toys and creative media as “symbolic language.” This allows the child to work through issues at a distance, which is often much less intimidating and more effective than being asked talk about their problems.

Therapy is not a “quick fix,” especially when working with emotional or behavioral patterns. While some families see shifts in 8–12 sessions, others may benefit from longer-term support. We will discuss your child’s progress and our goals during our regular parent consultation sessions.

A Certified Play Therapist (CPT) has undergone extensive post-graduate training and hundreds of hours of supervised practice specifically in play-based modalities. This means I have specialized tools to understand and support children’s development that go beyond traditional talk or play-based therapy.

Consistency is key to building new patterns. Initially, I recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions for children and teens to establish a rhythm and sense of safety. As goals are met and progress is stabilized, we may move to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance sessions.

I offer both in-person sessions at my office—which is specially equipped for Play Therapy—and secure virtual sessions for teens and parent consultations. For children under the age of 12, in-person play therapy is generally the most effective format, as it allows full access to the therapeutic tools and toys required for the work.

It is very common for children (and especially teens) to feel hesitant or nervous about their first visit. My first priority is building a relationship of safety. I often tell parents that the first few sessions are about finding the fun and building trust. Most children find the playroom to be a place they look forward to visiting once the initial nervousness wears off.

Never! While the type of play changes, expressive therapies (sand tray, art, and games) are used effectively with older children and even adults. For older children (ages 10–12), we often move into “Activity-Based Therapy,” which blends traditional talk with creative projects or games to keep the brain engaged.

Outdoor shoes are removed before entering the office, so please wear socks. Also, it is best for children to wear comfortable play clothes that are comfortable to move and play in.

Progress in child therapy often happens gradually. This means you might notice fewer meltdowns at home, improved transitions at school, or your child using a new coping skill spontaneously. We will track these shifts during our parent check-ins to ensure the therapy is having a positive impact on your child’s daily life.

Absolutely. In fact, having both caregivers involved (where possible and appropriate) ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding strategies and goals. For families in co-parenting or high-conflict situations, I can offer separate consultation sessions to ensure both parents feel heard and supported in their parenting journey.

Trust is essential for a teen’s growth. While I keep the specifics of our conversations private to encourage honesty, I am not a “secret keeper” regarding safety. If there is a risk of harm to themselves or others, parents are informed immediately. We work toward a goal where the teen feels comfortable sharing important updates with you directly.

Payment is due at the end of each session, and can be provided by e-transfer, credit card, or cash. You will receive an official receipt containing information which you can submit to your extended health insurance provider for reimbursement.