Are you frustrated and overwhelmed? Do you believe that you are at the end of your rope? Are you unsure of what your next steps should be? Do you have concerns about your child's behavior? Today begins a new chapter in your life and family! If you are here looking for help you have taken your first step to new freedoms. I work with individuals (children, young adults, adults, and older adults), families, and groups who are struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral changes, life changes, and other relational issues. I believe that I can help you or your child begin to take the steps needed to move forward in an environment that provides a safe place for self-discovery and exploration into finding solutions that will allow you or your child to live a more satisfying life.

The therapy process is collaborative and works to help you become more self-aware, learn effective coping strategies and develop action plans towards a healthier life. I have a passion for helping people through whatever it is they are struggling with. My goal in counseling your child is to provide a genuine and safe environment often using creative techniques such as Play Therapy interventions. It is my belief that parents must also play a role in the therapy process so I will provide you with the necessary tools and may often ask you to be a part of the therapy session to increase better behaviors and communication skills between child and parent.

Choosing to enter into a therapeutic relationship is not easy and the processes used and goals made are even more difficult but I believe with support and unique intervention techniques, such as art and music, people have the capacity to take the steps that will help them to become a more whole person.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a way to help a young child express their feelings to prevent or resolve psycho-social difficulties. During their play, children reveal fears, worries, and thoughts. The objects and patterns of play, as well as the willingness to interact with the therapist, can be used to understand the underlying rationale for behavior. I am experienced in reading the meaning of the play through patterns and themes that emerge. These themes will be shared with parents and a plan will be developed to work toward a healing process both at home and in the play therapy room.

Play is the child's language and toys are the child's words. Children are provided therapeutic toys to enable them to say with the toys what they have difficulty saying with words. They can use dolls, puppets, paints, or other toys to say what they think or how they feel. Even adults can have difficulty processing challenging times in their lives. It is easy to see why children, who lack the verbal skills of an adult, find it even more difficult. Play therapy allows children the opportunity to learn about themselves and their surroundings, including their capabilities and limitations. Children learn how to handle their emotions of anger and/or sadness. As expressions of thoughts and feelings increase through the process children begin to heal.

What Can Play Therapy Do?

Reduces anxiety about traumatic events
Facilitates a child's expression of feelings
Promotes self-confidence and a sense of competence
Develops a sense of trust in self and others
Defines healthy boundaries
Creates or enhances healthy bonding in relationships
Enhances creativity and playfulness
Promotes appropriate behavior
Increased self-regulation

Ready to schedule an appointment with Stacey?

Click here or call Stacey at (561) 309-8750