Therapy that evolves alongside their development.

EXpression → Processing → understanding → growth

Play Therapy

Nurturing aN early sense of self & SAFETY

Early childhood is a critical period of human development when children form the basis for their sense of self. As they become increasingly independent, experiences in the world become data points for the brain to study, store, and base future action on. At this level of development, memories are stored in neural sensory networks, literally wiring the brain, body, and nervous system for how to exist in the world — in the present and into future. When children experience positive interactions with the world in early childhood, their brain internalizes messages of independence, competence, strength, safety, belonging, connection, and they’re able to experience the world with growing complexity. These virtues propel the child forward into middle childhood, a stage marked by even greater competency, independence, and social awareness. The therapeutic environment offers a uniquely-safe support for children when developing a strong, positive sense of who they are and how to navigate the world.

Early childhood is also marked by developing the ability to regulate one’s emotions. Often times, we see challenging behavior during this stage because children’s emotions, needs, or demands exceed their capacity to regulate themselves — the developing, target skill. Play therapy supports children in developing impulse control, flexible thinking, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and language, among other regulation skills.

Typically ages 3-8.

Play & Activity-Based Therapy

ENCOURAGING BELONGING & a secure sense of self in relationship to others

During middle and later childhood, children continue to refine their sense of self based on their surrounding environment. As their world expands to include relationships outside of the family system, their identity becomes increasingly shaped by how they relate to others. This greater social awareness allows children to develop a positive sense of belonging, self-esteem, and competence — important primers in one’s ability to connect with themselves and others across their lifetime.

The therapeutic relationship offers a unique relational experience that exists outside of children’s everyday social systems. Different from a peer, parent, teacher, or coach, my role is to create an environment where children feel deeply seen and authentically known, without outside pressure to perform, fit in, or please others. From this sense of safety, therapy provides a space to engage in meaningful expression, exploration, awareness, and growth.

As children’s capacity for language and symbolic thinking continues to develop, therapy evolves to meet their developmental needs and preferences. With a growing ability to reflect on experiences, put thoughts into words, and problem solve more actively, sessions may incorporate conversation, expressive arts, play, games, activities, sandtray, and other activities in line with their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Typically ages 9-12.

Teen Counseling

Developing a secure identity & independence navigating the world

The teen years are another critical period in social, emotional, and identity development. Teenagers desire greater independence and begin to understand themselves on a deeper level — what they value, what they desire, who they hope to become. With this comes a stronger sense of identity, increasing social comparison, interpersonal conflict, and more complex social dynamics with peers. Counseling offers teens a safe container to navigate developmental tasks and challenges with trusted support.

Sessions are tailored to each teen’s needs and interests & may incorporate conversation, expressive arts, games, sandtray, and other experiential activities to support meaningful growth and connection.

Ages 13-14

I am currently prioritizing availability for younger clients. Families interested in teen counseling are welcome to reach out to join the waitlist for future openings.

  • Prior to beginning play therapy with your child, we will meet for a caregiver-only session to discuss your hopes and goals for therapy, as well as your child’s:

    • Developmental history

    • Family history

    • Emotional and behavioral functioning

    • Relationships

    • School experiences

    • Current stressors, changes, or transitions

    We will also discuss:

    • How play therapy works

    • What you and your child can expect from the process

    • Confidentiality and its limits

    • Parent involvement throughout therapy

    • Next steps

    Typically 60-80 minutes, in person or virtual.

    $200

  • Sessions are 45-50 minutes and typically occur once per week. Treatment is individualized based on your child’s needs and therapeutic goals.

    $150

  • Sessions are typically 50 minutes and occur once per week. Treatment is individualized based on your child’s needs and therapeutic goals.

    $150

  • Part of play therapy & counseling services, typically 50 minutes, every 4-6 weeks, in person or virtual. Teens who would like to participate in this session are invited to do so. We will discuss:

    • Your child’s progress towards goals

    • Your current concerns

    • Developmental needs

    • Family dynamics

    • Ways to support continued growth at home

    • Practical parenting strategies

    $150

  • I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance.

  • Payment is due at the time of service. I accept payment with credit card, Venmo, or cash.

  • My standard rate is $150 per session. I do offer a sliding scale based on financial need, this is something that we can discuss during our initial consult.

My approach:

Hold space for what’s real.

Develop a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship so children can share their struggles, hurts, fears, and questions in a safe, healing environment.

Make room for what hurts.

Support children in processing the underlying experiences beneath the struggle — whether loss, relational conflict, life transitions, family challenges, or other painful experiences.

Deepen self-understanding.

Encourage greater awareness of feelings, needs, experiences, and how children see themselves and the world around them.

Strengthen sense of self.

Foster self-confidence, resilience, self-acceptance, and trust in themselves.

EXpression → Processing → understanding → growth