Play Therapy is an approach to counseling utilized for children. Children learn to understand the world through play. Play Therapy embraces play to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Play can include games, dolls, art activities, sports, make-believe, or any other activity that fits a child developmentally and emotionally.
Play Therapy can be beneficial for children with behavioral issues. Because these children might not have the words to communicate their feelings or might not want to, this allows them a space to express themselves and share their feelings through play.
Play therapists get to know the child’s specific interests and can tailor their counseling space to make it unique for each child. As the counselor observes and interacts with the child, they can understand the emotions that lead to their behaviors. Over time, therapists can encourage children to use play to express feelings instead of expressing them through inappropriate or harmful behaviors.
Play Therapy can also be used for adults to help them connect with their inner creativity and facilitate child-like joy.
Something is not quite right...you notice little things at first and then you get your child checked out because you just can't shake that parental feeling that something is wrong. And you hear the words... your child has Autism. Your world shatters...I know, I have been there not just once, but twice with my son and my daughter. In the Autism world there are acronyms like: SLP, OT, PT, OCD,...
I specialize in working with children, using developmentally appropriate treatment methods. I have multiple years of experience working with children dealing with a variety of life issues including trauma, foster care/adoption, anger management, anxiety, self-esteem, and other behavioral issues. I provide parents with evidence-based parenting strategies to promote the parent-child attachment an...
Does your child have emotional outbursts seemingly out of nowhere? Does your child seem distant, sad and disconnected? Is your child having trouble expressing him/herself or connecting with peers? Being a parent can be the most meaningful and fulfilling experience we will ever have in our lives, and also sometimes the most challenging, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming. The truth is that...
MySpectrum is an outpatient therapy practice located at 707 North Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield, Virginia. We offer outpatient counseling and coaching to any person, on any spectrum. We focus on the Autism Spectrum, Mental Health Spectrum, Substance Use Spectrum, and the Whole Life Spectrum. Our philosophy is that any person, regardless of situation, should have access to skilled...
I like to say, “we end up right where we are meant to be, right when we are meant to be there”. Sometimes that means embarking on a new career path or grieving the loss of a 10-year relationship. Whatever the situation, it is happening for a reason and you are bound to learn something from it. I love helping people make sense of their thoughts and emotions, find their voice, and learn how to ma...
My passion comes from helping people grow internally as well as external. I believe in meeting people where they are and equipping them with the tools they need to connect with insight and peace. I strive to create a space that feels safe where this work can be done. I believe that each one of us has the capacity to heal and experience health and wholeness. I enjoy working with people from dive...
The treatment relationship is a critical component of successful therapy, and as such it is a cornerstone in my work with all child, adolescent, and adult clients. I strive to quickly put clients at ease and provide a safe space where we can work together to identify your strengths and skills, process through significant life events, communicate your feelings, and develop positive coping...
Life has changed for an uncertain period of time. Finding a safe space to really be heard, so we can process, heal and grow is helpful during this difficult time. Feeling isolated, depressed, anxious or unable to face daily challenges is normal, but finding ways to handle the stress or difficult feelings when they become overwhelming can make life easier and bring about more success and happine...
Accepting new clients (Telehealth), sliding scale. Anchored in a strong belief in human resilience, Shannon meets each client where they are, guiding clients of all ages to connect with their own courage, insight and wisdom. She is a trauma-informed counselor, helping clients to understand how their life experiences have impacted them, while empowering them to envision and create a new future....
Wander translates to the Latin term, Vagus- the largest and most complex network of nerves in our body that make up our socially and emotionally connected, neurobiological experiences. Our bodies can manifest dis-eases in ranging degrees of severity, after a prolonged period in stressful circumstances. Through a relational/attachment, neurobiological and systemic look at your world inside and o...
I believe that a person is truly capable of change, with the right knowledge and tools. I believe that each person is different and trauma affects each of us so differently. Learning how to cope and better our situation is meant to be unique for each person. I believe that there is no band-aid approach, in order to resolve one's suffering one must be ready to work hard and heal from the inside...
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, or life stressors? Do you find yourself constantly thinking negative thoughts? Allow me to assist by helping you step beyond your current limitations and achieve your therapeutic goals. Ayanna received her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Claflin University and earned her Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster...
Are you worried about your marriage/relationship? Does it feel like you just can't be happy? Are you struggling with all the stressors in your life? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you need help from someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice by being here. And we know this is hard. You've likely be...
Over the past 5 years, I have been working with children ages 4 to 18 and their families in schools, homes, and community settings. In this work, I have focused on topics including depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, emotional regulation and communication skills. I also have experience assisting parents in behavior management and establishing a routine to implement at home. Working wi...
I work from a collaborative and experiential approach and believe that you are the expert on your experience. I am here to come alongside and help guide you as you create and discover solutions. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, posttraumatic reactions, cognitive concerns, and co-morbid mental health and medical...
