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.
I have worked with adults, couples, adolescents and children for over 18 years. I offer a free telephone consultation as you explore what your needs are in finding a therapist and whether you feel I might be of help to you. I offer a space to reflect on your experiences, thoughts and feelings as we work compassionately and collaboratively to find new opportunities for your life and relationship...
Are you too fatigued, worried, depressed or unable to fall asleep? Are you grieving or experiencing painful flashbacks and overwhelming emotions? Is mind racing and feel that you don't fit in the world, anymore? Are you feeling hopeless and helpless? Conventional, one-size-fits-all therapeutic models lack authenticity, in stark contrast with the uniqueness of individual life. I'm an...
Relationships can sometimes feel like you are speaking two different languages. You both love each other but argue about the smallest things. Feeling like you have to raise your voice just to be heard? Then feeling hurt because you are still misunderstood? This is common for many couples. I can help give you the tools you need to really talk to each other again. To redirect that passion in a...
I entered the counseling field because I like people and have faith in their resilience and capacity for growth -- emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. I see my therapist role as one who comes alongside you, the client, to provide a safe, non-judgmental, caring environment in which you access the wisdom of your best self. I listen, ask questions, encourage you toward your goals, offer...
I provide family interventions that establish emotional support, education, and guidance for a variety of concerns confronted by today's families. Examples of problems encountered by families include: family planning, adoption, parenting skills, blended family issues, step-parenting, health related problems, and problems of mental health. Common family goals are: to communicate more effectively...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Supervisor also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am privileged to work alongside people who are dealing with a variety of issues. I have over 20 years experience in counseling and therapy practices. I enjoy working with different types of counseling needs including depression, anxiety family therapy and abuse survivors. I am a Christian....
Stress presents itself to all of us - children and adults - as we navigate our daily lives. At times the stress can overwhelm our ability to cope and thrive. A therapeutic relationship offers you the opportunity to examine your present situation with someone who will not judge and who has been trained to help. The anxiety, depression, confusion or fear that lies underneath the problem can be...
I help clients of all ages to live more authentic, satisfying and functional lives. With over 15 years of experience, my work draws from the latest research and extensive training in mind/body health, neuroscience, attachment and relationships, trauma and PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, mindfulness practice, emotional and social intelligence, parenting, child development, sexuality, gender...
Anxiety, worry and self-doubt are perhaps the most common and widespread challenges faced by children today. From every area of their lives, children face daunting pressures and demands. For those already anxious or vulnerable, these pressures maybe be overwhelming. Already primed for frustration or failure, such children may find navigating key developmental transitions - from childhood to gra...
Hurting? Lost? Confused? Don't know where to go or who to talk to, and there are so many counselors to choose from? How do you choose the right one? I've been there. It's humbling to realize you need to look for a counselor, but when times are desperate, you are willing to put your pride behind you. Every counselor you look at is going to promise a safe, nonjudgmental environment. You already k...
Creating a comfortable, individualized treatment relationship within the context of a secure and relaxed environment is a primary therapy goal for serving all age groups. Diverse backgrounds, life experiences and orientations are all welcome and respected. I draw from a wide variety of treatment approaches to adapt to your personal situation. Emotions, thought, behavior, your life history and...
At Pacific Counseling and Trauma Center (PCTC), we are a group of passionate, and dedicated professionals that have answered the call to treat those suffering from trauma and anxiety. After her own traumatic life experience, Founder Lisa Larson discovered a powerful trauma treatment called Brainspotting. Through her own radical healing with it, she realized that the talk therapy she had been us...
I help children, teens, parents, couples and families to solve and cope with the challenges that life presents to all of us. I'll listen to you with empathy and caring, and offer my education and long years of experience to help you along your path to change. I specialize in therapy for people, with a focus on family therapy and all that entails. Over the years I have used most best practice...
Seeking therapeutic services can be an intimidating process. I make the experience as comfortable as possible by providing a safe and secure place for you to work through situations that may be troubling you. My style is best described as forthright, grounded, empathetic and open. My specialty areas include relationships, parenting skills, child/adolescent issues including trauma. I can help yo...
If you are dealing with issues related to relationships, sexual abuse, infertility, miscarriage, infant death, post-partum depression, self-harming behaviors, grief, or need faith-based counseling, allow me to help you. As a trained professional, I can equip you with the tools to help you move beyond the current pain. I will work collaboratively with you to figure out what is keeping you stuck ...
