Theraplay is an approach to counseling for children that uses play in interactions with the adults in their life. Theraplay employs fun interactions to promote good behaviors and encourage the healthy expression of emotions.
Theraplay works with younger children up to 12 but could also be beneficial for children slightly older. Children who experience trauma or abuse early in life can benefit from the safety that is Theraplay’s goal.
Children learn to understand their world through play, so Theraplay encourages children and parents to engage in play that helps establish the safety of the relationship. If the connection between child and parent feels safe for the child, that child will flourish and thrive in their later relationships.
Theraplay can also increase self-esteem and creative expression within children, which can help protect their mental health as they grow up.
My professional interests include psychotherapy with parent-child dyads, children, teens, and families using an attachment-focused approach. I have experience and interest in working with families impacted by autism spectrum disorders, attachment issues, adoption, foster care, sexual abuse, trauma, and LGBTQ issues. With over 25 years of experience, I bring compassion, humor, and creativity to ...
As a play therapist, my passion is assisting children and their families in being able to process and heal through traumatic and difficult situations. I believe children are resilient and their main source of communication is through their play. I highly value offering a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment for individuals to begin making the changes and progress they are hoping for....
No one should be expected to face life's challenges alone. My experience has proven that therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of the client. Together, we will develop and equip you with personalized strategies to understand and break free of the challenges that prevent you from living your authentic life. I work with children, adolescents, and adul...
I love working with children and families as well as individuals. Because play is the language of children, I use a play-based approach in my work with children. I have a strong background in child development which helps me to partner with parents to meet children's needs. I also have training in Theraplay®, an attachment-based therapy method that is effective for improving children's emotiona...
It's almost like they are speaking another language! Sometimes you even wonder if you're the right parent for them. Young children's behaviors, their emotional reactions, their fears and worries make parents feel lost, alone, confused, and frustrated at times. You wonder is there something wrong with me? Wrong with them? Why is my child hurting others? Why are they so unhappy and difficult? The...
When increased anxiety interferes with your everyday life, we are here to help. Whether your decision to find a therapist is related to a recent problem, or more long-standing issues, the time to get help is now. Together we will work toward helping you lead a more satisfying life devoid of excess fear and worry. It's true, change can be uncomfortable, but you already know how devastating livin...
**Certified EMDR Therapist** I am passionate about helping adolescents and adults heal and reclaim joy that is often disrupted by trauma, abuse, neglect, or crime victimization. My approach is integrated, blending modalities from EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand Tray, and Play Therapy. My goal is to help individuals and families tap into their potential to make positive changes. My...
I enjoy supporting children and families through play therapy, art therapy (and sometimes talk therapy too)! I believe in the resilience and strength of children and their families. I believe that children process the world through play, art and movement as much as, if not more than, they do through words. I believe in the power of play to help children make sense of their experiences and...
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Elmhurst, IL. My experience includes helping adults with severe mental illness with their daily activities as well as facilitating group therapy at a residential treatment facility; working as a parent coach and counselor for families with children with attachment disorders; counseling individuals, couples, and families with a variety of different issue...
Is adoption part of your family story? Do you have a child or teenager who is struggling with attachment issues or has a history of trauma? Are you a parent looking for help for you son or daughter who struggles with emotional difficulties or has behavior problems? Has your child or teen been exposed to internet pornography? Are they addicted to social media? Dr. Karen can help. Dr. Karen...
I provide a warm, nurturing, collaborative environment to foster healthy emotional functioning. My goal is to assist you in creating a healthier sense of self. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in psychodynamic clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including CBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Attachment Therapy. I'm also certified in EMDR fo...
I specialize in treating young children (ages 2-12) and their families with a combination of play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I see children and families with a variety of problems, including: anxiety, behavioral problems, ADHD, learning disabilities, separation and divorce, grief and loss, abuse, and other childhood traumas. I offer an engaging, empathic and encouraging relations...
I work with individuals 14 years and over. I help individuals overcome personal barriers to help with overall emotional growth and functioning. I work with families on improving overall increasing positive interactions, build healthy communication and interacting skills using child and family therapy techniques. I also work with adults with mood disorders, relationship issues, phase of life...
I am a Licensed Therapist who specializes in infant/early childhood mental health, parent/child relationships, child/adolescent challenges, court-involved families, child/adult trauma recovery, postpartum and women's issues, and addictions. My focus is on the unique factors that make up each individual and family. Helping individuals successfully navigate each developmental stage of life is the...
I am mom to 4 children; two of whom were adopted. Being a Mom is my most important role and it is what inspires me! I am passionate about helping families find their joy. I work with adopted children and their parents in a quest to find peace and joy in the family. As an adoptive parent, I get trauma. I see how kids are affected by early neglect, abuse and trauma. I know from my training, clini...
