In the safe, secure environment of the therapist's office, children are invited to play. I allow children to be themselves and I follow the direction of their play. Therapists such as D.W. Winnicott, Virginia Axline and others, viewed play as therapeutic and healing in and of itself. Play in therapy is a safe place where fantasy may be used, allowing the therapist to interact with the inner world of the child. In my work I allow the child to lead and any therapist interaction is done mindfully. For children, play is an important way for learning about and adapting to significant life events. Young children experience play and experimentation with objects, and incorporate these "rehearsals" into real-life scenarios in order to understand and follow social codes.

Expressive Arts with Children

Art is a creative process that is an expression of the divine nature in all of us. In our work, the focus is on the process of expression, not on creating a finished product. Children often do not have the words to express what they are thinking and feeling. Art is the perfect vehicle in psychotherapy, allowing the therapist to witness their process and guide them in the direction of positive change. In sessions, children are allowed to be creative and they experience their basic goodness, which allows their self-esteem to flourish.

One method utilized with older children in sessions is SoulCollage®. Developed by Seena Frost, M.A., MDiv., SoulCollage is a process through which intuition guides the creation of cards, expressing aspects of personality that speak directly to, and from, our inmost being. Each card has deep meaning and may be helpful for exploring life's questions. For more information about SoulCollage, check the SoulCollage page.

Another process used in individual sessions with children of all ages is the mandala. A session would begin by helping the child develop a positive healing intention or affirmation, then are guided to create a unique mandala expressing this intention. Children have learned that when they are intentional about changing their behaviors, the changes occur, helping the child recognize their innate healing potential and power of choice. Click here to view some mandalas made by children.

Parent Coaching

Parenting is both a rewarding and challenging experience. As they say, "children don't come with instructions," but there are many methods that can be utilized to increase parenting effectiveness and satisfaction. Mindfulness based parenting skills can be shared in coaching sessions, along with other tools that can be used day to day with your child to help improve behaviors and support a loving relationship. In our sessions, the focus is on what is going right, what your child does well, and building on strengths. Consistency in methods as well as parental partnership is essential. The good news about behaviors is that they can be changed! Our work together can help your child increase self esteem, learn to recognize triggers to negative behaviors and how to choose more appropriate behaviors.  Please contact me for a coaching session.

Take that step toward better health and well-being today! Call 559.683.1124 or Email me.