I have enjoyed working with children in the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and surrounding communities for years and I am happy to be welcoming families from the Southern Pines area as of February 2018! I have been and continue to enjoy working with children who are hard to reach either because they are angry, very anxious, or have a hard time expressing themselves.
Other therapists often refer the very hard to reach children to me because of my background as Registered Play Therapist and because I have a unique ability to communicate with children. I understand that children do not express themselves the same way that adults do.
I’ve seen that many children will clam up when up shed to verbally express themselves, which is why I never force a child to talk. I’ve heard so many children tell me that they appreciated that I didn’t make them talk, that they were able to open up when they wanted to. Children express themselves more naturally through play. I’ve learned how to use play, which is a child’s natural way of relieving stress, and use it in the therapeutic environment.
A unique aspect of the way I do therapy is that I use a “Play Room” instead of a conventional therapy office. The play room is ideal for children who may be hesitant in coming to therapy, allowing them to relax and open up.
Throughout my career I have helped children and families through difficult times. I have worked with children with a variety of diagnosis and of different ages, and I have found play therapy to be the most effective of any treatment. I know that even the most “unengaged” kids are able to work through many types of issues seamlessly. I look forward to helping your child and your family find the best strategies to work through your difficulties.