Child-Centered Play Therapy | Perinatal Mental Health

My playroom and office is a welcoming, cozy, judgement and shame free place. I focus on providing a safe space where little ones and their caregivers can process big feelings, heal from traumatic events, feel seen, heard, cared for and understood. Parenting is beautiful AND messy, confusing, devastating, overwhelming and so much more. As a mother, grandmother and play therapist I believe no one needs to navigate it all alone.

Young children do not yet have the cognitive skills to express themselves in words. Instead they have meltdowns, tantrum, refuse to sleep, cling to you live velcro or become withdrawn. I don't see these as problems to be fixed but messages for us to decode together. I am passionate about and have experience with children of all ages, including adults, and I have a special heart for younger children who can not yet manage their emotions and need help learning to navigate their world. I use a person-centered, no directive play therapy and filial therapy approach. These evidenced based approaches foster resilience, a stronger sense of self, better emotional regulation, stronger bonds and improved coping skills. I have specialized training in Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and has a Child Centered Play Professional certification. I am also trained in EMDR, am neurodivergent friendly, LGBTQAI2S+ friendly and welcoming to all at any stage and age. 

MY BACKGROUND

I hold a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Jacksonville, and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have experience in family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems, and internal processing work. In addition, my specialty is in trauma treatment, specifically through the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am an EMDRIA member, and use trauma-informed therapy to help you work through difficult thoughts, emotions, memories, and events so that you can be your most authentic and vibrant self.