Kids tell their stories and experiences through play. Language is not only regional, but also developmental. While adults need to sit down and “talk it out” children need to play it out. We use multiple types of play therapy: free-play, sand-tray, and guided play.

Free-Play…Just like any adult or teen wants to be heard before they’re ready to try something new, so too kids need to be heard and understood. By letting kids choose toys that tell a story and build symbolism, whether through art, figurines, or puppets, we help kids tell us where they are at through imagination. In free-play we do not correct, or guide interaction, but allow the child to tell us what all of the characters do, including the ones in our hands. We give them the power to say what happens in the game, no matter how different or gruesome it may seem. For us to truly meet them, they need to be able to express themselves freely.

Sand-Tray…Sand is soothing and that in and of itself is half of what works. Just as in free-play, kids often show what’s going on through showing us their world. How they handle people in the sand is part of telling their story, as well as just having time to experience the soothing feeling of moving sand in different ways.

Guided Play…  While children tell us their stories through play, they also often develop new experiences through play. The brain changes at an implicit level, and this can happen through games that help develop implicit growth. Games generally are focused through an attachment and developmental perspective, where we are looking to develop yours and your child’s attachment system as well as slow down and rework their trauma.

Call or email today if you want to chat more or make an appointment.