How does therapy/counseling work?

Each play therapy session is 45-50 minutes in length.
Parents are expected to be active participants in the child’s therapeutic process and are invited into that relationship, as long as it is not detrimental to the child’s well being. You can read more here: About Play Therapy.
For adults and older children with whom play therapy would not apply, therapy would be a collaborative process between the individual in treatment and the therapist.

Why should I talk to a therapist instead of a friend, family member, or an AI assistant?

It is important to build and maintain healthy, supportive relationships outside of the therapy setting, and this will be encouraged. However, a therapist offers a neutral, confidential, and unbiased space for you and/or your child to talk about your concerns. The therapist has professional training and experience to help you/your child develop a different perspective, obtain tools to manage your feelings and thoughts, and consider alternative solutions without the expectations or pressures that might be present with friends or family members. Unlike an AI assistant, a therapist may also challenge you or your child’s perspectives to encourage emotional growth and resilience.

If my child needs therapy, does that mean there's something wrong with them?

Sometimes children and/or families need a separate party to be involved to provide additional support. As your child’s therapist, I am a part of the village that supports your entire family system. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness or shame or embarrassment. Research finds that the presence of a caring, stable adult in a child’s life can offset negative, challenging life experiences.

Here are a few of the situations in which play therapy would be beneficial:

Anger and aggressive behaviors
Anxiety (i.e. excessive fear or worry, negative self-talk, etc.)
Grief and loss (i.e. death, loss of an important relationship, multiple moves, loss of identity, etc.)
Trauma (i.e. exposure to frightening experiences, car accident, significant medical procedures, e-bike or e-scooter accidents, etc.)

Who do you see in your private practice? What ages are appropriate for play therapy?

I primarily work with children, but I also work with adult women who are seeking to explore topics of cultural and spiritual identity, anxiety and coping skills, medical trauma, and grief and loss. Play therapy is recommended for children up until 12 or 13 years old.

How long does therapy take? How do I know when I’m done?

Due to the varying nature of concerns and the different personalities of each client, I am unable to predict the length of your therapy. There are no guarantees of how your child will change as a result of therapy, but therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, solutions to specific problems, and better relationships. Participation in therapy is voluntary, so it typically lasts until you are content with the changes and progress made.

I am not a Christian, but you are a Christian therapist. How would that work?

All belief systems are welcome here. I am a Christian therapist, and I approach my clients and the therapeutic process from that perspective. However, I will not actively include or refer to Christianity in our sessions unless you (specifically, your child) ask me to incorporate faith in our time together.