What’s your niche? Finding one is definitely my biggest piece of advice for new therapists. You may have come to this page because you are considering making play therapy your niche and want to get specific training or supervision in that area. (Bookmark it because I have tons of resources for new therapists and specialize […]
What is EMDR? And Should Your Child Get It In Therapy?
EMDR should only be performed by a trained clinician who understands the complexities of trauma and who is prepared to manage any adverse reactions that might come up. That being said, EMDR is just one of the combinations of letters that are used by therapists to abbreviate a treatment approach. Even most professionals have a hard […]
The Mother’s Day Gift That You Actually Want!
It’s Mother’s Day and I want to take this minute to fully celebrate all of the mom’s that read this blog. You are amazing! You are doing a great job! Your children love you even when you don’t feel amazing and don’t think you are doing a great job. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!! Now, hopefully you […]
10 Secret Confessions From A Play Therapist
Confessions are good for the soul. They help unburden you from guilt and help you think about solutions. Well, today I will let you in on a few confessions about play therapy from my own perspective. But first…Professional Best Practice: Many play therapists use a model of play therapy called child centered play therapy. What […]
Should Your Playroom Include Aggressive Toys Like Play Guns?
Play therapists widely regard the use of aggressive toys, including toys guns, as an essential element to the playroom. However, many parents are hesitant to allow their children to play with toy guns. Nearly all schools have banned the use of toys guns (or even pretend shooting) completely. Over the years, I have had some […]
My Favorite Play Therapy Tools: Books and Games To Add To Your Playroom
People are always asking me for play therapy tools and resources. Last week, I had the pleasure of presenting a continuing education topic on play therapy and trauma to a group of school counselors. As part of that presentation, a few of my favorite play therapy tools kept coming up. So, I thought I would […]
Is Coloring Therapuetic?
Adult coloring books have been a craze for a while now, but what’s the real deal when it comes to their therapuetic value? For those of you who have not noticed the coloring books that have taken over grocery store check outs, craft store displays, and department store aisles, adult coloring books are not that […]
I’m Bored: How To Respond When Your Child Can’t Entertain Himself
What can you do when your child complains of being bored? Well, it’s January-we are all bored! It’s cold and rainy here this week and the opportunities for outside recreation are limited to say the least. Despite the piles of new toys from the holidays, kids quickly resort back to feeling bored at home. For […]
Play Therapy Termination Activity: The Chain of Intentions
Termination of play therapy services can be difficult for the counselor and the child. The relationship formed during the months of therapy is one of the most important aspects of the process. Termination activities differ across settings: some offices provide certificates and some simply said good bye. Last month, I discussed the pros and cons […]
Should Your Play Therapy Room Have A Treasure Box?
A treasure box is a container that has items that a child can choose at the end of the therapy session. The pediatrician usually has one. Ours has lollipops and one doctor gives out stickers. Typically, dentists give out some non-sugary toys or stickers. Your child’s teacher might have one. Most schools seem to have some […]