“When I approach a child, he inspires me in two sentiments – tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.” -Louis Pasteur
Be and Belong Counseling offers play therapy services for children ages 2-12 and their families in conjunction with other interventions, assessments, and self-reports. We use both directive and non-directive play therapy modalities and also offer attachment assessments based on the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM). We have specific training in Theraplay, Synergtic Play Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Sand Tray Therapy, which are all play therapy strategies aimed to enhance attachment and improve emotional regulation.
Play Therapy allows a child’s internal world to manifest externally and for the clinician to observe and allow space for children to tell their story and heal. The play process allows children to convey their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in an indirect and creative way when words may not suffice.
Play Therapy can be helpful for:
- Children with Developmental Trauma (ages 0-3)
- Anxiety and Depression
- Self esteem Issues
- Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Neglect Histories
- Attachment Injuries
- Adoption and/or Foster Care Placements
- Sibling Conflicts
- Poor Communication
- Emotional Expression
Play is the most natural form of communication for children. All of the therapists at Be and Belong Counseling are either currently credentialed through the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) or are working towards certification. We firmly believe that formal training and sound supervision is imperative to doing this work well, and are passionate about using play therapy to heal children’s nervous systems and improve attachments. To learn more about the power of play therapy and what becoming a Registered Play Therapist means, visit www.a4pt.org.