- Magic Johnson -
All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.
Common Reasons Families Seek Help
|
Anxiety
OCD Tic Disorders Depression Self Harm Suicidal Ideation Addictions Loss & Grief PTSD |
|
ADHD
Academic Stressors Self Esteem Peer Pressure / Bullying Body Image Eating Disorders LGBTQ+ Relationship's Family Conflict / Divorce |
My Approach
Childhood and adolescent development are important stages in our social, emotional, and physical growth and development over the course of our lives. What happens in our early years may have an effect on our mental health, physical health, relationships, education and employment, and our coping abilities throughout our lives. I can admit that I may be biased... In saying this it is my belief that children and youth are learning life skills. In turn, parents get the opportunity to unlearn years of maladaptive coping reinforced by our emotionally avoidant society, resulting in growth, not only to support their children but also to support themselves.
When working with children and youth my role is to not be needed when all is said and done. Thus I work with the family unit in various ways to help navigate challenges, develop coping strategies and ultimately heal and grow together. I do not wish to scare anybody off, but I truly believe that play is such a powerful tool. In this, I go beyond using play therapy techniques with just children, as I have found that it to be a most effective resource to provide healthy outlets for adolescents and adults alike.
When working with children and youth my role is to not be needed when all is said and done. Thus I work with the family unit in various ways to help navigate challenges, develop coping strategies and ultimately heal and grow together. I do not wish to scare anybody off, but I truly believe that play is such a powerful tool. In this, I go beyond using play therapy techniques with just children, as I have found that it to be a most effective resource to provide healthy outlets for adolescents and adults alike.
Therapeutic Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
Biofeedback |
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy |
|
I view the core concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) life skills. You cannot unknow just how powerful your thoughts are once you start to notice the ripple effects that they have on your day to day life.
However, there is a caveat within this modality, as we need to be present in our lives to notice what is going on not only around us but more importantly what is going on within us. This is why I support clients in developing a mindfulness practice at the onset of treatment. |
Shift from big emotions, overwhelm, dysregulation and incoherence to self-regulation, and coherence. Unlock your heart’s natural intuitive guidance to better manage stressful emotions and increase resilience.
Seeing Is Believing Sensor's provide real-time, visible evidence that children, teens and adults alike can control their thoughts and emotions.
|
Both adolescents and adults can benefit from learning Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills and putting them into practice. Topics found within DBT encompass Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
One of the most powerful concepts found within DBT is Walking The Middle Path. This is where we learn to value and honor our experience while at the same time valuing and honoring someone else's experience... even when we do not see eye to eye. |
In the play therapy experience, toys are like the child’s words, and play is the child’s language.
- Garry Landreth -
Play Therapy Techniques
Expressive ArtsPlay Based CBTTheraplay |
|
SandtrayBibliotherapyTherapeutic Games |
Enter in to children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.
- Virginia Axline -
Training Highlights
|
Theraplay Canada: Theraplay Level 1
DBT Skills for Families with Dr's Linehan, Miller & Rathus Integrating DBT into EFFT EFFT: Working Through Challenging or Conflictual Co-parenting Dynamics Using DBT skills when treating clients with Eating Disorders Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute Green Stream Play Therapy Training DBT Skills Training with Marsha Linehan ADHD Assessment: Working Collaboratively with Families to Promote Positive Outcomes Emotion Focused Family Therapy Core Clinician Training Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting The Foundations of Working With Families and Children of Separation and Divorce Supporting Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Children and Adolescents Play Therapy with Traumatized Children Therapeutic Storytelling from the Inside Out First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse |
|
