My Approach to Play Therapy & Child Counseling | Building Stronger Relationships Through Play

MY APPROACH

Building Stronger Relationships Through Play

My approach to play therapy and child counseling is grounded in the belief that relationships are central to emotional growth, regulation, and healing. At The Play Therapy Center, my work is guided by the motto “Building Stronger Relationships Through Play.” This philosophy prioritizes attuned, reflective, and responsive relationships as the foundation for meaningful change.

Through consistent and supportive therapeutic relationships, children are better able to manage emotions, express themselves, develop confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and navigate relationships with peers and family members. This relationship-centered approach informs all of my work, regardless of a child’s age or the specific concerns that bring a family to therapy.

A Relationship-Centered Approach to Play Therapy

Play therapy offers children a developmentally appropriate way to communicate experiences, emotions, and needs when words are not yet sufficient. Within the safety of a consistent therapeutic relationship, play becomes the medium through which understanding, regulation, and growth occur.

Rather than focusing solely on behaviors, my approach emphasizes what behaviors may be communicating within the context of relationships. By prioritizing connection, safety, and responsiveness, children are supported in developing greater emotional awareness and relational confidence over time.

Trauma, Attachment, and Relational Experiences

For children and individuals with histories of trauma or disrupted caregiving experiences, relational experiences are especially significant. Early caregiving relationships shape a child’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth, and these experiences influence how children relate to others and manage stress.

Through compassionate, attuned, and consistent therapeutic relationships, children and caregivers are supported in making sense of past experiences and fostering a stronger foundation for ongoing emotional and relational development.

For more information about my work with children in foster care or those who have been adopted, please visit "Foster Care/Adoption" page.

Supporting Parents and Caregivers as Part of the Process

Many parents and caregivers seek services because they feel uncertain about what their child needs or how best to respond to challenging behaviors. I view this uncertainty as an important part of the therapeutic process—not as a failure of parenting, but as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

As part of my approach, parents or caregivers are guided to engage in structured, intentional play interactions with their child on a regular basis. Through this experience, caregivers often gain deeper insight into their child’s emotional world and begin responding more thoughtfully to underlying needs rather than reacting to surface behaviors. This relational experience supports both the child and the caregiver in strengthening their connection with one another.

Developmentally Informed and Individualized Care

A child’s developmental level plays a critical role in understanding behavior, emotional expression, and expectations. As part of the intake and assessment process, I consider each child’s developmental stage to help ensure that expectations, interventions, and caregiver responses are developmentally appropriate. This developmental lens helps families reframe challenges with greater clarity and compassion while supporting realistic and supportive approaches at home and in daily life.

A Thoughtful, Relationship-Focused Philosophy

At its core, my treatment philosophy emphasizes the essential role of relationships in supporting children and families. By prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and integrating trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and developmentally responsive practices, I strive to create a calm, understanding, and empowering space. Within this supportive relational context, children and caregivers can better understand one another, address challenges, and build stronger relationships through play.

For additional information about play therapy, child counseling, and what to expect, please visit the "Commonly Asked Questions" page.