Association for Play Therapy (www.a4pt.org) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."    

The benefits of play therapy for children include:       

• A safe place in which to express their thoughts and feelings.   

• Facilitates the development of self esteem, problem-solving and coping skills. 

•  Supports emotional healing and growth.       

• Assists children with decision making skills and accepting responsibility.

• Develops a child's ability to explore and practice social skills.

• Fosters a child’s ability to make friends and to understand the world he or she lives in.

• Allows children to discover their natural, inner resources for healing. 

• Encourages children to be confident and focused.

• Fosters imagination and creativity.

•   A safe environment for children for whom talking is difficult.

  Jen’s approach to play therapy

  As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, I have extensive specialized play therapy education, training, and supervised experience.

  How does a prescriptive approach look in play therapy? The same way! In directive play therapy, I structure activities by providing selected play materials and encouraging the child client to use them in their work. In non-directive play therapy, I provide a variety of play materials in my therapy room and follow the child’s lead. My accepting approach encourages the child to try new and more appropriate ways of dealing with concerns.

  I have completed a six-month course on  Synergetic Play Therapy® (SPT). SPT is a model of play therapy that incorporates nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, and therapist authenticity into the play therapy process. Please visit https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/ for more information

Hannah’s approach to play therapy

I am working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist and have completed specialized training in play therapy.

My work is grounded in a child-centered approach. I focus on supporting your child by providing warmth, acceptance, and understanding. During sessions, I follow your child’s lead and use play to help them explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels natural and safe to them. Parents and caregivers are an important part of the process. We will have regular check-ins to support your child’s growth at home and in therapy.

I am also trained in AutPlay® Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming framework designed to support neurodivergent children and their families. To learn more about AutPlay® Therapy, you can visit https://autplaytherapy.com/