Child Therapy Services in Seattle
Therapies Offered
I support children ages 5–12 and offer a range of evidence-based child therapy services in Seattle tailored to each child’s individual needs. Rather than using a single approach, I draw from multiple modalities to create a thoughtful, developmentally-appropriate plan that fits your child’s unique strengths, temperament and experiences.
As a Registered Play Therapist™, I have extensive post-graduate training, consultation and supervision in approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children, play therapies, expressive therapies and EMDR for children and teens.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (Ages 5–8)
For children needing social, emotional, behavioral or relational support
Child-Centered Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that allows children to express their thoughts and feelings through play.
Toys are a child’s words and play is their language.
In sessions, children:
move freely at their own pace
choose materials that feel right to them
express and process experiences through play
This approach supports children in feeling safe, understood and accepted, which naturally allows growth and healing to occur.
EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens
For children ages 5–12 experiencing anxiety, trauma, phobias or distressing experiences
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children process difficult experiences in a safe and supported way.
During EMDR, children:
focus on a distressing memory
engage in bilateral stimulation
begin to connect the experience with more adaptive thoughts and feelings
Over time, the memory becomes less overwhelming and more manageable.
EMDR with children is always adapted developmentally and is often integrated with play and expressive therapies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children with Anxiety
For children ages 7–12 experiencing anxiety and related challenges
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and experiences in ways that match their developmental stage.
Sessions are experiential and relationship-centered, using:
play
stories
games
creative activities
Children are supported in:
understanding their emotions
building coping skills
developing confidence
Emotions are seen as important signals, not problems to fix. Therapy helps children and caregivers understand what’s underneath so children feel supported rather than judged.
Family Play Therapy
For children and caregivers navigating stress, transitions or relationship challenges
Family play therapy supports both the child and caregiver relationship.
This approach:
integrates play and CBT-informed strategies
focuses on strengthening connection
helps families better understand one another
Through shared play experiences, families:
improve communication
build trust and connection
learn to respond to emotional needs more effectively
A strong attachment relationship supports a child’s confidence, emotional development and sense of security.
Circle of Security Parenting
(Parent Coaching)
For caregivers wanting to better understand their child and strengthen connection
Circle of Security Parenting is an attachment-based program that helps caregivers understand the emotional needs behind their child’s behavior.
Rather than focusing only on behavior, this approach supports parents in:
recognizing their child’s needs
responding with confidence and empathy
strengthening the parent-child relationship
Caregivers learn to respond as:
Bigger, Stronger, Wiser and Kind
This is a reflective, supportive process that also encourages compassion for yourself as a parent.
Sessions are offered via Zoom and typically follow a 10-session structure.
Neuro-Affirming Therapy for Neurodivergent Children
For children with ADHD, autism, sensory differences or developmental differences
I provide a neuro-affirming approach to child therapy in Seattle that supports each child’s unique way of thinking, feeling and engaging with the world.
This approach:
values each child’s strengths
adapts to the child rather than expecting the child to adapt
supports regulation, connection and self-understanding
Therapy is collaborative, respectful and tailored to the individual child and family.
Expressive and Sand Play Therapy
For children who benefit from creative and non-verbal expression
Expressive therapies such as SandTray and Sand Play allow children to communicate and process experiences without needing words.
Through symbolic play and creative expression, children can:
explore emotions safely
work through experiences
express thoughts that may be difficult to say out loud
This approach is especially helpful for children who:
struggle to verbalize feelings
feel overwhelmed
process experiences internally
Additional Therapy Modalities
In addition, I am trained and/or certified in the following therapy modalities:
Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART)
Expressive Art Therapy
Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)
Exposure and Response Therapy
Sand Tray and Sand Play Therapies
The Flash Technique
Biofeedback
Internal Family Systems
Interpersonal Neurobiology
The Incredible Years Parenting Program