Therapies offered
I support children ages 5-12 years old and am able to offer your family many evidence-based therapies. I am a Registered Play Therapist™, with extensive post-graduate training, consultation and supervision in evidence-based therapy modalities- including EMDR, age appropriate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapies (Child-Centered Play Therapy and Theraplay) and expressive art therapy (SandTray and Sand Play Therapy).
child centered play therapy
For children ages 5-8 that require social, emotional, behavioral and relational support
Child Centered Play Therapy is an evidence-based play therapy that enables a child to express his/her/their feelings, needs and experiences through carefully selected toys. Toys are considered children’s words and play is their language. During the play therapy session, children are able to move freely and at their own pace to select the toys and materials needed to express themselves and process their experiences in ways that enable them to heal.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
For children ages 5-12 who have anxiety, phobias, low self-esteem and/or have experienced bullying, parental divorce or trauma
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy for children. In EMDR, a child selects a distressing target memory and through bilateral stimulation begins to pair the distressing image with a more positive thought or self belief. Although the memory will still be there, your child will have a more neutral response to the event.
Because the culture of childhood is unique, and children are not mini adults, EMDR for children is combined with play therapy and/or art therapy interventions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Kids
For children ages 7-12 that are experiencing anxiety symptoms
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that support their developmental stage.
Sessions are experiential and relationship-centered. Through play, stories, expressive arts, games, and role-play, children explore their inner world in ways that feel safe and meaningful. Emotions are viewed as important signals about a child’s needs and experiences.
We use affirming language when understanding children’s behavior. What may seem challenging is often a child’s way of protecting themselves, communicating a need, or responding to overwhelming feelings. Therapy helps children and caregivers better understand these experiences so children feel supported rather than judged.
Parents are an important part of the process. Their involvement helps strengthen connection and supports children’s emotional development.
Cognitive Behavioral Family Play Therapy
For children ages 5–12 and their caregivers who may be navigating a stressful event, transition, or life change.
This approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy to support children and strengthen the connection between children and their caregivers.
Attachment refers to the emotional bond between a child and their caregiver(s). When children feel safe, supported, and understood within this relationship, it helps nurture their emotional development, confidence, and sense of security.
Family play therapy provides a supportive space for children and caregivers to connect, communicate, and better understand one another. Through both directive and child-led play and creative activities, we build on your child’s unique strengths while supporting the attachment relationship. These shared experiences help caregivers respond to their child’s emotional needs in ways that deepen connection and support the child’s growing sense of confidence and well-being.
Circle of Security Parenting
Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) is an attachment-based parenting program that helps caregivers better understand the emotional needs underneath their child’s behavior. Rather than focusing on managing behavior alone, the program invites parents to slow down and become curious about what their child might be communicating through their actions and emotions.
Using video examples, reflection, and discussion, parents learn to recognize when children are moving out to explore the world and when they are coming back in for comfort and support. The program also explores the caregiver’s role as the “hands on the Circle,” offering children guidance that is Bigger, Stronger, Wiser, and Kind.
Circle of Security Parenting is not therapy, but many parents find it deeply meaningful and supportive. The focus is on building awareness, strengthening the parent–child relationship, and helping caregivers respond to their children with greater confidence and compassion. Parents also learn to hold kindness toward themselves, recognizing that no caregiver can get it right all the time
Circle of Security is not a therapy program, but a parent coaching model.
Learn more about Circle of Security coaching through Cascadia Family Coaching
AUTPLAY® THERAPY
For neurodivergent children ages 5-12 (including autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, social anxiety, sensory differences and/or developmental and physical disabilities)
AutPlay® Therapy is a neuro affirming and collaborative process designed to value the individual child and highlight their unique strengths. The AutPlay® framework guides areas of intervention, goals and approaches for addressing the needs of the child and family. The therapeutic powers of play are utilized to address a variety of needs.
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
Guided Drawing
Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)
Exposure and Response Therapy
Sand Tray and Sand Play Therapies
The Flash Technique
Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)
Mindfulness and Meditation
Yoga (RYT 200 Hours)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Safe and Sound Protocol
Biofeedback
Internal Family Systems
Interpersonal Neurobiology
The Incredible Years Parenting Program