Play therapy is the best, most universally suited therapy for children!

Are you struggling with any of the following issues?

• Anxiety

• Behavior at School

• Meltdowns

• Sibling Rivalry

• Adjustment with adoption

• Anger and aggression

• Power struggles

• Divorce and family changes

• Trauma

• Self-esteem

• Coping skills

• ADHD or trouble focusing

• Self-harm

Child-centered play therapy helps children heal and grow from the inside-out by listening to the child’s unspoken needs and allowing them to work out solutions for their underlying needs. Through play therapy, children can work out struggles and make sense of their world in an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate way.

The most common outcomes of child-centered play therapy include:

• Increased self-esteem

• Increased ability to handle frustrations and disappointments

• Increased ability to figure out solutions for their problems

• Increased ability to make choices

• Increased emotional vocabulary that enables them to recognize and communicate their needs verbally

With a background in social work and experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, Darlene brings compassion, understanding, and support to the unique challenges for each child and family. When working with children and families, Darlene thinks about what the behavior is trying to communicate and how we can heal the hurt under the behavior. She employs an attachment model, principles of developmental psychology, insights into trauma, and a perspective of how the child might experience their environment to gain a bigger picture of the child's needs in order to provide understanding and support to both the child and the family.

Darlene studied counseling psychology at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and obtained additional training in Trauma and Abuse through the Allender Center. In addition, she is a Certified Play Therapy Professsional specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy. Most importantly, she brings a calm and accepting presence with a touch of fun and a dash of magic to help your child heal!

For more information on Child Centered Play Therapy and what to expect in the process, download this Quick Reference Guide.