Making the decision to bring a child to therapy is very difficult.  Parents often feel unsure and question whether a child can benefit from therapy. Children come to therapy for many reasons; divorce, abuse and trauma, loss through death, separation from parents, adoption, social problems, school problems, illness, and/or any major life changes.  Children demonstrate their distress through their behavior.  You can pay attention to changes in behavior which may include the following:

• Bedwetting  
• Nightmares 
• Problems Going to Bed 
• Meltdowns
• Arguing
• School Avoidance
• Social Problems
• Clinginess/Separation Problems
• Isolating
• Regressing (acting younger)

Play Therapy

Parents often say "All they do is play."  Of course they are referring to Play Therapy.  Play is the natural language of children.  They express themselves with play because they can not express themselves through words.  In Play Therapy children are able to work through their issues in an environment which is safe and protected by the therapist who is trained to sit, observe, and comment if requested by the child.  The effects of Play Therapy can be powerful.

Sandplay Therapy

Children just know what to do when they see the sandtrays and miniature toys.  They have an excitement and focus in their creating pictures in the sand with the miniatures.  Often children do this therapy in total silence.  They are alloowed to talk or not talk.  Children are rarely allowed to be in contol and they seem to flourish in knowing they can control this part of their lives.