Everywhere you look there seems to be a parent that "has it all together" or a child that seems perfect. But when you view your own parenting, you just feel like a failure, maybe sometimes, maybe often, maybe all of the time.

You are not alone.

Navigating the challenges of parenthood can be both rewarding and daunting.

 

Elizabeth McConnell, ADHD, ODD, OCD, play therapy, parenting training

I'm Elizabeth McConnell, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate specializing in the unique world of children and adolescents. If you're facing concerns about your child's behavior, communication, or emotional well-being, know that I'm here to help guide you and your family through the transformative process of Play Therapy.

 

How does Play Therapy help?

1. Behavioral Challenges:

You're seeing your child struggle with challenging behaviors and you feel overwhelmed.

How Play Therapy Helps: Through play, I engage with your child to understand the emotions behind their behaviors. Together, we navigate towards positive changes and equip your child with valuable tools for personal growth.

2. Communication Difficulties:

You feel disheartened when verbal communication becomes a barrier with your child. You feel like you never say the right thing or you feel like your child has trouble communicating.

How Play Therapy Helps: In our playroom, words aren't always necessary. Through play, your child communicates and expresses themselves, fostering a deeper connection that extends beyond words.

3. Family Transitions:

You feel like family transitions can create stress and confusion for your child and you just want to support your child.

How Play Therapy Helps: Play therapy becomes a space where your child can explore and make sense of these changes, helping them navigate transitions with resilience and emotional understanding.

4. Emotional Distress:

You are seeing signs of emotional distress in your child and you are worried about them.

How Play Therapy Helps: In the safety of play, your child can express and process their emotions, building emotional awareness and resilience to face life's challenges.

5. School-related Issues:

You see your child struggling at school-related challenges (educational, social, emotional) and you worry that it is impacting your child's well-being and their self-esteem.

How Play Therapy Helps: Through play, we address school-related stressors, alleviating anxiety and cultivating a positive attitude towards learning, empowering your child to navigate the academic journey.

Partnering with You for Your Child's Well-being

With over a decade of experience in working with children and their parents, my passion lies in fostering emotional growth in children and adolescents. I believe in collaboration, actively involving parents in the therapeutic process. Together, we'll address what is going on with your child and create a plan that nurtures your child's emotional well-being.

Take the courageous step toward positive change for your child. Reach out to schedule a Play Therapy session, by clicking the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is play therapy, and how does it work?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy where children use play as a medium to express thoughts and emotions. It works by providing a safe and structured environment for children to communicate, allowing therapists to understand and address their emotional challenges.

2. How is play therapy different from traditional talk therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy recognizes that children may struggle to express themselves verbally. Play therapy utilizes toys, games, and creative activities to help children communicate and process emotions in a way that is developmentally appropriate.

3. What age group is suitable for play therapy?

Play therapy is effective for children aged 3 to 12 years, although it can be adapted for older individuals as well. The techniques used depend on the child's developmental stage and individual needs.

4. How long does play therapy typically last?

The duration of play therapy varies based on the child's needs and goals. Some issues may be addressed in a few sessions, while more complex challenges may require longer-term therapy. On average, sessions may range from several months or longer.

5. How involved are parents in play therapy sessions?

Parental involvement is crucial in play therapy. While the child has individual sessions, parents participate Parent Consultations every 6 - 8 weeks. This involvement helps parents better understand their child's progress and learn strategies for supporting their child at home.

6. Can play therapy address specific issues such as anxiety, depression ADHD or trauma?

Yes, play therapy is highly effective in addressing various issues, including anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, and social difficulties. Therapists use specialized techniques tailored to each child's needs to promote healing and growth.

7. How do therapists choose the appropriate toys for play therapy?

Therapists select toys based on the child's age, developmental level, and the therapeutic goals. The variety of toys allows for different modes of expression, helping the child feel comfortable and engaged during sessions.

8. Is play therapy confidential, and what information is shared with parents?

Play therapy is confidential, but there are limitations when there are concerns about the child's safety. Therapists usually share general themes or progress with parents to maintain transparency and collaboration in the therapeutic process.

9. Can play therapy be integrated with other therapeutic approaches?

Yes, play therapy can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities based on the child's needs. Therapists may combine play therapy with cognitive-behavioral techniques, family therapy, or other evidence-based approaches to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

10. How can I know if play therapy is the right choice for my child?

A consultation with Elizabeth is the best way to determine if play therapy is suitable for your child. During the consultation, Elizabeth will assess your child's needs and discuss potential goals and benefits of play therapy.