I offer in-person Play Therapy sessions designed to support children in expressing themselves and navigating their emotions. As a trained Play Therapist, I am currently working toward my Child-Centered Play Therapy Professional Plus Certificate, a comprehensive year-long program taught by renowned child therapist & podcast host of the Play Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenna Hicks. This training equips me with the tools to effectively guide children in their therapeutic journey. 🌱

What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?
Child-Centered Play Therapy is a proven therapeutic approach that allows children to express their feelings, needs, and experiences through play. Research consistently shows that Play Therapy can be highly effective for addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.

Through Play Therapy, children learn how to:

- Solve problems independently 💡

- Build self-acceptance and empathy 💖

- Develop emotional intelligence and coping skills 💪

-Enhance self-control and resilience 🛠️

-Improve social interactions and trust in themselves and others 👥

The goal of each session is to create a safe space where children can explore, heal, and grow, with the support of a trained therapist acting as a guide throughout the process. 🌈

What to Expect During Sessions
Each Play Therapy session lasts 45-50 minutes and is tailored to meet the unique needs of your child. During therapy, your child will have the opportunity to engage in creative play that reflects their inner world and emotions 🎨.

Additionally, I provide parent check-ins every 3-6 sessions, where I offer insights, tools, and guidance on how to best support your child's development at home. These check-ins are also 50 minutes long. 📋🤝

Why Choose Play Therapy for Your Child?
For kids under 13, they naturally communicate through play and highly emotional. Their brains don’t fully develop abstract reasoning till 13 years old making Play Therapy an developmentally - appropriate modality for their age. If you're looking for a safe, nurturing, and effective way to help your child manage difficult emotions and overcome challenges, Child-Centered Play Therapy can provide the support they need to thrive. 🌱💖

As a specialist in working with teens, student athletes, and athletes of all ages, I understand how integral sports can be to a person’s identity, as well as the identity of their family. Athletic performance often shapes an individual’s self-image, beliefs, and future goals. My approach is holistic, offering humanistic therapy that sees the whole person — beyond just the athlete — and provides tools to strengthen social, family, and athletic relationships. 🏃‍♂️💬

Through our work together, I aim to help athletes navigate the pressures that come with competition, performance, and life outside of sports. By focusing on their mental health, I help athletes develop a deeper understanding of how athletics have shaped their goals, beliefs, and overall mindset. 🌟

Therapeutic Approaches for Athletes
I incorporate a variety of proven therapeutic modalities tailored to the needs of athletes, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to improve thinking and behavior 🧠

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and coping skills 💡

Sports Psychology techniques to optimize performance and mental resilience 🏋️‍♂️

Ericksonian Hypnotherapy to enhance focus, stress management, and performance 🌱

These therapies help athletes manage stress, improve their mindset, and elevate their game, both on and off the field. Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, injury recovery, or balancing academics and athletics, these tools are designed to help you succeed in all aspects of life. 🎯

Experience with Local Teams & Athletes:
I have worked with local teams, college teams, and individual athletes to enhance their mental health and performance. My experience includes collaborations with the Hidden Opponent Organization, LA Marathon, Occidental College, local teams like Mira Costa, the Team Santa Monica Swim Team, and many more. I have also participated in public speaking engagements, podcasts, and written articles about athlete mental health, empowering athletes to prioritize their well-being. 📰🎤

Why Choose Therapy for Athletes?
Sports can be both rewarding and challenging, and it's essential to have the right tools to navigate those challenges. Therapy provides a safe space to manage performance stress, build resilience, and foster a strong mind-body connection. Whether you’re a teen athlete, student-athlete, or professional in the sport, my goal is to support your overall well-being, empowering you to perform at your best and thrive in all areas of life. 🏅