As a parent, one of the most difficult things you will face is determining what to do when your child is experiencing significant difficulties and challenges at home or at school. All behaviors offer information about the meaning of a child’s inner struggles, but it is often hard to make sense of that information. Support for parents is an important part of the play therapy process. As I work with your child, I also offer parent support every step of the way. Alternatively, I can provide consultation for only parents when a parent is in need of extra nurturing and guidance. My goal is to help parents develop an authentic, embodied, and courageous parenting practice that honors each unique individual within a family and the family as a whole.
There is an overwhelming abundance of parenting advice and information out there; unfortunately, much of that “advice” is focused on behavior modification and fails to address the internal issues underlying the outward manifestation of behaviors. Sometimes these externally-focused strategies work, but if a child is experiencing significant distress caused by past trauma, sensory issues, attachment issues, anxiety, or depression, then the typical behavior modification methods often fail and leave parents at even more of a loss for how to understand and support their child. These methods may also decrease a child’s sense of acceptance and self-worth as the family dynamic becomes focused on trying to change behaviors that the child may simply be unable to knowingly and willingly stop.
Even when a family is in significant distress, I maintain a belief in each parent and child’s innate wisdom and capacity for healing and growth. We will work together to find the best course back to that wisdom, and to develop tools for maintaining a sense of balance, well-being, connection, self-acceptance, and love as you move through life’s challenges and difficulties.
