Why play therapy?

Play therapy creates a safe environment in which children can freely express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the word works, compare reality with hopes or fears, learn about social expectations and boundaries, and work through their problems. Dr. John provides the tools and atmosphere to help kids try out different solutions and learn more effective coping methods. 

Play therapy can be helpful for individuals facing:

• parental conflict, separation, or divorce
• trauma from sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
• challenges with social skills and/or bullying
• symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• behavior problems at home or school
• illness or death with a love one
• resolving ongoing sibling conflicts
• introduction into a new family through adoption

Parents are often invited into the process to learn and practice new parenting skills and/or play skills to build attachment, clarify boundaries, and improve communication. Some play interventions are especially suited for teens and adults, thereby allowing nonverbal exploration of circumstances that have become overly stressful for a person's heart and mind.