Children
"Toys are children's words and play is their language" - Gary L. Landreth
As a Registered Play Therapist™, Amy uses toys, games, arts and crafts, STEM activities, books, etc. to facilitate the therapeutic process with children. In the same way adults use words to express thoughts and feelings, children use toys and activities to express themselves. Through play, children process their feelings, explore the world, and make sense of their experiences.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) techniques, Amy teaches children the following skills:
- Cooperation and Teamwork
- Healthy Communication and Assertiveness
- Empathy, Kindness, Honesty, Patience, and Respect
- Frustration Tolerance and Self-Control
- Restructuring Negative Thinking Patterns
- Problem-Solving and Perseverance
- Social Skills and Coping Skills
- Self-Esteem and Confidence
Amy also encourages many of the children she works with to participate in family counseling sessions throughout their treatment as needed. Family sessions serve as an opportunity for families to learn and practice healthier communication skills and improve relationships with one another. They give children an opportunity to express themselves using the skills learned in their individual sessions and give parents the opportunity to discuss difficult topics with their children with the help of the therapist.
Teens
Amy enjoys working with teens experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder and impulsivity, oppositional defiance disorder, grief, and those struggling to adjust to school, social expectations, and family changes.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, Amy helps teens understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches them practical skills to identify and change negative or unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviors.
For teens, CBT is especially helpful because it is a practical and collaborative process, allowing them to actively participate in understanding and changing their thoughts, reactions, and behaviors rather than just talking about feelings.
Amy also encourages many of the teens she works with to participate in family counseling sessions throughout their treatment as needed. Family sessions serve as an opportunity for families to learn and practice healthier communication skills and improve relationships with one another. They give teens an opportunity to express themselves to their parents using the skills learned in their individual sessions and give parents the opportunity to discuss difficult topics with their teens with the help of the therapist.
Young Adults
Amy enjoys working with young adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as those navigating post-high school or college transitions, leaving home for the first time, managing parental expectations, and exploring new career opportunities.
Amy utilizes Person-Centered Therapy techniques to create a non-judgmental, supportive space where young adults can lead their own growth, develop self-awareness, improve their self-esteem, and learn problem-solving skills to reach their goals.
Amy also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help young adults understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teach them practical skills to identify and change negative or unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviors.
Families
Amy enjoys working with families from diverse backgrounds to address challenges within the family system as a whole. Family counseling improves communication, strengthens relationships through empathy and trust, and helps families manage conflict more effectively. It also supports families in navigating life transitions such as divorce, blended families, grief, illness, and developmental changes. Ultimately, family counseling promotes shared responsibility, resilience, and a more supportive environment for all members.
