Child and play therapy
In-person in Richmond
and online in Virginia
The power of play.
Who says play is just about having fun? For kids, play is a superpower—it’s a language that helps them express big feelings, work through tough experiences, and grow stronger on the inside. In my play therapy office, I use toys, games, stories, art materials, movement, and sensory activities to help children share what’s on their minds and in their hearts.
Research shows that play is crucial for brain development and emotional regulation. Play therapy taps into this natural process, and gives children a way to work through difficulties without having to use words.
Raising kids isn’t easy, but play therapy can help.
Children, especially between ages 4 and 9, are growing a lot. They’re learning to manage emotions, build relationships, and understand their place in the world. But as they navigate these changes, it can feel overwhelming—for both them and you.
At this age, kids are developing emotional skills like empathy, self-control, and problem-solving, but they’re still figuring out how to manage big emotions. This can sometimes lead to frustration, anxiety, or outbursts.
As I work with your child through play therapy, I’ll also meet with you regularly for parent sessions to help you better understand what they’re going through. My goal is to help your child feel better, while also supporting you in building a more connected family.
“Enter into children’s play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
— Virginia Axline, child psychologist and author
What to expect
1. Getting started
Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive an email inviting you to access the client portal. This user-friendly platform lets you complete the intake paperwork online before our first session. Doing this in advance helps us make the most of our time together and ensures I have all the essential information about your child’s needs and background. If you have any questions while filling it out, don’t hesitate to reach out!
2. Parent intake session
We’ll begin with a one-hour parent-only intake session, which helps create a foundation for your child’s therapy. This is an opportunity for you to share your child’s needs, concerns, history, and any important details about your family. This is also a great time to ask any questions you might have about the therapy process, clarify goals for our work together, and explore effective ways to support your child throughout this journey.
3. Individual sessions
I’ll work with your child in individual sessions where they can express themselves through play, conversation, and creative activities. From the start, building a strong, positive relationship with your child is my top priority. Using tailored techniques, I’ll help them explore their thoughts and feelings. Therapy isn’t just about tackling specific challenges, it’s also a space to strengthen skills and celebrate the areas where they’re already thriving.
4. Ongoing parent support
For children aged 4-12, we’ll have regular parent-only sessions to check-in and discuss recommendations tailored to their needs. These sessions are designed to support your child’s growth and well-being. It’s important to the therapeutic process for me to maintain your child’s confidentiality while also staying connected to you as the parent. This balance allows me to support your child effectively while ensuring that you are involved in their journey.
