“Play matters because people matter. It reminds us of our interdependence and gives us a chance to really see other people. And in turn, to be really and truly seen.”

-Jill Vialet

Child-Centered
Play Therapy

I specialize in working with children ages 3 to 6 who are struggling with big feelings, anxieties, and challenging behaviors.

I love working with children in the child-centered way that Garry L. Landreth describes in his wonderful book, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.

I am also a mom, and I understand the guilt we can carry as parents. I always want to speak to that.

While adults find relief in talking over their difficulties with an understanding therapist, children often cannot express their thoughts and feelings in words.

Because children often do not have the words to express feelings, they may represent how they feel through acting out. When children have the opportunity to show how they feel through toys, they often feel better because their feelings have been released. You have probably felt something similar when you have been upset or anxious and confided in someone who cares about you. Play therapy is like that for children.

Through play therapy, children learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in constructive ways, to control their behavior, to make decisions, and to accept responsibility.

Play therapy is an evidence-based practice for children ages 3 to 10 who engage in imaginary play. You can learn more about play therapy on the Association for Play Therapy website. Because I appreciate the wide spectrum of healing modalities, I am also trained in Reiki Levels 1 and 2.

Child-centered play therapy takes place in-person at my calm and cozy office at 12th and Monroe in Congress Park. I also have some availability to see your child at their school during the day using a travel play therapy kit. Sessions are 45 minutes long and just for your child. We’ll schedule parent consults as needed outside of that time.

Here is information about my fees: https://www.comedyistherapy.com/costs. I am also behind the scenes at Regis University’s Center for Counseling and Family Therapy, which offers very low-cost play therapy: https://www.regis.edu/about/regis-in-the-community/center-for-counseling-family-therapy/index

You might also be wondering whether your child’s tantrums are a sign that they could benefit from treatment, and here is a very short quiz for caregivers of children ages 2-6 that I have found helpful: https://app.littleotterhealth.com/tantrums

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.

We could all use more support right now!

Warmly,

Dr. Alison

If you are interested in getting more information or scheduling a time to chat, please fill out the form below. Thank you! My waitlist comes and goes, and it’s hard for me to estimate, so feel free to reach out and ask!

Our playroom…