Child Psychologists and Child Therapists in De Soto, KS.

I help young children by helping the family. Often times, a child's behavior is related to a problem within the family. If we help your family, usually the child will get better. Sometimes, especially in the case of foster care or adoption, there is a "wound" that needs addressing, primarily by helping the child receive a loving adult to hang on to. Academically speaking, we may refer you to a psychologist to rule out a learning disability. A family therapist is the best place to start.

I help children in the context of the family. By addressing the family as a whole and the patterns that exist within the family, the symptoms and behaviors in the child often dissipate. We will work together on relieving the family stress, how you can help your child become more successful and feel proud of him or herself. Every parent wants the best for their child and every parent wants to see their child happy and flourishing. Beginning family therapy is a great first step.

Children are not miniature adults. The way they see the world is different. They often don't have words to express how they are feeling so you will often see them act out with negative behaviors. Helping children learn to express themselves in healthy ways, learn about their emotions, and work through the issues they struggle with is very important to me. The things they go though as a child can and will shape who they are throughout life. I strive to make it as positive and healthy as possible.

Theraplay, a sensory type of play therapy emphasizing the parent-child relationship, is an approach I often use with 3-8 year old clients to treat issues of life transitions, trust, depression and attachment. Sand Tray Therapy, another type of play therapy, is also effective in helping young children make sense of their feelings and experiences. It involves the use of miniatures that represent hopes, fears and experiences, to let them "share their story."

A parent is only as happy as their saddest child. It is extremely painful to watch our children suffer and be at a loss of what is going on or how to help them. I am a certified Play Therapist and work with children ages 2 and up. When a child is acting out that is a sign that something is wrong in their world. Play Therapy is the preferred form of therapy for children under the age of ten and it is highly effective for children suffering from abuse, neglect, bullying, low self esteem, divorce etc. Play was a child's first language and we use play in session to gain insight into what is going on in a child's world when they don't have the ability to put words to it themselves.

Young children often struggle to communicate what they are feeling in the ways the adults are capable of. This can become a problem if the child is struggling with something and cannot find the right way to communicate or express what is wrong. When working with children I use play as a form of therapy. It allows them to let their guard down and feel comfortable in a space that may otherwise be stressful. Through this play during therapy, children are able to express their emotions in healthy and productive ways.