1. What is your training background?
   Please view my Professional Background page.
   
   
2. Describe your theoretical orientation and style.
   Please view my Services page.
   
   
3. Are you or have you been in your own therapy?
   Yes
   
   
4. How do you structure sessions?
   Sessions are fifty minutes. For adults, in initial sessions I ask questions about what you would like me to know about what is bringing you in, your life, and family. After that, in general, you set the agenda. For play therapy with children, typically I meet first with the parents or family. Play therapy sessions usually begin with a diagnostic/therapeutic structured activity, i.e. a drawing, followed by play that is lead by the child (nondirective or child-centered play therapy).
   
   
5. How frequently do you consult with colleagues about clients you work with?
   Weekly on average. This is done in a confidential setting without revealing identifying information.
   
   
6. What is the training background of those you consult with?
   I consult with a Psychiatrist with extensive experience in experiential psychotherapy, a Ph.D. Psychologist, a Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Art Therapist, a therapist with expertise in mind/body therapy, a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified EMDR therapists, and certified Psych-K instructors. I also meet in a peer supervision group, which is a component group of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
   
   
7. What kinds of ongoing education and trainings do you do?
   I regularly participate in educational and training activities related to the services I provide.
   
   
8. Are you open to feedback from me regarding the kind of psychiatrist/therapist that I want, that works best for me?
   Yes.
   
   
9. What do you consider the healing aspects of therapy to be?
   Providing a professional, authentic relationship that facilitates the manifestation of natural strivings for growth and self-realization.
   

Additional questions for a play therapist:

1. How do you involve parents and family?
   After meeting initially, I meet with parents as needed to discuss feedback and recommendations, and get ongoing input regarding how things are going at home, in school, etc. I also provide extensive parent education materials for interested parents to review while their child is in a play therapy session. Family involvement is decided based on your and your child’s input as the therapy process unfolds.
   
   
2. Tell me about your playroom.
   My goal is to provide symbols for a vast array of life experiences and that facilitate communication.
   
   
3. Do you have sand trays and miniature objects in your playroom?
   Yes. Sand, including wet sand, is one of the most popular tools used in the playroom.
   
   
4. How do you set limits in the playroom?
   Limits are a requirement for a therapeutic relationship to develop, and structure is necessary for growth. I have very few rules in the playroom to allow freedom of expression. When a limit is necessary, I start with a statement of what they can do, and if necessary, will give a choice of choosing another behavior or choosing the limit.
   
   
5. How comfortable are you if my child needs to express aggression in her/his play?
   Very. Aggression release and mastery of aggressive feelings and experiences is a frequent theme.
   
   
6. How does play therapy work?
   Play and activity are the ways children communicate. By meeting children exactly where they are developmentally, play therapy provides the relationship and setting to express and master what they are struggling with. What they need from adults is communicated through the play as well.