Children are not mini adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every single day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be tough to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Enter, Family Play Therapy!
At Little Dove Counseling, we believe parents hold the wisdom and key to their children’s success. We also understand the intricate journey of parenthood is an ever-changing landscape of your child’s growth and life’s demands. At Little Dove Counseling in Walnut Creek, we marry the language of children (play) with the wisdom and insight of the parent to help your child heal, grow, and communicate. We believe every child's primary need is meaningful relationships that allow them to create and explore the world around them. We believe taking time to support you as a parent is just as powerful as time spent in the playroom.
Family Play Therapy in Walnut Creek, CA
Is play therapy right for your kiddo?
Kids often do not have the words to express their specific hurts and needs. You may be wondering how you would know if your child would benefit from Family Play Therapy. A way to decide is to look at what the kid’s behavior is trying to verbalize to us adults. Here are some examples.
Tantrums, screaming, crying, impossible to console.
Withdrawn, sullen, showing little emotion.
Fearfulness, avoiding certain locations, people, and activities.
Trouble sleeping, waking in the middle of night, grumpy mornings.
Difficulty concentrating, sitting still, transition activities.
Irritability, angry outbursts, aggressive body movements.
Sensitivity to light, sound, taste, or smell.
Perhaps your child has received a recent diagnosis.
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Autism
Developmental delays
Or, your family is moving through a tough life event.
Loss of a loved one
A New Baby
Moving
Divorce
Bullying at school
Overall, kids need connection to heal.
It’s scary to watch your child struggle, but Family Play Therapy can help with these needs and more. Family Play Therapy recognizes that kids don’t experience life in isolation. Prioritizing connection between the child and caregiver is at the heart of the Family Play Therapy process. Each session will aim to cultivate clear understanding between the toddler, child, or teen and caregiver. Your child therapist is equipped with a deep understanding of child development, attachment theory, and the powers of play. Using these skills, your therapist will partner with you to find out what’s at the core of your child’s behaviors, facilitate moments of meaningful connection between family members, and give you the tools you need to help your child heal.
What will play therapy be like?
We use evidence-based therapy and clear treatment plans all while in engaging your child in their natural language, play. Partnering with you and your child, we will work together to uncover what doesn’t yet have words and restore connection through the process.
Feelings Uno!
Puppet Shows!
Art Projects!
Sandtray Stories!
Your child’s creativity!
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After your one-on-one parent intake, your therapist will make recommendations on what family members to bring with you. Sometimes, parents and kids start out doing separate sessions and then come together. Other times, you may bring the whole family in, siblings included! It’s a flexible and strategic process.
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Your therapist will walk your family through a 4-6 assessment session process. At the end of this period, your therapist will provide information on what was found during the assessment and treatment plan written specifically for your child. The treatment plan will include measurable goals and a plan for meeting them. You and your therapist will have regular check-ins to ensure we are on track! Ideally, positive results will come and you and your therapist will decide to end treatment.
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Reach out via your preferred form of contact here. Our intake coordinator will be in touch within one business day to match you with a therapist and schedule your first session!