trauma therapy for children in dallas, texas
play therapy + emdr for children
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
—Fred Rogers
Does my child need therapy?
signs of child anxiety
difficulty focusing at school and/or home
sleep issues or fear of sleeping alone
changes in eating
physical changes like stomach aches or headaches
crying often, more than usual
frequently worries (could be many things or one specific situation or worry)
quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts
changes in using the bathroom
displays difficulty being away from caregivers or fear of being alone
possible signs of traumatic stress in children
experienced a distressing event such as the death of a loved one, separation by divorce or incarceration, physical or sexual abuse, car wreck, or bullying
difficulty focusing at school and/or home
sleep issues or frequent nightmares
changes in eating
physical changes like stomach aches or headaches
crying often, more than usual
frequently worries or appears fidgety
seems to “zone out” or “space out”
sudden changes in mood or personality
quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts
changes in using the bathroom
displays difficulty being away from caregivers or fear of being alone
avoiding school or social situations
emdr + play therapy for children (ages 5-10) in dallas
benefits of play therapy
Provides age-appropriate environment for children to express their emotions through play
Enhances self-responsibility and self-control
Improves self-regulation, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and social skills
Allows for children to be understood in a safe setting
Trauma, depression, and anxiety therapy for children in Dallas, Texas
You may feel at a loss for how to help your child with overwhelming behaviors or emotions when nothing seems to work. Maybe you know your child experienced something scary or painful, or perhaps you have no idea where these troubling behaviors came from. You may feel guilt or fear that generational trauma patterns will negatively affect your child. You just want your kid to be okay, healthy, and confident in school and relationships without being hindered by the struggles they’ve had. Your child deserves to be seen AND heard while you gain support for the HARD and BRAVE work of parenting a whole human.
I take a collaborative approach with an initial consultation with parent(s) or caregiver(s) without child present first. We will explore the child’s history and current concerns to create a plan for reaching goals. As a parent, you will be involved in the process with periodic check-ins to discuss your child’s needs and progress. You will be given parenting support, recommendations, and learn ways to help your child based on what is being worked on in therapy sessions.
My Approach
I utilize Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a play room setting filled with toys and creative art supplies. EMDR is a research-backed approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns. Kids love the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR with “buzzies” (vibrating handheld device) or “butterfly hugs” (self tapping) to process experiences and build new connections in their brain toward healing. Through EMDR and play therapy, your child will learn to identify emotions in their body, uncover negative beliefs, and learn to calm overwhelming emotions with coping skills.
Background
I have experience in working with childhood trauma, sexual abuse, specific phobias (i.e. fear of vomit, insects, etc.), loss of a parent, generalized anxiety, and depression. My work history with children ranges from abuse survivors in a child advocacy center, vulnerable child populations in a child protection agency, and daycare provider for infants and toddler while in undergraduate work.
Reach out today to book a free consultation!
benefits of emdr for children
Harnesses the backdrop of the relationship built through child-centered play, giving children safety for EMDR processing to resolve traumatic experiences
Reduces anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms for lasting change
Facilitates resolution of root issues of anger, behavioral issues, anxiety, and phobias
Incorporates evidenced-based approach for treating emotional dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, and depressionrather than play therapy alone
