What Is Play Therapy?

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Play is a child’s natural language—and through it, they can express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that might be difficult to put into words. Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to process emotions, build emotional regulation, and work through challenges in a safe, supportive environment.

As a Registered Play Therapist, I have training in multiple models of play therapy, each grounded in research and tailored to meet the unique needs of children at various developmental stages. These approaches support children dealing with anxiety, trauma, behavioral struggles, life transitions, grief, and more.

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Why Synergetic Play Therapy®?

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While I draw from a variety of play therapy modalities, Synergetic Play Therapy® (SPT) has truly captured my heart. Developed by Lisa Dion, SPT is an internationally respected approach that integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and the therapeutic power of play.

What makes Synergetic Play Therapy unique is its emphasis on the therapist’s authenticity and regulation. In this model, healing happens not just through play itself, but through the relationship between child and therapist, the child’s connection to themselves, and the therapist’s ability to attune to what’s happening beneath the surface.

SPT also beautifully aligns with my training in somatic therapy. It recognizes that emotional experiences are stored in the body and often expressed through behavior, sensation, or play. By supporting children in becoming aware of their internal states—and modeling how to stay connected to themselves in any emotional experience—we help them build a foundation for lifelong emotional intelligence.

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