Play is a child’s primary language of communication. Children often express through play what is difficult to express in words. Through Play Therapy, children learn to both express how they feel while also discovering new strategies for managing their emotions. The Play Therapist supports the child to constructively work through a variety of issues using tools such as sand tray, dolls/puppets, cars/trucks, art-making and structured games. These tools empower the child to gain mastery over their emotions, rather than become overwhelmed as a result of their experiences.

Typical course of treatment is approximately 12-15 weeks, depending on each child’s needs. Each Play Therapy session consists of 45 min with the child and 15-20 min parent coaching time at the end of the session. Tangible activities are given each week for both the parent and child to practice what that they’ve learned in therapy at home.

Play Therapy is an excellent treatment modality for issues related to:

• grief/loss, self esteem, ADD/ADHD, anxiety/depression, PTSD, social issues, anger, early attachment/adoption, divorce/split families, sibling rivalry and sensory processing issues.

Prior to her work in private practice, Brie was the Lead Adoption Therapist and a Clinical Supervisor with Mental Health Partners where she worked closely with adoptive, kin and foster families in the Boulder/Longmont area. She has trained extensively in early trauma/attachment and body-based therapies, with a specific focus on adoption. She understands the complex issues many adoptive families face and has helped many families find greater connection, hope and healing.

Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each family and often include a combination of individual + family therapy incorporating Play Therapy, EMDR and attachment therapies

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Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidenced based tool for processing trauma and promoting resiliency in children and adults. During EMDR, the client is directed to bring up a disturbing event or memory and then use bilateral stimulation through the use of hand taps, hand buzzers or eye movements to process the experience. Over time, the disturbing memory becomes less painful and more fully integrated.

EMDR is a wonderful adjunct therapy to Play Therapy. Children in particular respond strongly to this multifaceted therapy approach.

To learn more about EMDR, click Here. 

S.M.A.R.T, developed by Bessel Van Der Kolk of  The Trauma Center in Boston, MA is a unique blend of Sensory Integration and psychotherapy for children. SMART incorporates key Sensory Integration tools such as the balance board, physioball, crash pillows and stretchy band with more traditional Play Therapy methods. During SMART, children process difficult emotions while regulating and resourcing themselves through various sensory tools.

To learn more about S.M.A.R.T., click Here.

Tween Time is a 6-week empowerment program for girls ages 10-12 years which gathers each Fall and Spring semesters to explore critical themes related to the emotional and social health of young women. 

Each week focuses on a different theme such as friendship/bullying, communication, trust and self-empowerment. Through art, dance/movement, council circles and structured games, girls are given the opportunity to creatively explore these themes in a space that is nurturing, safe and supportive. 

“I love Tween Time and wish we had this group EVERY day!” - tween, age 10.

NEW THIS SPRING!