Young people often experience difficulties and stress, which manifest themselves through tantrums or other more serious negative behaviors, but they generally have difficulty understanding and articulating the root causes. These difficulties can manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as: low self-esteem, bullying, anxiety, learning issues, withdrawal, anger, getting trouble at school or at home, self-injury, or substance abuse. Unfortunately, they also usually have difficulty understanding the resulting consequences.

 

During my career as a psychotherapist and as an educator, I have learned young people respond to authenticity and structure. All children can succeed with the proper support.

 

I use a combination of play therapy and experiential education, with a focus on inviting children to help develop games and initiatives that help us look at the issues they are struggling with. I have found great success with this as children immediately gravitate toward the creative process. I do this as opposed to focusing on what’s not working, which helps them to look at their situation from a unique and non-traditional perspectives. The goal is for them to focus on their strengths and creativity. They become the artist of a game or activity and can help them begin to realize their potential, which in turn can help alleviate other emotional conditions or behavioral problems.