being a parent & therapist Archive

Bullies.  They are out there.  Young and old.  People who tear down others … maybe to feel stronger, in more control, (falsely) better.  They may do it verbally … picking on someone’s faults or differences, making “jokes” or slanderous comments.  They

What’s your view of children?  Precious?  Obnoxious? A mystery? Incomplete? Frustrating? Incapable? Our personal views about children are bound to vary throughout our own life … and, at times, even throughout the day (or hour!).  But it is important from time

As I was reviewing the required text, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd Ed)“, by Garry Landreth, for the Psychotherapy with Children course I am teaching this trimester, I was reminded of the basic differences between the play of adjusted

This image summarizes 2 pages of Chazan’s book on play therapy where she outlines the principles of play.  I wanted to share it with you because it encompasses many reasons why play is SO important for children. In case you’d like

Play therapy?  Many people ask how can “just” playing help?  What makes PLAY therapeutic? Well, over the next few days I will post on different dimensions of what exactly play is, why it’s important, and how it is used therapeutically by

In preparing for the start of the Psychotherapy with Children course that I’m teaching at the Michigan School of Professional Psychology, I decided to make a visual of Garry Landreth’s Principles for Relationships with Children.   While creating the image in PicMonkey

Yes, this idea is all over the internet  … but I’ve fallen in love with them and just had to share them on my very own post. They are super simple to make.  All you need is: a container (I used

Relationships between brothers and sisters are some of the most important and potentially longest lasting relationships in our lives.  As parents helping to foster these relationships is important, but despite our very best efforts, rivalry between siblings is BOUND to happen.

For some kids getting them to switch activities or leave for another location is like trying to move a brick wall.  Maybe the child has always had difficulty with transitioning … or maybe it’s a new concern.  Having trouble with transitions

David Shannon is one of my favorite children’s author and illustrator.  I love is simple, child-focused pictures and story contact that is fun, yet usually has a great message for kids.  For this reason his books are also wonderful to use

I was very excited that the Virtual Book Club for Kids picked David Shannon to be the featured author this month.  He is one of my favorite authors and illustrators of children’s books.  And my favorite book of his is ..

Here’s a list of books for kids about divorce.  I use these in play therapy and recommend them to parents when the family is going through a divorce.  If you have some to add, please leave a comment below! The Family