being a parent & therapist Archive

I wasn’t familiar with the Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s books before exploring her work during the Virtual Book Club for Kids this month.  After reading through every title by her that I could get at my public library I recognized that many

I feel that one of my most important tasks as a play therapist (and a mom) is to help children understand, cope with, and express their feelings.  In my 13 years of working therapeutically with children I have come across a

SPIN ART and PLAY THERAPY are two of my favorite things.  I was so happy when I started using spin art in session and realized what a great technique it could be therapeutically.  Originally I just thought my own kids LOVE

My troubles with worry and anxiety started early in life.  I would worry about everything … especially at bedtime.  One of the ways my wonderful mom helped me cope was by getting me a set of “worry dolls” (like these).  They

It’s that time of year again!  BACK TO SCHOOL!!!  Here are some of my favorite back to school books that I read with my own kids and recommend to clients (especially if they are starting school for the first time or

Since the Summer Virtual Book Club for Kids is featuring Kevin Henkes this month, I though it would be a great time to review his books that can be extremely useful in therapy with kids.   (He has A LOT that

I’ve received lots of requests to blog about potty training … but it’s taken me a really long time to sit down and write this post.  The road of potty training my son (now 6) has been long and bumpy …

Let me start out by reminding you about my 3 year old daughter, Honor.  She’s the one always wearing the princess clothes … The one that had a Princess Birthday Party … She has no doubt that she IS a princess.

One of the most important social skills is the ability recognize, distinguish and label one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.  A great way to help develop this skill is to begin reading books that describe and picture feelings to

As a parent and a child psychologist I firmly believe in focusing on reinforcing positive behaviors … as opposed to punishing negative ones.  This stems from my knowledge of what behaviorists have studied about human behavior … AND my first hand experience

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I began this journey.  I really didn’t know what to expect … but I never could have imagined what has unfolded. I have learned so many skills while creating the blog and growing

Since I took the Playdough Pledge this week … I figured it was high time that I shared HOW and WHY I use play dough in my work as a play therapist.   Play therapy uses PLAY as a way to