Child-Centered Play Therapy Helps School-Age Refugees
There are many refugees living in the United States. Refugees are people who have fled their country of origin because they were persecuted or due to humanitarian reasons. The number of refugee children living in America is unknown, but many of these individuals suffer with significant posttraumatic stress (PTSD) due to exposure to violent acts, death or loss of family members, loss of home, unfamiliar surroundings, and other events. Because refugees have limited resources, both socially and financially, the majority of traumatized... Read More
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Play therapy is a useful tool to help children express themselves and gain a better understanding of events and experiences through creative action. This approach has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for children who struggle with various mental health issues and have difficulty responding well to other forms of therapy. Counselors who use 
I must first be who I really am, then, do what I need to do, in order to have what I want.
Have you ever had the thought, I’ll be happy when… we move to a new home; when I get the position I’ve been interviewing for; when I finish my degree; when I get pregnant; when I marry….
It all starts with you right Now.
To create the life you want, take responsibility and bring a playful attitude into your relationship with Self, your relationship with the Other in your life, and your relationship with Nature. New or unexpected adventures can be a great start. Did you ever want to…
Join... 
Some time ago, I wrote about the spirit of a play therapist—the idea that each of us brings something unique and extraordinary to the play therapy room that is a blend of our own way of being in the world along with the evolving style of play that naturally fits us. As I contemplated this further, I found myself even more in tune with not only the play therapist spirit, but the play therapist heart. I particularly found this while observing my wonderful play therapy colleagues, noticing that there is something quite extraordinary about their hearts, the kind of dedication to children that is... 
As a Play Therapist, when you hear the word play, what images come to mind? Do you see an active, energetic scene with puppets dancing and jumping? Or is it more along the lines of quiet engagement between therapist and child processing an art creation, or Sandtray? Might you be seeing in your mind’s eye a lively storytelling narrative, or peacefully sharing a collection of worry stones? Chances are, the first image that comes to mind is a representation of your Play Spirit.
Just like our own personalities influence our day to day interactions with the world, our role as Play Therapists is... 
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Dyadic play therapy is a form of 
I’ve learned to trust myself, to listen to truth, to not be afraid of it and to not try and hide it.
-Sarah McLachlan
There are no physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual benefits to low self-esteem. On the other hand, when you value yourself highly you are most likely positive, consider life to be a playful adventure, are confident in your abilities, maintain a healthy lifestyle, laugh a lot, and are never bored by what life offers.
What are 20 things you love about yourself? How easily you complete this exercise or (complete it at all!) will give you an idea about your current... 
If you were handed good health, laughter, and joy would you take it?
As far as I can tell, it is much more difficult to explain play than to experience it. Spring is the perfect time to try out some new ways to play, revisit some of your favorites, and most importantly bring a playful attitude to areas of life that feel less than playful. Play and your health improves without a doubt. With rates of obesity climbing for children and adults, social media depression as a new phenomenon, and more time spent in front of the computer and television than outdoors playing (to name a few changes due to... 
