Individual play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach that allows children to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play—their natural language. Unlike adults, children often struggle to verbalize what’s happening inside them. In play therapy, toys are considered the child’s words and play becomes their way of communicating.

Using a child-centered, non-directive model, I create a safe and attuned space where the child leads the session at their own pace. This approach respects the child’s autonomy and promotes emotional regulation, self-understanding, and healing. The playroom is intentionally designed with materials that support expression, creativity, mastery, and connection.

With the presence of a trained play therapist, children are able to work through challenges, build resilience, and strengthen their sense of self. Play therapy can be especially helpful for children navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, behavioral struggles, or relational difficulties.

Animal-Assisted Play Therapy® is a specialized approach that integrates play therapy with the involvement of a trained therapy animal, typically a dog. Rooted in a child-centered, non-directive model, non-directed AAPT honors both the child’s lead and the animal’s autonomy. The therapy dog acts as a co-facilitator in the session, helping children express emotions, build connection, and experience co-regulation in a safe and engaging environment.

Rather than using structured tasks, non-directed AAPT allows the child to guide interactions with the animal—whether through petting, reading, talking, or play. These moments offer powerful opportunities for emotional healing, increased self-awareness, and growth. While AAPT can be highly effective for many children, this approach is thoughtfully matched based on a child’s needs, preferences, and comfort with animals.

Parent-Child Play-Based Assessment involves a skilled observer observing and analyzing the interactions between a parent and their child during play, offering valuable insights into the child's emotional, cognitive, and social development while also helping parents strengthen their bond and communication through playful engagement. This assessment method provides a holistic understanding of the parent-child relationship and informs tailored interventions to nurture healthy growth and connection.

Parent and caregiver consultation is a collaborative process where experienced professionals provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers, assisting them in understanding and addressing the unique needs of their children. This personalized interaction promotes effective parenting strategies, fosters healthy child development, and enhances overall family well-being.

When a child is involved in individual play therapy, Dr. Main incorporates frequent parent meetings to review progress, share insights, and explore ways to support the child outside of the therapy room. Dr. Main also offers additional consultation as needed to ensure alignment and continuity between sessions and home life.