A skilled child counselor or therapist goes beyond being a simple "supervised playmate.” While it might appear that we’re just stacking blocks or letting a puppet lead the play, much more is happening beneath the surface.

Every decision, when to intervene, when to step back, and how to respond, is deliberate and based on training, research, and a thorough understanding of child development

Here's what's truly happening.

Not all play therapy looks the same. Different approaches may be appropriate depending on a child's developmental stage, presenting concerns, personality, and therapeutic goals.

The truth is, you don’t need to wait until things reach a crisis. Kids don’t have to be in a dire situation to gain from therapy.

Just as we take them for regular check-ups at the doctor, therapy is a safe and proactive way to support their emotional well-being and help them develop skills to manage their emotions as their brains and hormones respond to their environment.

In other words, the timing is ideal. Since they are already growing and changing, there's no reason not to teach them about their nervous system, which also evolves and reacts.

We’re living in a time where the profound impact of gun violence and political division on mental health is undeniable. It's leaving people anxious, restless, and uncertain about what’s to come. This is a call to action, a plea for understanding and support.

What we’re experiencing isn’t just “stress.” It’s a mental health crisis driven by two major forces: gun violence and political unrest. The good news? Understanding why we feel this way, and what we can do about it, is the first step towards regaining a sense of control. We have the power to cope and heal.