When working with young children, I use a developmental, holistic, and child-centered play therapy approach, paying attention to each child’s needs, strengths, and personality. Through play, children express, explore, and process their emotions and thoughts as they work through their challenges at their own pace, even when they don’t yet have the words to verbalize those thoughts and feelings.
In my sessions with children I use play to create a caring and nurturing environment while building trusting relationships. Children feel safe to face challenges, cope with strong emotions, and develop new solutions to problems. Through play they have the freedom to explore and grow into new or emerging aspects of themselves and to build confidence to bring those aspects into other parts of their lives. I also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other approaches, as needed.
DR. DAHLIA KAUFMAN 