What I love most about play therapy is that it gives children a natural way to show me who they are and what they may be carrying. Children and adolescents do not always have the words to describe what they are experiencing, and children’s natural language of play can often communicate what words cannot. Whether a child is navigating something difficult, managing big emotions, facing a transition, or figuring out who they are, my goal is to provide a safe space where they can be themselves, feel understood and build a trusting therapeutic relationship.

I work with children, adolescents, and families experiencing concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, and developmental transitions. My clinical work is complemented by nearly a decade of mental health research experience, giving me exposure to a wide range of diagnoses and clinical presentations. I have also worked directly with neurodivergent children and adolescents, incorporating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills to support emotional regulation, coping, social skills, and identity development.

My work with children is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), which combines evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with the natural language of play. Through structured, developmentally appropriate activities, children can explore emotions, recognize unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and practice healthier ways of responding to challenges.

For children who have experienced trauma, I utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which provides structured, developmentally appropriate guidance for processing traumatic experiences while building skills for emotional regulation, coping, safety, and resilience. I enjoy incorporating art, creative expression, and other experiential activities to help children communicate emotions, reduce stress, and develop self-awareness.

I believe parents and caregivers are an essential part of a child’s therapeutic journey. I work collaboratively with families to teach practical interventions, coping strategies, communication skills, and ways to respond to their child’s complex emotions. My hope is to equip parents to eventually take the role of “therapist” at home by helping them practice the skills they learn in therapy and supporting continued growth between sessions.

Most importantly, I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where children and adolescents feel understood, accepted, and empowered to be themselves. My goal is to meet each child where they are, build a trusting relationship, and help them develop the tools and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges and grow into their next chapter.

Lauren can be reached at lauren@gaiacounseling.com