For a parent, it takes great courage, and compassion to seek professional help for your child. As a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families, I work to partner with you and your family in supporting the whole health of your child. I consider it a distinct honor to be able to be part of the journey of a child as they bloom into their wonderful selves, and I am grateful for the potential to become part of your proverbial “village.”

I am primarily a play therapist, and I practice child-centered play therapy. This means my work with your child will focus on building a relationship full of empathy, encouragement, and connection. The art of this relationship is foundational to the therapy process. In CCPT sessions, your child uses their natural language of play to process their current concerns, possible past traumas, and build up their self-esteem and confidence. Through a supported play therapy process, children are free to uncover their own inner wisdom, strategies for coping with stress, identify tools for self-regulating, and make peace with difficult experiences.

As treatment progresses, or for older children, I also utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness interventions, and expressive arts to ensure a holistic approach where the mind, body, and imagination of the child has the opportunity to heal.

I further believe it is absolutely fundamental to involve the family or caregivers in my work with children, whether this takes the form of parenting consultations, child-parent therapy to build attachment, or family counseling sessions, 

I have a great deal of experience working with childhood trauma and abuse, as well as supporting children and families through divorce or changes in caregivers, difficulties at school such as bullying, behavior problems, anxiety, or problems making friends. I also work with parents and families of children who display challenging behaviors at home and school. Additionally, I am skilled in supporting adoptive and blended families and children who struggle with these transitions. 

I graduated from Oglethorpe University with a B.S in Sociology, and from the University of Georgia with a Masters in Social Work. I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, and families in community mental health agencies since I entered the behavioral health field, and before that I worked as a teacher of young children. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of being able to use my skills and expertise as a play and family therapist to serve my community.

Tamara can be reached at tamara@gaiacounseling.com