Q & A for Aimee

Why Play Therapy?

Play Therapy rather than simply playing in therapy allows children, and individuals of any age to engage in enjoyable, creative interaction without expectation that they intentionally focus on "the problem at hand".   While engaging in play, individuals problem solve, plan, take turns, wait and practice countless other skills that enhance communication, build relationships and express emotions that otherwise may be uncomfortable or impossible to communicate verbally.  Having a hard time with something? Let's play!  

While engaged in play therapy, I am afforded the opportunity to observe, assess and witness strenghts, challenges as well as begin to practice skills presenting themselves.  When individuals of any age are at play, we often are more releaxed, therefore available to show ourselves, be available though also demonstrate knowledge sometimes not always observable in the other areas of our day that may often be tightly scripted such as at school, sport or elsewhere.  

Can young children really engage in therapy?  

Yes!  Young children, as young as age three to four years old can independently engage in and take advantage of individual therapy; and they love engaging in this environment with their caregivers.  I have always stated that any good therapist working with children will actively engage parents and caregivers and I require this.  Children aged three years old and older along with their parents can improve frustration tolerance, improve co- and self regulation strategies and enhance relational skills towards building positive bonding experiences.   Observing my youngest participants witness their caregivers is magical, and supporting caregivers witness and observe while engaging growing skills is equally so.  In our rush and move world, we may not always have an opportunity to allow the grace and space necessary for our youngest and spunkiest of children.  I can't wait to share more about this with you.  

Why Adlerian Theory and Adlerian Play Therapy?

Alfred Adler, practiced individual psychology and believed human behavior is goal oriented and the work is built on clients' strength to counter act any innate sense of inferiority.  Terry Kottman adapted the theory in 1990's for play therapy and believed children are "creative, resourceful and whole" and in believing such they are capable of engaging in the work towards change.  There are four main concepts that AdPT (Adlerian Play Therapy)  promotes in the work: courage, capable, count and connect.  When a child or individual experiences each of these Crucial C's, they begin to be able to progress through the stages of counseling.  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/publications/pt_theories/Adlerian_Sept2019_FINAL.pdf

https://www.verywellmind.com/alderian-theory-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5213796

What do you like about Cognitive Behavior Therapy?

Almost everything!  CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a thoughtful and engaging model that engages individuals in the process of change.  It provides opportunity for very measurable moments of progress from session one to session six, such as a behavior being worked on or thoughts being tracked towards change.  The premise is based on Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors being connected along a continuous triangle.  CBT is an excellent tool for individuals who may struggle with anxiety or for those preparing for medical procedures or managing chronic health conditions.  For our comfortable and uncomfortable experiences, our thoughts, feelings and behavior run along the triangle and at any time we can in fact create a shift in one of those areas to change the rest of the experience.  CBT can be used with most children age seven or eight and older and always in parent sessions, consultations and counseling. 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-5204564

https://positivepsychology.com/cbt-for-children/

How have you begun to build CCPT or Child Centered Play Therapy into your practice?

As I have continued to enjoy and grow my practice and share space together with parents, I have fully embraced CCPT more than I ever imagined I might.  I will always be transparent in my practice and engagement with you, my families.  I am a goal oriented gal therefore CBT is theoretically my gig.  But, CCPT, has flowed so naturally into my space with children and families allowing children to take over the space, explore and take what they need from the session.  That "space and grace" that children are so often NOT afforded in the day and week these days; they are given in my space.  Questions such as "you are looking curiously at that wand" or "it looks like you are deciding between the coloring sheets and the legos today" are more and more comfortable and natural and allowing the child to lead.  This demonstration of choice and decision for caregiver is offering breathe into the therapy space that everyone is enjoying.  We are still engaging other modalities, though I am enjoying this work!

Is there a reason why you require family/caregiver involvement when a child is actually the client?  

Yes, there is.  Children are doing a lot of work everyday, figuring out how the world is working around them, putting pieces of the puzzle of life together and it is important to set aside time for parents/caregiver to ensure an understanding of this work and understanding.  Requiring this involvement at my practice will increase the likelihood of success on the goals set at intake with the parent/caregiver, improve overall family communication and bonding as well as countless other benefits the session itself will provide.  "Regular" family sessions will be determined as needed for each client though anticipated to occur every four to six weeks.  Regular sessions also may reduce the need for telephone "check ins" when counselor and family are able to set aside time to focus on skills being built and goal setting.  

Any other questions, or if you are interested in setting up a free 15 minute consultation, email Aimee Zagaja, LCSW at  Aimee@aimeezagajalcsw.com or call 860-916-3003 and leave a message.  (email is best!!)