Janet’s approach to counseling is that every person has strengths, resources and resiliencies to help them and their family overcome obstacles and life problems. Counseling will not be a long process if she and the client work together to develop skills to solve current and future problems. She will offer various strategies and goals that focus on education and guidance which are clear, logical and practical.

   As a mental health professional, Janet has a strong obligation to help her clients, especially children, achieve optimal mental health. As a potential client or parent, you want to be confident that any mental health professional you choose is well trained in their primary disciplines and specializations.

   As a member of The Association for Play Therapy (APT), Janet believes that play therapy may be the best modality to communicate with and treat her clients, particularly children. Counseling with children and teens often puppets, toys, dramatic play, games, art, music, stories, books (bibliotherapy) or other play therapy techniques.

   Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
Parents may involved in or encouraged to use similar play therapy techniques or interventions at home as homework or to assist in encouraging positive behavior at home. Janet has worked with the client’s teacher to create tools for a positive school experience.

   Play therapy can even be used with adults, parents and families to enhance communication, problem-solving and better cope with crisis. After all, play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002).For more information you may visit APT for more information.

Clinical Approach