Heart & Play Space is a therapy practice supporting children and families through an integrated approach combining creative arts therapy, child-centered play therapy, and evidence-based behavioral support. Sessions are designed to strengthen emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and family connection in a developmentally appropriate way.

Many practices focus on either emotional support or behavior support. Heart & Play Space brings both together through play and creative approaches. We work on what’s happening underneath behavior (feelings, stress responses, nervous system needs), while also teaching concrete skills and routines that help children function better at home, school, and in relationships.

Art therapy is a mental health approach that uses creative expression (drawing, painting, movement, sensory materials, storytelling, etc.) to help children process emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen self-esteem. Children don’t need to be “good at art” — the art is a tool for expression, not performance.

Play therapy is a form of child therapy where a trained therapist uses play (toys, games, art, stories, pretend play) to help children express feelings, process experiences, and learn coping skills—because play is a child’s natural way of communicating. In the therapy space we allow children to manipulate the toys in all sorts of ways and we accept the way they wish to communicate. I use a combination of child led and directive approaches, depending what is needed.

Yes. Parent coaching is a major part of progress. We work together on:

• behavior support strategies

• routines and transitions

• emotional regulation tools

• reducing power struggles

• improving communication and cooperation
  Parent support is often what creates the biggest change in daily life.

I completely understand. The first time I ever walked into an ABA classroom over 20 years ago, I felt uncomfortable right away and I ended up not taking the job.

A few years later, as a special education teacher, I was asked to work in ann ABA program. I was hesitant, but upon speaking to the director, I saw the environment was much kinder and child friendly. There were still elements I didn’t like, but I figured, if I’m going to make this work, I need to listen to what my heart and the children say. And so instead of just sitting at the desk, I sat on the floor with my clients, played games, and had fun with them! I wanted kids to feel safe, seen, and motivated, and above all, enjoy their learning. Over time I saw progress and my intuition knew I was doing the right thing!

Now, I’ve seen ABA companies are changing the way they practice and it’s a good thing. It doesn’t contradict. In Heart and Play space, I continue to work to create an environment for children which is play based, fun and relationship focused. Most importantly, I aim to listen to parents and children, and work collaboratively together.

Common areas include:

• anxiety, fears, separation anxiety

• emotional dysregulation, meltdowns

• aggression, tantrums, elopement

• ADHD-style behaviors, impulse control

• autism support (social/play/communication skills)

• sensory processing challenges

• school-related struggles

• confidence, social skills, peer challenges

• transitions, grief, family stress

IYou’ll start seeing change through:

• fewer intense meltdowns / quicker recovery

• improved flexibility

• stronger coping skills

• better communication of needs

• improved participation in routines

• increased confidence and social engagement
  If ABA/structured services are included, we also track measurable progress using data and goal mastery

At this time, art therapy and mental health services are offered on a private-pay basis only.

For ABA services, I may be able to provide an out-of-network (OON) superbill, depending on the agreed-upon rate.