Welcome
Providing you the support you need
we specialize in child centered play therapy, sand tray , adolescent, couples and child parent relationship therapy.
For which Populations Does CCPT Work?
The research base for CCPT has evidence supporting its use for children ages 3-10 with these presenting problems:
- ADHD
- Aggression
- Behavioral Problems
- Negative Self-Esteem
- Social Skills Deficits
- Teacher/Student Problems
- Academic Achievement Delays
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Parent/Child Difficulties
- Speech/Language Delays
- Trauma
Who We Are
What is play therapy?
Dr. Garry Landreth (2012)) defines play therapy as "a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child (or person of any age) and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child (or person of any age) to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviors) through play, the child's natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development."
How does Child-Centered play therapy (CCPT) work?
Just as adults talk about their problems to feel better, children best communicate through play. Through play, children express bothersome feelings and thoughts, and through the therapeutic process, therapists help children develop a better understanding of themselves. Play therapist use specific skills to help children develop appropriate expression of their feelings, develop solutions to their problems, and develop responsibility for their actions. Play therapists foster an environment that helps children feel understood, accepted, and safe, and as a result of this relationship children are less likely to maintain problematic behaviors.
How is CCPT Different form Other Child Therapy Methods?
CCPT is based on knowledge of child development, which acknowledges that for children, play is the most natural means to facilitate learning and expression due to abstract thinking not yet being present. Extensive research shows that CCPT is an effective therapy for children with a variety of presenting problems. The primary goal in CCPT is to help children develop self-control, self-responsibility, and an internal locus of evaluation.
Empowering You to Achieve Happiness
What is Sand Tray Therapy
Sand tray therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses a tray of sand along with small tools, toys, or figurines to help people express themselves without words. It can be an effective way to help people cope with trauma and anxiety, as well as express their feelings in therapy without needing words.
Play Therapist and Counselor
Kerry Elder, LCPC, CCPT Trained.
We all want to tell our story and be heard. It feels comforting to have a listening ear that will help you find clarity and freedom from overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Child Centered Play Therapy is the chance to be vulnerable in a safe place. It is a place to be listened to and heard. It is a place where your child can formulate understanding. I can provide a space where they will feel safe to share, reflect and contemplate. This will lead to awareness and an understanding of themselves.
Empowering You to Achieve Happiness
Kim Robbins, LMSW
Kim is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of children, adolescents, and families.
Kim earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a minor in Addiction Studies and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boise State University.
Her academic background has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of social work practices and a specialized focus on mental health and addiction, instilling confidence in her expertise.
With a passion for helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, Kim works closely with clients experiencing a range of issues, including Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), ADHD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and grief. Her approach centers on empowering clients to develop the tools and strategies needed for personal growth and resilience.
Kim employs a person-centered approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques, grounded in the biopsychosocial model, which considers the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in an individual's life. By understanding the whole person and their environment, Kim fosters a therapeutic relationship that supports healing and positive change.
In her practice, Kim is known for her empathetic and client-focused demeanor. She creates a safe space where individuals feel understood, valued, and heard. Her dedication to working collaboratively with clients to address their unique needs and goals facilitates their journey toward improved mental health and overall well-being.
Outside of her professional work, Kim is actively involved in ongoing professional development and community initiatives, continually expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve her clients. Her dedication to the field and commitment to making a meaningful impact is evident in her compassionate and effective approach to social work.
Kim will be working in West Ada Schools this 2024-25 school year
EFT Couples Counseling Through Telehealth
Kevin J. Smith, LMSW
Deciding to get help with life’s challenges is one of the most difficult decisions a person can be faced with and making such a call shows tremendous strength, which we will leverage as we work toward your goals. As we all know, relationships can be an incredible source of strength and support, but they can also be a source of stress and discomfort. Accepting individual strengths and challenges while identifying negative patterns within a romantic relationship and replacing these cycles with ones that facilitate understanding and closeness in romantic relationships is crucial for turning your partnership into a strength rather than a source of stress.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a research-supported approach designed to help couples address core issues impacting their ability to connect and love within the context of romantic relationships. Our goal will be to address emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that block secure attachment and build the ability to communicate in a way that facilitates it.
I work with partners who are dating, newly married, & have been together for years. I work with couples struggling with forgiveness & trust, high conflict, parenting, & lacking physical/emotional intimacy. While couples counseling might feel intimidating, I strive to make it a positive experience. I am thrilled to join you on your journey to becoming the couple you both aspire to be.
Kevin will be providing couples counseling via telehealth.
Meet Reggie! Play TheRapy Dog
Reggie is a mini golden doodle puppy being introduced into play therapy. Reggie lives with Kerry Elder full time.
BENEFITS:
There are many benefits associated with working with therapy animals. Some benefits that have been
found in utilizing therapy animals include:
• Animals help improve motivation and engagement in therapy.
• Animals provide a sense of security and emotional support. Dogs offer unconditional acceptance
and positive regard.
• Animals can promote relaxation. Research has demonstrated that petting an animal can help
lower blood pressure, heart rate, and increase oxytocin (a feel-good chemical in the brain).
• Animals can help the client learn frustration tolerance and other anger management techniques.
• Animals can help in the areas of focus and attention.
• Animals can be instruments of learning, which can increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Animals offer humor and fun due to their playful nature.
• Animals in therapy ask for clients to develop empathy, nurturance, and responsibility, and
model other skills like forgiveness and patience.