Helping Kids Heal Through Play - Supporting Arizona Families with Compassionate, Child-Centered Therapy
If your child is struggling with big emotions, tough behaviors, traumatic experiences, peer/social difficulty or life changes – you’re in the right place. I specialize in play therapy for kids 9 and under, helping them express themselves, build a sense of self and emotional resilience.
Hi, I’m Kathryn
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with about 10 years of practice in counseling and psychotherapy and almost 15 years of working with children and families.
I’m excited to tell you more about myself and my practice!
I know if you’re here then you have taken a big step in looking for therapy services for you or your child. I hope I can offer some reassurance and more information about what play therapy, parent coaching or individual therapy could look like in your life.
"Toys are children's words and play is their language" — Gary L. Landreth.
Play therapy can help children make sense of their feelings and experiences, gain a stronger sense of self and awareness, and have more positive connections with others
Have you noticed your child has a tough time handling emotions? Are you seeing some behaviors that seem concerning or a bit big for the situation? Does your child struggle with social interactions or playing with peers or siblings?
These are just some of the reasons a parent or guardian might seek out play therapy services and this therapy can help with a variety of concerns, behaviors and situations. Typically, I see children 9 and younger in my practice for play therapy.
How We Can Work Together
Play Therapy
Rather than adapting adult models for use with kids, play therapy is built on the understanding that play is a child’s natural way of communicating. Through play, children can express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that feel safe and familiar—often before they’re able to do so with words. This approach allows therapists to meet children where they are, helping them process challenges and build emotional resilience in a developmentally appropriate way.
Parent Coaching
I support parents through a lens of attachment and connection, helping you better understand your child’s emotional world while also tuning into your own. When children are dysregulated, it’s often connection—not correction—they need most. I also support new parents who are looking to build strong connections with their baby or young child by fostering co-regulation and nurturing secure attachment from the start.
Individual Therapy
Many people carry the weight of unspoken pressures—to look a certain way, manage emotions perfectly, or parent effortlessly. These expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm, making it hard to feel truly connected to oneself or others. Together, we’ll bring awareness to patterns that no longer serve you, understand the roots of emotional pain, and foster deeper connection with yourself and others.
I know it can be uncertain to begin therapy for yourself or your child.
My goal is to really listen to your concerns and ensure we're aligned on what changes you’re hoping for in your life or within your family. I understand that some of those changes may be possible, while others might be beyond your control — and coming to terms with that can involve its own process of reflection, grief, and understanding.