Janine Kelly MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA

Sandtray therapy is an expressive and projective process which helps children and families process their issues and emotions. Children and adults with trauma have difficulty with expressing their pain. It is easier for them to use the sand tray and miniatures to express their feelings as sand tray provides a safe place and gives individuals a sense of control. Sandtray Therapy often helps children access pre-verbal experiences that are in the unconscious mind (right brain).

Children communicate their experiences, thoughts, and feelings through play. It is a natural medium for them and developmentally appropriate. Through play children express their wishes, wants, needs and the perceptions of themselves and the world. Play helps children explore their relationships, resolve conflicts and develop coping strategies.

EMDR allows the brain to heal itself by helping the brain process and desensitize memories. The memories are still recalled but the emotions and thoughts associated with the memories are changed so that the child is no longer in distress.

Your child is not who they used to be. They barely smile and seem so unhappy. What used to bring them joy they don’t care for anymore. No matter what you do, they are angry. They scream and they cry… They are filled with worries. At night, they can’t sleep, and when they do fall asleep, they have nightmares. They are scared…

Your child throws tantrums and cries almost daily. They struggle with remaining calm as they are constantly worrying about things. This constant worry is greatly impacting their daily life. Your child fears being left alone. They are afraid something will happen to them or their loved ones. The worry about being in social situations. About being judged. About what will happen next. They worry about not doing things the right way. They worry about anything and everything.

The journey into parenthood is often depicted as a time of joy, love, and connection with a new baby. However, for many women and men, this transition can also bring forth unexpected emotions and challenges, such as postpartum depression and anxiety. The darkness of these conditions can be overwhelming, but with the right support, including the guidance of a perinatal therapist, postpartum life can take a positive and transformative turn.