Play Therapy

Play Therapy: Where Healing Unfolds

Play is a child’s natural language. Just as adults use words to process their day, children use play to share their inner world—including the thoughts, feelings, and stories that are too big for words.

At Dandelion Therapy, we specialize in Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) for children ages 2–14. This is an evidence-based model that goes beyond "just playing." It focuses on the child's nervous system and the therapeutic relationship to help them make meaning of their lives and safely navigate their most intense emotions.

How We Work: The Synergetic Approach

I begin our sessions with a non-directive approach, allowing your child to lead the way. In SPT, we understand that children will naturally move toward the "hard stuff" when they feel safe and regulated.

• The Nervous System as the Compass: We don't just look at the behavior; we look at the brain. Whether a child is "acting out" (fight/flight) or "shutting down" (freeze), we work to help them stay regulated while they process their challenges.

• The Therapist as a Partner: I don't just watch your child play. I act as an "external regulator," modeling how to move through big, "scary" feelings so your child can learn to do the same.

• Authentic Connection: We focus on the here and now. By being authentic in the room, I help your child build the confidence to be authentic and resilient in the world.

We Support Children Navigating:

• Big Behaviors: Emotional outbursts, oppositional behaviors, and "meltdowns."

• Internal Struggles: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social difficulties.

• Life Transitions: Divorce, separation, moving, or grief and loss.

• Neurodiversity: Supporting children with ADHD and those on the Autism Spectrum.

• Specific Fears: Separation anxiety, phobias, and school-related stress.

• Trauma & Stress: Processing abuse, neglect, medical trauma, or domestic violence.

A Trauma-Informed, Integrative Path

For children and teens, healing isn't one-size-fits-all. I use an integrative approach that blends:

• Synergetic Play Therapy to regulate the nervous system.

• EMDR for Children to "unstick" traumatic memories.

• Attachment Work to strengthen the bond between you and your child.

Partnering with Parents

You are the expert on your child. Because healing happens within the family, I work closely with parents as active partners. Whether we are strengthening your bond or strategizing new ways to respond to difficult behaviors, I am here to support the entire family system.

My goal is to help your child feel safe, connected, and empowered—so they can move through life’s challenges with lasting resilience.

Ready to start the journey?

Join our Incoming Client Priority List

Click here to email us or get added to our list (info also at bottom of page).  I look forward to meeting you and supporting your family’s growth.

“Synergetic Play Therapy (2008) is a research-informed model of play therapy combining the therapeutic powers of play with nervous-system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness and therapist authenticity. It’s primary play therapy influences are Child-Centered, Experiential and Gestalt theories.

Although Synergetic Play Therapy is a model of play therapy, it’s also referred to as a way of being in relationship with self and other. It’s an all-encompassing paradigm that can be applied to any facet of life, and subsequently any model of play therapy can be applied to it or vice versa. Synergetic Play Therapy is both non-directive and directive in its application.”

~Lisa Dion

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

~Fred Rogers

"I am a teacher at [Lawrence School] and a student of ours has been receiving therapy.  They have been meeting with Charlie and it has made such an noticeable difference.  Keep up the good work ! "

 
-February 2026