Adored Mothers Perinatal Therapy Center, PLLC
Where women and children are empowered to AMPlify their life.
Angela Pidala, MSW, LCSW-S, PMH-C, RPT™
"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet." - Virginia Axline
Photo by Angela Pidala
SPECIALTIES
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Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder
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Emotional Regulation
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Anxiety (panic, phobia, fears, separation anxiety)
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Sibling Conflict
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Adoption & Trauma
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Parenting Moms Group (Coming Soon!)
What is Play Therapy?
Play is the most natural form of communication for children. Their toys become the words through which they express themselves. This is why Child-Centered Play Therapy can be such an effective approach for helping struggling youngsters by meeting them where they are emotionally and cognitively. Play Therapy is an evidence-based method for addressing children's behavioral, mental health, and trauma-related concerns. Within the safe space of the playroom and therapeutic relationship with the play therapist, play allows for integration of the whole brain. It enables the child to process difficult emotions and experiences they don't fully comprehend yet.
The goal is to support the child's growth in emotional regulation, learning coping skills and reaching any other identified treatment goals. Research demonstrates that parent involvement is critical for seeing real change. Therefore, parenting support, psychoeducation, and recommendations are typically provided during parent consultation sessions as part of the child's therapeutic journey. We are proud to offer Play Therapy in The Woodlands, TX to kiddos 3 - 6 years old.
Who is Play Therapy for?
Play Therapy is primarily effective for kiddos between the ages of 3 years old and 9 years old. We specialize in seeing the littlest children as young as 2.5 years old through 6 years old. Play Therapy in The Woodlands, TX is available for kiddos in the Greater Houston Area. A lot of the Play Therapy kiddos come to see me often are struggling with:
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big feelings, some anxious tendencies and lots what-if questions, maybe warnings of getting kicked out of daycare for behavioral problems (or already kicked out of daycare), challenges with transitions or change, such a sibling conflict, a new baby brother or sister, or a big move
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an autism diagnosis (new, suspected, or previous diagnosis)
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sensory differences
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kiddos who have been adopted, maybe they had some past trauma or abuse they experienced before the finalization of the adoption, or are struggling with attachment and the transition into a new home and new family
These are all common challenges children may face and can be supported through Play Therapy.
How do kids benefit from Play Therapy?
The Association for Play Therapy has identified four primary therapeutic powers of play therapy. This means there are four main categories of positive change that can be facilitated through the play therapy process, providing real evidence of its effectiveness. The four key benefits of play therapy are: it facilitates communication, fosters emotional wellness, enhances social relationships, and increases personal strengths. Each of these skills that a child develops during the play therapy journey will support them outside the playroom as they learn to navigate their environment and reach the identified play therapy treatment goals. Play Therapy in The Woodlands, TX might be just the answer you're looking for to best support your little one!
Did the trauma my child experienced at such a young age impact them?
You may have heard people say, "Oh don't worry, they are so young, they don't know what's going on; or they don't understand, so they'll be fine..." Trauma, which can be defined as, an emotional response after living through a distressing event, often times life threating, or threatening safety (or 'sense of safety'), can impact individuals even in utero. No, they might not be able to hear, understand, and truly know what is going on, but their body experiences the stress and intensity of the situation, which can result in that emotional response we call trauma.
Kids who have trauma might have experienced a pregnancy where substances/alcohol were consumed, a complicated delivery or necessary medical treatment in the NICU postpartum, an unexpected move or big change, a natural disaster or car accident, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing abuse or violence, divorce, or loss of a parent (whether physically by death or emotionally/mentally by the parents' own mental health concerns).
Trauma in kids can look differently as well and may not be as obvious. They might struggle with big feelings, withdrawal, excessive tantrums, separation anxiety, fear of other, nightmares, negative self-talk, and even self-harm.
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Now, kids are SO resilient and can absolutely move through these trauma responses with the proper support. Play Therapy in The Woodlands, TX is a great option that can help a child heal from trauma and the emotional responses from their distressing experiences.
