Therapies
Play Therapy
Play therapy is to children what psychotherapy is to adults. It is an evidence-based, neurologically congruent, psychotherapy modality designed to help children express their feelings; process their experiences; develop coping mechanisms and strategies; meet relational needs; gain insight and awareness; and modulate their behavior. Rather than expecting a child to think, talk and process information like an adult, therapy is brought to the child’s level through the use of play. In Play Therapy, children (ages 2 – 12) use toys and other expressive materials to achieve therapeutic goals.
Although Play Therapy is utilized for children with and without communication delays and differences it can uniquely help children who have developmental or language delays and learning differences. Play therapy allows these children to discover what emotional strengths they have in relation to their disabilities in a naturalistic environment that does not rely on the very skills they struggle with.
Play therapy is effective in addressing a myriad of issues such as:
- School issues affecting academics or socialization
- Adjustment to a stressful event or change in a person’s life
- Aggression
- Anxiety and life stressors
- Behavioral concerns
- Responses and processing of chronic illnesses
- Crisis and trauma
- Depression
- Divorce and other family issues such as sibling rivalry
- Friendships/peer relationships
- Loss and grief
- Parent-child relationships
- Sibling rivalry
Get play therapy services started!
After completing the paperwork found in this link, a Carruth Center employee will contact you regarding next steps and scheduling.
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
What is Child-Parent Relationship Therapy?
CPRT is one of the intervention modalities a Play Therapist may employ when working with a family. CPRT is based on the belief that the relationship between caregiver and child is deep and authentic, and as such, is the perfect conduit for therapy. By teaching caregivers through didactic instruction, demonstrations of play sessions and supervision, a trained Play Therapist teaches caregivers how to be therapeutic agents in the home. CPRT targets the child-caregiver relationship in order to increase communication, positive child-caregiver interactions, and enjoyment of being a parent.
CPRT helps caregivers gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of their children. Caregivers learn to effectively communicate, regain control as a parent, help children develop self-control, and effectively discipline and set limits. In CPRT, you will develop basic child-centered play therapy principles and skills including but not limited to: reflective listening, responding to children’s feelings, therapeutic limit setting, building children’s self-esteem, and how to structure weekly sessions with your children using specifically selected toys. For children, CPRT helps to build trust, connect, learn and respect boundaries, and accept limits.
Carruth Center Play Therapist
Laurie Stempien, LCSW-S, RPT
Laurie Stempien, LCSW-S, RPT is a therapist at The Carruth Center. She earned a Master of Science in Social Work, with a concentration in clinical studies, from the University of H...
Laurie Stempien, LCSW-S, RPT
Laurie Stempien, LCSW-S, RPT is a therapist at The Carruth Center. She earned a Master of Science in Social Work, with a concentration in clinical studies, from the University of Houston in 2010. She is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist. Laurie has worked in various settings providing social work and therapy services to children, adolescents and families for 15 years. Laurie uses a combination of various treatments in sessions, including child-centered play therapy, Adlerian play therapy, EMDR, somatic integration, parts work, sand tray, attachment/connection-based therapy and mindfulness. Laurie provides a mindful, kind and genuine environment, where clients are able to express themselves and feel safe. She is confident that every person can discover and access their intrinsic strengths and unique qualities. She is very passionate about providing the time and space for her clients to express and explore their thoughts, feelings and heal.
In her free time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dogs, skateboarding, surfing, reading, practicing yoga, watching movies and listening to music. She is passionate about animal welfare as well as social justice.
Haley Garth, MEd, LPC, RPT, NCC
Haley Garth, MEd, LPC, RPT, NCC is a therapist in private practice at The Carruth Center. Haley received her Master’s degree in Counseling from the Universi...