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June 8, 2019 Erin C

Birthday Parties Tips for Children with ADHD
Every child should enjoy birthday parties as they are major events in their childhood. Children with ADHD are no exception. When children experience a good birthday celebration, whether it’s their own party or their friends', they will have a valuable memory.
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June 4, 2019 Gary Yorke

The 15 Definitive Social and Emotional Skills for Children
After countless hours of reviewing research studies and combining my own experience as a child and family therapist, I identified 15 definitive social and emotional skills that are important for children to develop.
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June 4, 2019 Gary Yorke

Great Games for Play Therapy
This blog post focuses on games that Dr. Gary has found useful in his practice.
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June 4, 2019 Erin C

What is Sand Tray Therapy?
Sand tray therapy intervention has been practiced, studied, and diversified for over seventy years and involves many different components and theories. This post provides a brief overview.
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June 4, 2019 Erin C

Play Therapy: Not Just Fun and Games
Using play as an outlet, a child is able to reveal—and a play therapist is able to observe—any confusion, frustration, or anxiety that might be inhibiting their development, or otherwise preventing them from enjoying a happy, healthy childhood. It is for this reason that play has been referred to as the “language of childhood.” This post provides an brief overview of play therapy.
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May 22, 2019 Gary Yorke

Suggested Uses for the Trauma Reaction Cards
The Trauma Reaction Cards for Children & Adolescents were created to be used in a therapeutic setting with youth who have experienced trauma or other stressful life events. These cards capture the youth’s post trauma experience through the use of engaging visuals and interaction between the therapist and the individual. Here are three ways to use the cards with young children, parents, and older teens who may be hesitant to engage in trauma treatment.
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May 8, 2019 Gary Yorke

Using Games to Deal with Grief and Loss, Part Two
In this post I’ll introduce some games and activities that are helpful for working with children and adolescents who are experiencing a loss or grief. To read Part One and the introduction, click here. In Part One, I also discuss activities for preschool/kindergarten children.
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May 8, 2019 Erin C

Using Games to Deal with Grief and Loss, Part One
Everyone experiences loss in their life and experiences grief. Loss is a normal, but destabilizing experience. In this post I focus on activities & games for younger children experiencing a loss and grief.
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August 28, 2018 Gary Yorke

Identifying and Expressing Feelings
Therapists and counselors are often concerned about a child’s emotional literacy. Emotionally literate children can manage their feelings and their reactions to those feelings. They can recognize and respond to other people’s feelings, which is a significant advantage in life....
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August 28, 2018 Gary Yorke

Rights, Responsibilities, Privileges, Rewards: Coaching Strategies by Donna Hammontree, LCSW, RPT-S
Helping children learn to manage and regulate their behavior can be a challenge. My colleague Mandy Miller, LCSW, shared her insights with me, and I use her system regularly when coaching parents, teens, and children. To start, everyone should be...
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July 2, 2018 Erin C

June Play Therapy Wrap-Up
Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn. -O. Fred Donaldson Blog Another great submission from Leah Davies highlights the importance of encouraging thoughts for children. Leah has tips on how to provoke children...
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July 2, 2018 Gary Yorke

Encouraging Thought By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Encouragement means to stimulate initiative and positive actions. Teachers, counselors, and parents are asked to encourage children to do their best by acknowledging their efforts and strengths. However, when children do not feel good about themselves or their situation, they...
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