Play therapy is for children what counseling is for adults. Children use play to explore themes and express what they are feeling inside. Adults have the ability to express their feelings verbally, but children have not yet developed these cognitive and emotional skills. I create a safe place in the playroom with puppets, art supplies, dolls, toys, and other materials for each child that I work with. For the most part I am non directive. Occasionally I make observations aloud about their activity and provide words for what they are acting out. When the child directs the play she/he has the opportunity to be in control over a situation that mirrors one in which they have no control over in real life. It is helpful to parents and teachers for me to share a child’s play themes, giving them an understanding of the child’s struggle.

Play therapists believe that this method allows children to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something they are unable to do in their everyday environment. By playing with specially selected materials under the guidance of a person who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out their feelings and brings emotions to the surface where they can face them and cope with them. I offer unconditional acceptance, while providing limits concerning safe behavior within the play therapy room. Play therapy is the modality I use with children aged 3 to 11.

We often hear that adolescence is a painful and harrowing time of life, but this does not have to be so. It is a developmental period with a lot of growth and transition, but supporting your teenʼs identity formation can be quite exciting and fulfilling. Because there is so much change and adjustment involved (physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual) family members must shift and learn new ways of relating to one another. Kids aged 12 – 18 typically prefer the expressive arts (drawing, painting, writing, etc.) combined with talk therapy.

I have supported adolescents and their parents in therapy for 30 years. Most teens that work with me in therapy find their sessions with me to be quite enjoyable. It is important that they have a safe place to process all of the changes that they are experiencing and the increased expectations that are being placed on them.

Therapy is a relationship between client and therapist. At times in our lives we need someone to listen to, validate, and witness our many emotions as we navigate the transitions of life. Many of us are challenged by a “high-tech, low-touch” lifestyle. Therapy can provide a “slowing down” of sorts. Having the support of a caring, trained therapist can be valuable in identifying and expressing our thoughts and emotions and we become able to see how these impact our behavior. Then we can make conscious change in our lives. My approach is warm, relational and encouraging.

Parent Coaching helps you focus on your strengths as a parent and assists you with new techniques and ways of handling behavior. Improved communication with your child(ren) is another goal. Your relationship with your child or children is unlike any other parentʼs (even your partner or spouse). Parent coaching differs from therapy in that it is more directive. I help you identify your unique parenting style and support you in the development of rewarding and enjoyable ways to raise your child(ren). Occasionally I offer readings or books with information for your particular family and the specific situations that your family is experiencing. I often combine parent coaching with the individual therapy that your child is receiving.

I am the parent of an adult daughter and a teen aged son and I fully understand the joys and the challenges involved in the parenting process. I have a great deal of experience helping families navigate through the often painful process of divorce. I have personal experience with this journey as well and I know that families can reconfigure and go on to live happily and productively.

My supervisory style is warm, encouraging and highly relational. I provide supervision for people working toward their LCSW licensure using many different theoretical perspectives including a Strength Based Approach, Solution Focused Theory, Systems Theory and Family Relations Theory. I am pleased to see how the field of Social Work has evolved in the last 30 years. We are moving away from a model of pathology toward one of wellness and healing.

I am a board approved LCSW supervisor offering individual and group supervision. I have had offices in north, east and central Austin. I currently office in Westlake. Having lived in Austin for 38 years I am very familiar with the community and its resources. I have been in private practice since 1990.

Many people find that writing their thoughts and feelings in a journal helps them solve problems, express themselves, see issues in a new way and set goals. Kay Adams, LPC, founder and CEO of the Center for Journal Therapy, has developed numerous specific techniques for journaling. I have been trained by Kay Adams and I am certified to teach the Journal to the Self. There are specific techniques designed for certain situations and client issues. Research has shown that specific types of writing can enhance immune function and alter our physiological states.

Many of my clients already keep a journal and utilize writing exercises in their therapy sessions and between sessions. This writing practice can enhance and augment their therapy process.

Journaling can be a fantastic tool for self expression and life management. There are techniques which can be adapted for children, also. Journaling and sharing in a group can be a powerful experience for many people.

I facilitate the following Journal to the Self writing groups:

• Writing in Recovery (Women in a 12 Step Program)
• Writing in Transition (Divorce, Life Transition, etc.)
• Adolescent Girls’ Writing Groups

“Didi radiates love and joy as she brings her healing work to others. I am proud that she represents the Journal to the Self program.” Kathleen Adams, LPC, JTR CEO, Center for Journal Therapy, Inc.

“Didi is open-hearted and deeply caring. Her presentation style is warm and engaging, making her workshops highly enjoyable in addition to being informative. She is committed to delivering an experience that’s highly positive for everyone and she succeeds.” Heather Leavesly, MA,MA