Acorn Counseling was born out of inspirations from nature, and reflections on how small things can have big impact. An acorn can stay an acorn, eventually disappearing into the dirt, or it can die to itself, releasing the God-ordained potential within, receiving nourishment from the surroundings, and grow to its intended design: a strong and mighty oak tree, giving shade, and feeding others. I find it amazing how tremendous things can result from small seeds, of truth, distortion, beliefs, desires.
I am happy to work with individuals, couples, families and I believe sessions can be helpful in meeting the clients’ goals. Talk, art, play, and family activities are used to facilitate growth and change based on Christian principals, if they are acceptable to you.[/tab]
A growing number of mental health professionals believe play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993). Even Aristotle and Plato reflected on the fundamental importance of play in our lives. Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self knowledge, self-actualization and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates emotions, and boosts confidence (Landreth, 2002). Play allows us to practice skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and developments are fostered through play (Russ, 2004).
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983). Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings fails (Gil, 1991). Toys work like the child’s words and play is the child’s language (Landreth, 2002). Through play , therapists help children learn adaptive behaviors (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). A positive relationship develops between therapists and children. This provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy can promote cognitive development, provide insight, and help resolve inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking (O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).