Family Therapy Center of Northern Virginia, llc
  • About Us & Blog
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      • What is an Intern?
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  • Children & Tweens
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        • Video: Trauma & Play Therapy
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        • PANDAS/PANS Consult
        • Lyme or PANDAS? Community Resources
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    • Watch This Video W/Your Kids
  • For Other Therapists
    • Play Therapy Trainings >
      • Play Therapy Training
      • Play Training: Jan 22, 2021
      • Play Training: March 19, 2021
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When Traditional Play Therapy Isn't Enough

​Does your child have developmental or social challenges that may keep him/her from utilizing traditional play therapy? Try one of our creative approaches and let our specialized clinicians meet your child exactly where he is. These approaches are wonderful for a child on the Autistic spectrum as well as other diagnoses that make navigating a child’s social-emotional world challenging.
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 Purposeful 1:1 Play Therapy is NOT One Size Fits All

​Sometimes traditional play/art therapy is not a good fit for a child’s needs. We understand that creativity is on a spectrum and that some children are not accessed emotionally through this modality. Our skilled play therapists understand the differences in children’s needs and can accommodate sessions accordingly.

Maybe your child needs to learn social cues and how to read nonverbals, or could benefit from learning to react slower and with more control. A play therapist trained to help with special needs can tailor a session to meet your child right where s/he is. 

Sometimes something as simple as diffusing Lavender during the session or starting off with a predictable activity or exercise can make all the difference in a child's comfort and healthy sense of control. If we think your child could benefit from a weighted blanket or therapeutic brushing, we will include you, the parent in the process. Trying out new tools in a safe environment can be a cost effective and mindful way to find wonderful tailored solutions.

More Than 1:1 Therapy, Maybe Your Child Needs Something Different and FRESH

Children with special needs often struggle with relationships inside the family as well as with peers. Sometimes it may seem more beneficial for the parent to be in the room with the child during therapy. Click here to read about Theraplay, an approach that includes parents inside the therapeutic playroom. This modality can be amazing for children on the spectrum, those with too much anxiety to be alone with the therapist as well as a myriad of other special needs. 

Maybe the problem is more related to sibling rivalry or peer to peer conflict. Sibling Play Sessions are something our center offers as a wonderful solution. We can even schedule and video tape Therapeutic Play Dates right here in the play room! Read more about Therapeutic Play Dates here. The options are endless when flexibility is readily available. Be sure to travel throughout our website to read about the many options we offer here at the center.

Not sure what approach you want? No worries! We will help tailor a plan perfect for you and your child. Think you may need support yourself? We offer parent sessions if needed and even a 
FREE monthly parent workshop. Find help and support today. 

Get Help for Yourself or a Loved One Today! 


Hours

M-F: 8am - 9pm
Sat: 8am -2pm

Telephone

571-733-9736

Center's Owner Contact Info:        Practice Address:

Gabrielle@FamilyTherapyNova.com.                       19420 Golf Vista Plaza #330
Owner/Licensed Therapist                                     Lansdowne, VA 20176