Judith Smith MSW LCSW RPT
(She/Her/Hers)
Clinical Social Worker
Play Therapist
Services Provided
Telehealth and In Person Available
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Phone Consultation
Prior to meeting we will discuss your concerns in a phone call. During this call you can expect to hear a bit more about the practice from me, time to explain your concerns, and initial desires for therapy. From there we will decide together if setting up an appointment feels right for you. Many things go into identifying the right fit in a provider and the initial phone call is an important first step. This call typically lasts 15 minutes and there is no charge for this time.
Play Therapy
I offer play therapy treatment for children ages 2-12. Regardless of your age, if you are coming to me for therapy, you will find that I implement play and playful approaches with everyone. My approach is typically non-directive, meaning the child drives the process. I do occasionally incorporate what are referred to as "directed" techniques in session which are interventions that I implement. Examples of directed techniques may teaching coping skills or prompting a therapeutic drawing or movement activity. In each session the child drives the play, so this means I do not interfere in a child's play unless the child invites me into their play. What approach best fits your child will be based on the concerns you are coming to therapy for, your child's personality, what your child is struggling with on any particular session day, and what is evidence-based. I am trained in Jungian play therapy, prescriptive therapy, sand therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy. I find that having a breadth of theoretical knowledge is important to best support clients.
Individual Therapy
Therapy is a time for you to work through and heal past stressors and current struggles. The therapy timeline is fluid but typically takes a similar path. The time we spend together includes time spent getting to know one another, establishing goals for therapy, and taking time to work on techniques and strategies with the ultimate goal of "graduating" from therapy. Depending on what your goals for therapy are I will tailor my theoretical approach. Regardless of the theoretical approach I utilize, my perspective is driven by relationship and mutual respect.
Family Therapy
Sometimes trying to manage family conflict and stress becomes more than a family can do on their own. That is where a family therapist can assist in healing. In family therapy I often incorporate play therapy techniques with talking approaches. My family work is based on a systems approach influenced by Bowen's systems theory. System's Theory is based on the belief that the family is an emotional unit of interlocking relationships that operates within an intergenerational and historical frame. Many clients often benefit from family sessions within the context of their individual work.
Group Therapy
Click here for more information on our upcoming groups