https://thecenterforgrowth.com/tips/talking-to-your-kid-about-going-to-play-therapy

Talking to Your Kid About Going to Play Therapy

Association for Play Therapy

How Play Therapy Techniques Address Different Issues

Betina tailors her approach to celebrate each child’s unique strengths while addressing areas of challenge. She has a strong background in early childhood developmental assessment, and she is an ongoing student of neurodivergent-affirming practice. Betina uses play therapy, mindfulness, and regulation techniques to support neurodivergent kids in strengthening self-awareness, self-trust, and self-esteem, and she works to help the adults who care about them understand and respond to their needs.

Betina brings a playful, heart-centered approach to therapy. With children, she uses Child-Centered and Synergetic Play Therapy®, blending mindfulness, sandtray play, and directive techniques. For caregivers, she focuses on attachment, nervous system regulation, and parenting tools like Circle of Security®. Every session is tailored to meet the unique needs of your family.

Betina loves working with families and children ages 0-8, from infants and toddlers to preschoolers and early elementary kids. Whether you’re navigating early parenting, developmental concerns, or big emotions, she’s here to help your family grow stronger together.

Yes! Betina offers both in-person and telehealth services to families in Washington, DC, and Maryland. You can choose the option that works best for your schedule and comfort level.

Sessions with Betina are about connection and growth. She creates a safe space where children can explore emotions through play and where parents can reflect and learn new ways of relating. Together, you’ll pause, play, and discover paths toward healing and resilience.

Betina has spent years refining her skills to better support families. Her training includes:

• Synergetic Play Therapy®

• Somatic Experiencing® (Beginning I & II)

• Playful Parts: the Intersection of Play Therapy and Internal Family Systems

• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Certificate, Washington School of Psychiatry

• Registered Circle of Security® Parenting (COSP™) Facilitator

• Child-Centered and Filial Play Therapy

• Life Space Crisis Intervention

Parenting can be tough, but Betina is here to help. She’ll work with you to explore the patterns that come up automatically in your parenting and provide tools to build deeper, more connected relationships with your child. Her approach is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on opening up new choices in how you respond to your child’s needs.

Betina has over a decade of experience walking alongside families with young children through life’s challenges. Before joining the practice, she worked at The Lourie Center for Children’s Social-Emotional Wellness, where she focused on helping families create nurturing, supportive environments.

Betina’s approach is a blend of heart, play, and science. She focuses on building trust and connection, supporting families to heal and grow. Her understanding of how systems of oppression affect families also shapes her work, ensuring a space that’s inclusive, affirming, and focused on equity.

Synergetic Play Therapy® is a playful yet powerful approach that helps children connect with their emotions and build resilience through play. Betina uses this modality to support children in processing big feelings and experiences, creating a safe and empowering space where healing can happen

IFS parts work helps children and caregivers explore different parts of themselves—like the part that feels scared or the part that wants to keep everyone safe. Betina has training in integrating IFS into play therapy, and she gently guides this process to help families better understand themselves and work toward healing.

Sandtray therapy is a creative and nonverbal way for children to express emotions and tell their stories. Using miniature figures and a tray of sand, Betina helps kids explore their inner world and find ways to process feelings and experiences.

Betina provides affirming care for LGBTQ+ children and their families, offering a safe space to navigate identity, relationships, and emotions. She focuses on building understanding, resilience, and connection, ensuring every family feels seen and supported.