“Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self.”
Garry L. Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship
Pamela Norris, MA, LPC & Child-Centered Play Therapist
Pamela's Philosophy
Pamela's Therapeutic Services
Pamela's Philosophy
Pamela believes that everyone has the ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that mental and emotional well-being are integral to overall health, and that developmentally appropriate children's therapy can be a powerful tool for achieving this balance.
Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
This Proverb rings true to Pamela not only as a Christian but as a Child-Centered Play Therapist. Through her faith, Pamela holds true to her belief that God has given the knowledge and ability for us to seek out ways which will protect, guide and support our children through life's challenges. After over a decade of experience, education, and research Pamela whole-heartedly believes in the therapeutic healing power of the Child-Centered Play Therapy approach. Like the Proverb stated above, CCPT gets results that will last the child's lifetime no matter the challenges and unique circumstances. The skills aquired through therapy are completely transferable equipting children with the ability to thrive in life despite all of its ups and downs.
The CCPT Approach
Pamela's Therapeutic Services
Pamela's Philosophy
Pamela's therapeutic approach is Child-Centered. Child-Centered Play Therapy or CCPT is an empirically supported form of children's therapy of 40 plus years. CCPT works wonders for children since it is developmentally appropriate and allows opportunities for children to be expressive on their terms in a safe, structured, and nonjudgemental environment. Children of all ages, but especially 3-11, respond very well to the CCPT approach. This therapy gets results that can last a lifetime! CCPT is used for challenges such as trauma, grief, big feelings, communication, divorce, boundaries, sibling rivalries, adoption, foster care, ODD, ADD/ADHD, ASD, anxiety, OCD, depression, developmental, social, emotional, physical (sensory too), intellectual & educational challenges and more.
Pamela's Therapeutic Services
Pamela's Therapeutic Services
Pamela's Therapeutic Services
Pamela is a highly experienced and educated therapist grounded in the Child-Centered Play Therapy Model. She works collaboratively with parents providing them with ongoing education & resources including Theraplay and Filial Therapy when needed. Every six weeks, parents receive a free parent consultation to keep them up-to-date on their child's progress, etc.
Pamela places a strong emphasis on building a safe, trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients. The therapist/child relationship is key!
"If the child's problem approaches the deep and internal, essentially facing the monster inside himself or visiting a scary place or vulnerable time in his development, he needs a skilled therapist to be right there with him and to accompany him into his inner world. Yes, he can find the way in the context through CCPT but he cannot go there alone. Empowered in the therapeutic relationship he can find his way there with his counselor accompanying him and he will come back better, stronger, clearer thinking, and ready to face the challenges of his life with all the wisdom and maturity appropriate for his age." -Dr. Rise VanFleet
Needing Financial Support? Pamela ACCEPTS PDSES Payments!
It is recommended, on average, that client's have one therapeutic session a week for 30 days for optimal success.