About Tina

Sometimes life can feel messy and overwhelming, especially when mental illness is involved. Many individuals and families find themselves struggling to navigate emotional wellness. It is important to recognize that these struggles are not faced alone.

Who I Work With

My practice is dedicated to working with children, teens, and families who are experiencing difficulties related to emotional well-being. This includes challenges such as parenting concerns, defiant behaviors, emotional dysregulation, trauma, and other related issues. Support is available for both individuals and their families as they address these concerns.

My Therapeutic Approach

Therapy is a collaborative process. I work alongside individuals and their families to facilitate positive change. Together, we explore challenges and identify solutions that promote growth and healing.

Every behavior has a purpose. By seeking to understand the reasons for certain behaviors, we become better equipped to make meaningful and lasting changes. This understanding forms the foundation for effective therapeutic intervention.

My philosophy centers on repairing relationships, enhancing positive communication, and addressing early attachment disruptions. By focusing on these areas, we work toward building stronger connections and healthier emotional environments for children and families.

Qualifications and Training

I am a registered play therapist with comprehensive training in the field of play therapy. I completed my play therapy education at Bethel University, where I gained a strong foundation in both directive and non-directive play therapy approaches. My expertise allows me to integrate a play-based perspective when working with children and families, ensuring that therapeutic interventions are appropriately tailored to each client's needs.

Specialized Training

In addition to my general play therapy training, I have completed level one training in theraplay. This specialized training enables me to incorporate theraplay activities into my clinical practice, further supporting children and families through interactive and attachment-based experiences. I am also a certified Traumaplay therapist, which enhances my ability to address trauma and support emotional healing in young clients. My training also covers family therapy, sand tray, CBT, DBT, among other modalities.

Education and Professional Experience

I obtained my undergraduate degree in Health Science from Kaplan University in 2013. Building upon this foundation, I pursued and completed my master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California in 2015. My professional experience is rooted in working with children, adolescents, and families, addressing a broad range of concerns including behavioral issues, parenting challenges, adolescent development, emotional dysregulation, and trauma.

Therapeutic Focus and Client Care

I provide a caring and safe environment where clients are encouraged to share their stories. In my practice, I utilize the most appropriate therapeutic modalities tailored to everyone’s needs. My interests lie in supporting children and teenagers who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties, as well as assisting their families through these challenges.

Current Practice Location and Availability

Currently, I am seeing clients at our Hutchinson office from Monday through Thursday.