Safe Haven Counseling, LLC

Safe Haven Counseling, LLC Safe Haven Counseling, LLC is a counseling center for children and families. Creating Safe Haven Counseling LLC, was something I've always wanted to do.

One day I decided to go for my dreams and here we are. I named my practice Safe Haven because I believe that the therapy room should be a place where you feel safe to be yourself and to be vulnerable. I've worked as a school-based therapist, outpatient therapist and private practice therapist for the past 10 years. I have experience working with toddler, preschool, elementary, middle school and high school aged children. I earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Indiana University in 2008, a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis in 2011, a Post-graduate Certificate in Play Therapy at Capella University, a Masters degree in Infant and Early Childhood Development from Fielding University in 2021, and am a Registered Play Therapist. I've been working with children ever since I was old enough to do so. I love watching children grow and develop, and they always put a smile on my face. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

09/03/2025

The best way to teach feelings isn’t through worksheets—it’s through play.
Children learn best when they’re engaged, and play creates a safe space to explore emotions. You can:
– Make faces and guess the feeling
– Use dolls or stuffed animals to act out different emotions
– Draw feeling faces together and label them
When you weave feelings into play, your child practices emotional literacy in a natural, developmentally appropriate way.

08/22/2025

Want to know what your child is really saying through their play? Here’s what play therapists see!
Repetitive play (building, knocking down, lining up toys)? → Processing big changes & transitions.
Nurturing play (feeding, rocking, comforting stuffed animals)? → Understanding care & possibly seeking comfort themselves.
Power play (superheroes, rescuing, leading the game)? → Building confidence & working through times they’ve felt small.
When we notice these play patterns, we get a glimpse into their inner world.
Next time your child plays, watch closely—what story do you think they’re telling?
Save this for later & share with someone who needs it!

08/22/2025

Part 1 | “Inside Play Therapy”

In play therapy, cleanup isn’t the goal — connection is. Sometimes we let kids leave the mess so they can carry the work they’ve done in session, not the weight of putting it away.












08/21/2025

Your Baby’s First Language? Play.
Before they speak, babies are already communicating—through every giggle, glance, and grab. From mouthing toys to lighting up during peek-a-boo, play is their way of learning, bonding, and building their brain.
In this reel, we’re breaking down how everyday play helps babies:
Explore the world through their senses
Build trust and emotional connection
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking
Tap to learn how even the tiniest actions mean so much more.
Save this for your next play moment.
Tag a parent who needs this reminder!

08/20/2025

We know how to listen when kids use words—but what about when they communicate through play?
🧠 Play is a child’s first language. The way they build, crash, nurture, or act out stories tells us what’s on their mind.
💡 Here’s how to really listen to their play:
👀 Observe – Watch their play before jumping in.
🗣 Reflect – Instead of asking, “What are you doing?”, try “Wow, you’re stacking those blocks so carefully.”
🤝 Follow their lead – Let them guide the play instead of directing it.
✨ When we slow down and listen, we gain a window into their inner world.
What’s something you’ve noticed in your child’s play lately? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

08/19/2025

Ever feel guilty for not playing enough with your child? You’re not alone.
But here’s the thing—play doesn’t have to be one more thing on your to-do list. You don’t need to set aside extra time or plan elaborate activities.
✨ Play can fit into what you’re already doing.
Here’s how:
Getting dressed? Turn it into a race.
Clean-up time? Make it a simple sorting challenge.
Waiting in line? Try a quick round of “I Spy.”
These tiny moments of playfulness make routines easier and create more connection—without adding more to your plate.
Which one will you try today? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

08/18/2025

Ever wonder why playful parenting works? It’s not just about fun—it’s brain science. 🧠✨
Here’s why:
✅ Young kids’ brains learn best through movement, rhythm, and imagination
✅ Play lowers stress hormones and increases connection hormones
✅ Using play in transitions helps the brain shift gears more smoothly
That’s why a tiny playful shift (like a whisper, a silly challenge, or a movement game) can instantly change the mood—no power struggles needed.
Have you ever noticed play helping in a tough moment? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

08/17/2025

Not in the mood to be playful? I get it. Some days, you’re just too tired, stretched thin, or overwhelmed.
The good news? You don’t have to “perform” playfulness. You can keep it simple and still build connection.
✔ Use your voice → Whisper instead of talk. Kids love this.
✔ Let them lead → Say “Show me how YOU want to do this” and follow their way.
✔ Keep it tiny → Instead of “Get in the car,” just say “Shoe race?”—one small playful word can shift the mood.
Playful parenting isn’t about being high-energy all the time—it’s about small moments of connection.
Which one of these feels doable for you today? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

08/16/2025

💛 Play therapy isn’t just for kids—it’s for families.

Here’s how it can make a difference at home:
1️⃣ Strengthens connection. Learn to ‘speak’ your child’s language through play.
2️⃣ Brings clarity. Understand what’s really behind big behaviors.
3️⃣ Creates safety. Give your child a space to be fully themselves—and watch them grow.
4️⃣ Brings everyone closer. Skills learned in therapy show up at home, making everyday life easier.

Play therapy isn’t about “fixing” your child—it’s about helping your whole family connect, understand, and grow together. 🌱

💫 Tag a parent who’d love to hear this!

08/15/2025

Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids build emotional strength. 💛
Through play, children:
🗣 Learn to express emotions in a safe way.
💪 Build confidence by solving problems and trying again.
❤️ Develop emotional language by acting out feelings.
Every tower they build (and knock down), every story they create, and every game they play is helping them grow.
So the next time you see your child playing, remember—these small moments are shaping their resilience and emotional well-being. ✨
📌 Save this as a reminder of why play is so powerful!
Drop a 💫 in the comments if you love learning about the power of play!

08/14/2025

✨ Think play therapy is just “playing with toys”? Think again!
Play is a child’s language—it’s how they express feelings, solve problems, and make sense of their world. 💛

Here are 3 myths I hear all the time:
1️⃣ It’s just play. Nope—play is how kids communicate!
2️⃣ It’s only for serious problems. It can help with everyday challenges, too.
3️⃣ Parents aren’t involved. Your role is huge in your child’s progress.

Play therapy is all about connection, growth, and giving kids the tools to thrive—one playful moment at a time. 🌱

💫 Drop a star if you’ve ever been curious about what really happens in the playroom!

08/13/2025

Play isn’t just about having fun—it’s about building trust. 💕
When you let your child take the lead during playtime, you’re saying:
✨ “Your ideas matter.”
✨ “I trust you to guide this moment.”
✨ “I value spending time in your world.”
These moments of child-led play help create emotional safety. When your child feels safe to share their ideas, they’re more likely to feel safe sharing their feelings, too. 💛
So, what does child-led play look like? It’s simple! Just follow their lead—whether it’s playing restaurant, building a tower, or pretending to be pirates. 🏴‍☠️
A few minutes of letting them be the boss can make a big difference in how they see themselves and how they connect with you.
Have you tried letting your child lead in play? I’d love to hear your experience! Share in the comments or tag me! 🌟

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6745 Gray Road, Suite B
Indianapolis, IN
46237

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