Healing requires a safe and accepting place

to express fully all of the feelings, thoughts, and experiences that make us who we are. As we sort out our experiences, we begin to understand ourselves better, and we can learn new ways to respond to the twists and turns that life has to offer. Development of new skills,  an understanding of basic mental health practices, and re-creating a new way to do life are goals that many of my clients have achieved. I enjoy witnessing my clients change their lives and become more engaged in living the life that they desire.

 

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – (CA License #33300) for over 24 years. I have specialized training in Play Therapy and Sandtray (I am a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy). I have advanced training in Somatic Experience - SE, and EMDR- both of which are very helpful for trauma work. I believe that a belief in and reliance on God will enhance and add to the healing process.

 

I currently use Therapy Dogs to help in the healing process and I am in the process of certification in Animal Assisted Play Therapy® through The International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (AAPT). Animal Assisted Play Therapy is a form of treatment for children and families that integrates play therapy and animal-assisted therapy into an effective treatment process.

Gracie is the therapy dog that works with Kristy. Read more about her here.

 

I am a Approved Supervisor through American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists- AAMFT and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist – CAMFT. I am on staff at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley heading up the Play Therapy Training Program for Pre-licensed Professionals. Additionally, I offer classes for therapists in the community to learn more about Play Therapy.

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My past teaching experience includes teaching play therapy classes at the University of San Diego and 18 years on staff at Moorpark Community College teaching Child Development Classes. I have also served on the Board of Directors for Ventura County, California Association of Play Therapy (CALAPT) and the Ventura County Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (VC-CAMFT).

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Education

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Phillips Graduate Institute

Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy

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California State University, Northridge

Bachelor of Arts, Child Development

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Specialized Training

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Expressive Play Therapy
Association for Play therapy – www.a4pt.org

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CalAPT- California Association for Play -Therapywww.calplaytherapy.org

SandTray Therapy

EMDR – www.emdria.org

Somatic Experiencing® – www.traumahealing.com

CAMFT and AAMFT, California Association of marriage and family therapy approved Supervisor

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