Erin Luginbuhl Burkholder

Ages served

Ages 3–12

Therapy approaches

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
• Integrative/Prescriptive Play Therapy
• Sandtray / Sandplay Therapy
• Play-Based EMDR

Who I help

I'm passionate about helping children better understand the connection between their brain, body, and behavior, while also supporting parents in building deeper, more attuned relationships with their children. I enjoy working with children ages 3–12, including those with heightened sensitivity to the world around them, children who have experienced trauma, and those learning to better understand and communicate their inner worlds. At the heart of my work is the belief that our developmental histories, relationships, and lived experiences shape how we see ourselves and the world—and that healing begins when those stories are understood with compassion.

How I work

Caring for children requires curiosity, compassion, and an understanding that there is rarely a simple cause for a child's behavior. Effective therapy means looking beyond what we can see to consider a child's developmental stage, nervous system, attachment relationships, and lived experiences. Behavior is often a child's best attempt to communicate something they don't yet have the words to express.

My work is rooted in attachment theory, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and sand tray therapy. I believe play, creativity, and story often reach places that words alone cannot—a philosophy that also guides my work with adults. I also believe parents deeply want to love and support their children well but are often overwhelmed by the flood of parenting advice and conflicting opinions.

What parents can expect

Services begin with a consultation call, which gives me an opportunity to hear more about what is bringing your family to counseling and answer any initial questions you may have. From there, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork and schedule your first session.

I typically begin by meeting with parents/caregivers to gather a developmental history and learn more about your child, as well as the areas where you feel your family needs support. I then meet individually with your child for several sessions to get to know them and better understand their needs. For younger children, I often use Child-Centered Play Therapy, although I may recommend a different approach when it is better suited to your child’s needs.

Parent consultation is an important part of the therapeutic process. These conversations give us an opportunity to talk about what I’m noticing in the playroom, discuss your child’s progress, and explore practical ways to support your child at home. My goal is for parents to feel supported and equipped—not simply informed about what is happening in therapy.

When appropriate, I also collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care, such as physicians, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and school staff. With your permission, this collaboration helps ensure that we are working together to support your child across the different environments in their life.