Sarah Burgos

Ages served

Ages 3–12

Therapy approaches

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
• Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

Who I help

I work with children ages 3–12 and their parents/caregivers. Families often reach out when a child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, anger or aggression, low self-esteem, school difficulties, grief, family changes, divorce, trauma, or challenges related to ADHD or autism.

Many parents come to me feeling overwhelmed and at a loss for what to do or where to go for help. I understand how hard that can feel. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where parents feel heard and children feel deeply accepted for who they are.

How I work

I specialize in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based approaches to play therapy. Earlier in my career, I used more directive approaches with children. Over the years, I found that children often made deeper and more meaningful progress when I stepped back, trusted the therapeutic process, and allowed them to lead. The research on CCPT has reinforced what I have seen in practice.

Children often do not have the words to explain everything they are feeling or experiencing, so CCPT gives them another way to communicate, process what is happening in their world, and work through emotional or behavioral struggles.

Sessions are child-led and nondirective. Your child gets to decide how they use their time in the playroom while I provide the therapeutic relationship, structure, reflection, and limits they need. CCPT gives children a space where they can feel accepted, discover the good within themselves, heal, grow, and develop the confidence and skills to become the best version of themselves.

What parents can expect

Once therapy begins, children typically attend weekly sessions at the same day and time. I meet with parents/caregivers for an ongoing Parent Consultation approximately every five child sessions. These meetings give us time to talk about what you are seeing at home, discuss your child’s progress and needs, better understand what may be underneath their behavior, and address parenting concerns as they come up.

I also coach parents in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) principles so you can better understand your child, strengthen your relationship with them, and begin using many of the same therapeutic skills at home.

Just as important, I want parents to feel supported throughout the process too. I want you to know that we are on this journey together, that I care about your child and your family, and that you do not have to figure everything out on your own.