I am an Alaska approved Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. My goal is to work collaboratively to help you, your child(ren) and family to achieve balance, hope and a closer relationship with one another. My training is extensive in the areas of trauma attachment, anxiety, behavioral concerns and parenting psycho-education. I strive to provide a supportive, respectful and collaborative therapeutic environment where you and your family can fully explore any concerns, challenges, values or difficulties.
I have received training in the following modalities: Child Centered Play Therapy (directive and non-directive), Advanced Family Filial Play Therapy, Trained in EMDR for use with traumatized children/adolescents/adults, Trained in multiple Trauma Models: ARC Model, CPT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Brainspotting Level 1, Interactive Attachment Family Therapy (IAFT), Trained in DSM 5 TR differential diagnosis and DC 0-3 Crosswalk for children, and trained to provide Individual, Family and Group Therapy for Children & Adolescents
EDUCATION
- Master of Arts, Antioch University
- Major: Clinical Psychology
- Minor: Employee Assist. Programs
CREDENTIALS
- AK-LMF(Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #0201)
- AK-LMFT Approved Supervisor since 2/3/2011
- AK-LPC Approved Supervisor since 12/20/2007
- AK-RPT-S Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (S-2792)
- FL-LMFT telehealth provider (TPMF 2063)
EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN and FAMILIES
- Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Advanced Family Filial Play Therapy
- EMDR for use with traumatized children/adolescents/adults
- EMDR/AIP with combatants, police & first responders
- ARC Model, CPT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- DSM IV-R differential diagnosis, DSM V and DC 0-3 Crosswalk
- Individual, Family and Group Therapy for SED/Non-SED Children, Adolescents, and Adults
- Facilitated sexual abuse groups for latency age children
- Led adolescent groups on HIV education, social skills building & self-esteem skills
- Completed Level 1 & Level 2 in Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ (AAPT™)
- Led sexual abuse group with adolescent and latency age girls
- Initiated and developed sand tray group with adolescent males
- Led coed group with latency age children
- Provide counseling, education and referrals for Schools
- Facilitated California Youth Authority Group
- Facilitated Women’s Group
- Facilitated substance abuse group
- Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT ® Level 1 & Level 2)
PUBLICATION, AWARDS, & CERTIFICATIONS
- Arvidson, J., Kinniburgh, K., Howard,: K., Spinazzola, J., Strothers, H., Evans, E., Andres, B., Cohen, C., Blaustein, M. (February 8, 2011). Treatment of complex trauma in young children: Developmental and cultural considerations in the application of the ARC Intervention Model. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 4 (1), 34-51.
- Recipient of 2021 Kirrie Award for outstanding contributions and dedication to the field of Animal-Assisted Play Therapy ® from the International institute for AAPT®
PRESENTATION & CONSULTATION
- I have made numerous presentations as well as providing supervision and consultation throughout my years as a clinician. Some topics include: attachment, play therapy, trauma, and the impact of trauma on the brain. I have presented for a variety of organizations such as schools, police departments, foster parents, universities, other therapists and at conferences/workshops.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Vice President-AK Assoc. of Play Therapy (AK-APT) 6/2010-12/2013
Alaska Association of Play Therapy
Clinical Member – American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists and Alaska Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AKAMFT)
