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Kathleen W. Shack, M.S., LMFT
3534 Old Milton Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 678-220-0090
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Children in Counseling

I specialize in using play therapy (individual and family) as a tool in working with children ages 4 through young adulthood and their families. I have experience working with children whose families are divorcing/have divorced, those who have lost a family member or someone close to them, those who need improvement in social skills, anger management skills, and children with behavior disorders as well as neglected/abused children. I also assist parents with parenting skills through psychoeducation and coaching. I have experience testifying in court, doing co-parenting plans with divorcing families and working with blended families.

My office has a separate play therapy room, which allows children freedom of expression. This room is used mostly for ages 4-12. Sessions are 45-50 minutes in length and we meet weekly until it is decided that every other week is appropriate. Play therapy averages 20 sessions to allow the children to develop trust for the counselor and to then work through their issues.At a minimum, I will meet with parents before meeting children and then have sessions with parents as needed. Families play an important role in children's healing processes. The interaction between children's problems and their families is always complex. Sometimes children develop problems as a way of signaling that there is something wrong in the family. Other times the entire family becomes distressed because the child's problems are so disruptive. In all cases, children and families heal faster when they work together.

Research has proven that play therapy helps children: Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies. Develop new and creative solutions to problems. Develop respect and acceptance of self and others. Learn to experience and express emotion. Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others. Learn new social skills and relational skills with family. Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.

Please go to www.a4pt.org for more information regarding play therapy.

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