Are we a good fit?

At Desert Village we believe therapy should be:

Vine-like white Christmas lights that decorate the corner of a child play therapy office at Desert Village Therapy Center in Tucson, AZ.

Neurodiversity Affirming
We believe that diversity of the human neurotype is not only natural but needed and welcomed. We use an affirming approach to help children and families figure out ways to meet their needs without forcing conformity.

Image of a young girl with blonde hair and glasses engaging in sand tray therapy.

Child Responsive
In the therapy setting, the child’s voice is amplified and respected. We do not believe in forcing children to engage in services or tackle issues they are not ready to address. Therapy should move at the pace of the child, with the understanding there are no quick fixes or magical cures.

A Safe Space
Our emphasis is on creating a safe, supportive, and culturally affirming environment where children feel comfortable to explore and share freely. To best preserve the therapeutic relationship we do not provide recommendations for custody issues or visitations.

Playful
“Toys are children’s words and play is their language,” writes Dr. Gary L. Landreth. We utilize play therapy-based approaches to meet the developmental needs of children within sessions.

A young girl with blonde hair and glasses plays with stuffed animals inside a white tent setup inside of a child play therapy office at Desert Village Therapy Center in Tucson, AZ.

Needs Focused
We work to uncover and meet underlying needs that often show up as symptoms and negative behaviors.

Detail of a child working with figurines representing family dynamics during sand tray therapy, a from of play therapy.

Inclusive of the System
Children function within the systems they are a part of including families, schools, and communities. Sometimes change to the system is needed for the child to thrive. We believe the biggest agent for change is relationships, including the relationships between:

  • the therapist and the child

  • the parent and the child

  • the parent and the therapist

Therapy is not limited to the office and we will often give recommendations for parents and schools to support children.

Who are we?