Our Playful Purpose

The Center for Creative Arts and Play Therapy

I have always loved the zoo. Whether a trip to the National zoo in Washington DC, or the brookfield zoo in Chicago, I am drawn to the giraffe. Perhaps it’s the color and pattern of their skin. As an artist and decorator, I am naturally drawn to orange , earth hues and animal prints of all kinds. Perhaps its their elegance and gracefulness. I find it calming to just sit and look at the giraffe, similar to the peacefulness of gazing at a Matisse painting.

When I began to study this magnificent animal for a sandplay symbol paper, my appreciation for this magnificent animal deepened. The giraffe can symbolize gaining perspective, rising above the fray, transitioning to a new perspective, intuition, flexibility, connection, and non-judgement.

I have come to believe that the giraffe is a beautiful symbol of the therapist, reminding us to stay grounded, balanced and humble, and to honor our ability to be visionary.

Heart Work & Play, LLC

Once upon a time a young breast cancer survivor and play therapist named Debbie travelled halfway across the world on a mission trip to help impoverished families in Sri Lanka. While there she met an elephant named Monica. That chance encounter with Monica the Elephant became a much-needed beacon of hope and light for Debbie who was finding her way through medical trauma. Monica the Elephant reminded Debbie that we are always connected even in brokenness and that real power and strength come from within.

As an advocate for gender equity and social justice both personally and professionally, Debbie resonates with elephants, who are wise matriarchs in their herds and peaceful protectors of their children and elders... May we ALL harness the fierce determination within us and the fertile love around us when facing life's challenges.

And if Debbie ran the world, all children AND adults too would have a play therapist to help them do their heart work & play with the "elephant in the room!"

Hope Renewed Counseling Services, LLC

Jacque’s work in Animal Assisted Play Therapy® began with horses. When she moved to private practice, however, there was no room for a horse, not even a miniature pony! That’s when cats entered the picture.

Deyanna, a Ragdoll cat who is very laid back and calm, and Skippy, a gregarious orange tabby who is constantly on the move, have been involved in Jacque’s work since 2015 and 2016. Luna, a fluffy, long-haired Ragdoll who loves to play, is the newest therapy cat.

Felines symbolize grace, independence and intelligence and they bring a wonderfully fun element to the therapy process!