Bonnie Davey, LPC, RPT
Nature-Based Play Therapy in Beaverton, OR
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Nature-Based Play Therapy
Children ages 3-10
Emotional Regulation
Trauma
Developmental or Behavioral Challenges
Sexual Abuse
ADHD
Aggression
Adjustment to big changes like a loss, a big move, transition to a new school, or family separations or divorce
Anxiety/Fears
Foster Care/Adoption
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Bonnie sees clients in-person Tuesdays-Fridays, and currently has one spot open in her outdoor program, Nature-Based Child-Centered Play Therapy, at 11:15 on Thursdays. Message us for more information on new upcoming availability.
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Intake (60 minutes) $220
Play Therapy (45 minutes) $160
Nature-Based Play Therapy (45 minutes) $160
50-minute Parent Consultations $160
30-minute Parent Consultations $80
Therapy that meets your child in the moment—with curiosity, calm, and the healing power of nature.
Does your child…
Struggle with big emotions, anxiety, or perfectionism?
Seem easily overwhelmed by transitions or sensory input?
Melt down or shut down when things feel “too much”?
Feel most at ease outdoors—climbing, digging, or quietly collecting rocks?
You're not alone. And your child isn’t broken. They may just need support that honors how their brain and body experience the world.
👋 Hi, I'm Bonnie.
I’m a licensed child therapist who specializes in nature-based play therapy for neurodivergent, highly sensitive, and emotionally intense kids. I support children ages 3–10 (and their grown-ups) as they work through anxiety, dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, and the daily challenges that come with being a big-hearted kid in a loud, fast world.
🍃 Play Therapy Outside the Box
Many of my sessions take place in The Real Work’s outdoor play therapy space, a cozy backyard area nestled beneath the cedar trees. Out here, your child has room to move, climb, dig, swing, and regulate—while we work together to build emotional awareness, confidence, and tools that stick.
I also offer indoor sessions with plenty of sensory-friendly materials, cozy nooks, and opportunities for expressive play.
All of our work together will be grounded in person-centered therapy and interpersonal neurobiology, with a particular focus on the use of child-centered play therapy, expressive arts, and incorporating nature in the therapeutic process.
💛 What Makes My Work Different:
I don’t believe in forcing compliance, I believe in building connection.
I don’t treat nature as an extra, I treat it as a co-regulator.
I don’t assume all kids should sit still, I create spaces where they don’t have to.
Through play, movement, and collaboration, I help kids feel seen and celebrated exactly as they are—while supporting parents with clear, non-shaming guidance they can actually use.
About Me
Whatever life is handing you at the moment, I want to remind you – growth is possible! I believe that life can be a lot like a rose. It can hold incredible beauty, as well as some thorns. Sometimes, roses require some extra care in order to thrive – some extra tending, and someone to encourage and witness its growth. I believe every one of us is made and equipped to grow, and I use a supportive therapeutic approach that puts you in the lead of this growth.
When you work with me, we will focus on:
· Relationships - That our relationship will feel comfortable, accepting and genuine, and that we will focus on the relationships in your life that are important to you.
· Context – That we will look through a lens of who you are within the unique context of your life and experiences.
· Safety – That we will use the latest research in interpersonal neurobiology to grow from a place of relational safety.
· Non-verbal expression – Using a variety of mediums (toys, art, sand & figures) to open up communication beyond words that allows for growth.
· Nature – Utilizing elements of the natural environment to ground, regulate, and encourage expression.
What We Might Work On Together:
Emotional regulation and co-regulation
Sensory awareness + calming strategies
Building resilience through attachment-based play
Shifting perfectionism and negative self-talk
Supporting parents with practical, relational tools
Bonnie’s Education and Professional Training
Education
Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University
Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Concordia University
Professional Training
59 hours of professional continuing education in Play Therapy through the NW Center for Play Therapy Studies.
134 hours of masters-level play therapy training through George Fox University
62 hours of professional continuing education in Interpersonal Neurobiology (to be completed Dec 2022). Master-level course in Interpersonal Neurobiology through George Fox University.
23 hours of professional continuing education in Nature-based Therapy (to be completed in 2022).
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association (ACA), Member
Association for Play Therapy (APT), Member
Oregon Association for Play Therapy (ORAPT), Board Member/Conference Coordinator
Experience
Yamhill County Family and Youth Programs (1 year) – Child and Family Therapist Intern
Northwest Center for Play Therapy Studies (3 years) – Conference & research assistant
Morrison Child & Family Services, Hand in Hand (6 years) – Child Development Therapist
Marquis Care Mt. Tabor (1 year) – Social Worker
Waverly Children’s Home (1 year) – Child & Adolescent Treatment Specialist
Bradley-Angle House (1 year) – Children’s Advocate
Resources for You!
The Parents/Caregiver’s Corner at the Association for Play Therapy
Check out the link below to learn more about play therapy and find resources for parents like you.
Why Play Therapy?
Check out the Association for Play Therapy’s fun illustration of why we use Play Therapy rather than Talk Therapy with children!
Play is the child’s natural form for self-expression (see Garry Landreth’s work). As adults, we may see a therapist to talk through our difficulties. It’s often hard for us grownups to put our feelings into words, and it’s even more difficult for children!
“We are all growing together. We all experience beauty, as well as thorns. I hope to provide a place for you where thriving once again feels possible.”
— Bonnie Davey, LPC, RPT