Gabi Rookard, LCSW
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-Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
-Certified Autplay Provider
Children ages 3 and up
Teens
Parent coaching
Neurodivergent children (autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder)
Anxiety
Complex trauma
Nervous system dysregulation
Parent-child attachment issues
Aggressive behavior
Regressive behavior
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Currently Accepting New Clients
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Initial Intake (60 minutes) 200
Play Therapy/Individual Therapy (45-50 Minutes) 180
Let’s Connect
When you’re working with me, we will focus on…
Nervous system regulation: We will work on helping you and your child to better understand your own nervous system states and how this influences behavior. We will explore the notion that “All behavior is an attempt at regulation” – Lisa Dion.
Co-regulation: We will help you connect with yourself in order to better connect with your child.
Attachment: We will work on building secure attachment between you and your child so that your child develops an internal sense of safety.
Interoception: Interoception is “the eighth sense” in which we sense what is happening on the inside (feelings, sensations, emotions). We will work on noticing what’s going on inside so we can then explore it and regulate it.
Authentic parenting: My goal is to help you develop a parenting style that feels most authentic to you and your values.
About Me
Gabi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (lic#L11650) who specializes in using Synergetic Play Therapy® in her work with children, teens, and parents. In her free time, Gabi enjoys spending time outside whether hiking, camping, or backpacking. Gabi loves to express herself creatively through drawing. Gabi also loves to travel whenever she gets the opportunity!
Interventions and Specialized Training
Gabi’s primary framework is Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), which allows children to express and process their emotions in whichever way feels most natural for them - whether that be talking, playing, or creating art. Synergetic Play Therapy combines the therapeutic powers of play with relational neuroscience, to bring a developmentally-appropriate and research-informed approach to kids and families. In SPT, the therapist understands the importance of being her authentic self in the play therapy room, which in turn allows kids to be themselves too.
Gabi is also certified in Autplay Therapy. “AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity affirming framework for implementing play therapy to address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children, and their families.” Gabi understands that play therapy may look different for neurodivergent children, and applies a flexible approach to meet every child where they are. Gabi celebrates neurodiversity and loves to support children and families in forming a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges. If you are unfamiliar with the term “neurodiversity affirming,” this is a framework that understands brain and nervous system differences as a natural part of human diversity, rather than something to be “fixed” or “cured.” This approach might be a great fit if your child is diagnosed with autism, ADHD, PDA, sensory processing disorder, or you suspect one of these diagnoses.
Gabi’s work is also informed by other relationship-based and play therapy approaches, including Theraplay, Gestalt Play Therapy, and sand tray.
Gabi typically sees children one-on-one for play therapy sessions, but may include parents in the sessions as well depending on your needs and goals. Regardless, parents are always active participants in the process of therapy. Gabi sees parents for weekly 10 minute check ins and monthly full length parent consultations.
Play Therapy With Gabi is…
grounded in relationship and nervous system regulation. Gabi’s goal is to help you and your child develop your ability to connect to your authentic selves even in the midst of challenges. Gabi has a warm and genuine presence and brings playfulness, authenticity, and empowerment into her work with children, teens, and families.
Education and Professional Training
-Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
-Certified Autplay Therapist
-Trainings in Theraplay, Oaklander method, and sand tray
Portland State University – Master’s in Social Work
Point Loma Nazarene University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
2.5 years working in community mental health, including school-based therapy
2 years working with immigrant youth at a residential facility
Experience working as an assistant preschool teacher, nanny, English teacher, and after school program staff
What is 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!
“Toys are children’s words and play is their language.”
-Garry Landreth