Mariam Jensen

"Play is serious work!" This powerful statement encapsulates the therapeutic philosophy of Mariam Jensen, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Kansas and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) with the Association for Play Therapy. At Joyful Heart Therapy, LLC, Mariam specializes in working with children aged 3 to 10, utilizing the transformative power of play to facilitate healing and growth.

Mariam earned her Master of Science degree in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her extensive training and clinical experience in Play Therapy have equipped her with the unique ability to communicate with children through their natural language of play. This specialized approach allows children to express thoughts and feelings they may not be able to verbalize, bridging communication gaps between children and their family members.

As a Play Therapist, Mariam creates a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where children can freely express both what pleases and bothers them. She believes that play enables children to process and internally resolve traumatic events and experiences in a way that's not overwhelming and is developmentally appropriate. This approach is particularly effective in addressing issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief.

Mariam's therapeutic toolkit includes a variety of evidence-based modalities. She employs Child-Centered Play Therapy, Directive Play Therapy, and Sandtray Therapy, among others. Her practice also incorporates Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. This diverse skill set allows her to tailor her approach to each child's unique needs and circumstances.

With a strength-based and solution-focused perspective, Mariam works collaboratively with her clients, recognizing them as the experts on their own lives. She explores past successes and helps discover new possibilities for the present and future. Mariam's areas of focus include child therapy, anxiety, separation anxiety, trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief and loss, behavioral issues, life transitions, school issues, and self-esteem.

At Joyful Heart Therapy, LLC, Mariam Jensen offers a unique blend of professional expertise and compassionate care. Her commitment to helping children and families navigate challenges through the power of play creates a nurturing environment where healing and growth can flourish. As Mariam often quotes Garry Landreth, "Toys are children's words and play is their language." Through this language, she helps children express their experiences, feelings, and needs, paving the way for lasting positive change.