About Play Therapy

About Dr. B.

Dr. Carol Bouzoukis, PhD, RDT, MFA

Dr. Bouzoukis is an internationally recognized expert in individual creative psychotherapy for children. Dr. Bouzoukis has been the Executive Director and Founder of Play Therapy Delaware since 1999 and has been the sole practitioner since its inception. Play Therapy Delaware is a highly successful private practice due to the efficacy of the interactive modality and Dr. Bouzoukis’ ability to connect with children so seamlessly. Dr. Bouzoukis has a doctorate from New York University with an emphasis in Child Dramatherapy and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Child Drama with an emphasis in special child populations from The University of North Carolina. She has been a Nationally Registered Drama Therapist since 1987.

Dr. Bouzoukis is also an internationally recognized author. Her first book focuses on the treatment of chronically ill children, entitled Pediatric Dramatherapy: They Couldn’t Run, So They Learned To Fly, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd. Her second book, Encouraging Your Child’s Imagination is published by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. The latter book focuses on Delaware children and Delaware Schools creating original and improvisationally created plays.

Dr. Bouzoukis is a member of The Association for Play Therapy, The American Psychological Association, The North American Drama Therapy Association, The American Alliance for Theatre in Education and The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. Dr. Bouzoukis has also served as a member of the New Castle County Community Services Advisory Board. Dr. Bouzoukis specializes in creating a non-threatening and safe atmosphere that allows children to express themselves through their natural ability to pretend. Children can regain control of their world with the help of child psychotherapy.

Services offered by therapist Dr. Carol Bouzoukis for children 3 to 12 years of age include:

  • Standard Child psychotherapy sessions (45 minutes)
  • Short child psychotherapy sessions (30 minutes)
  • Parent consultations
Contact Dr. B. Today

A Natural Approach

Play therapy is the most appropriate method of treatment for children who are experiencing difficulties. According to The Association for Play Therapy, “Play therapy builds on the natural way a child learns about themselves and their relationships in the world. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn new ways of relating.”

Solutions Through Play

Play Therapy Benefits:

  • Improves socialization
  • Helps with coping mechanisms
  • Strengthens problem solving skills
  • Reduces child’s frustration and anger
  • Clarifies feelings of confusion
  • Develops a more positive self esteem
  • Promotes self-regulation
  • Helps to find solutions
  • Develops self-assertion
  • Strengthens overall acceptance
  • Cultivates neuroplasticity

Play therapy is the premier way in which children can gain mastery of his ever-changing world. Treatment planning is created for each child with specific goals designed to meet the needs of each individual. The child’s progress is closely monitored and reviewed periodically with parents.

Testimonials

We know how important our reputation is to you, and we are grateful to provide the following words from just a few of our clients and colleagues.

Mother of a 5-year-old Daughter
“I may have seen this on your website, but I really did think this to myself today. You are a gifted child whisperer. I want you to know that a miraculous change happens when (my daughter) sees you. The difference is like night and day. I know you are a therapist, but you are (so) gifted and talented in this area and I am so thankful (my daughter) has you… you help her to free herself from her bonds and step into harmony and beauty. The peace she experiences is visible. Words will never capture the depth of my gratitude.”
Elementary School Counselor
“Her ability to develop a trust and rapport enabled this individual to understand how to handle the challenges he faced very successfully. As a school counselor, I value the spirit of collegiality demonstrated by Dr. Bouzoukis.”
Father of a 9-year-old Boy
"Dr B. is simply the best Toy Doctor in the state."
Dr. Thomas KneavelClinical Psychologist
“I have known Dr. Bouzoukis since the mid 1980’s when she was a child therapist for the Terry Children’s Psychiatric Center. Her therapy with those very disturbed children impressed me greatly. Her abilities to engage the children in interactive therapy were excellent. I admired her knowledge and people skills to such a great extent that I invited her to join my private practice.”
Mother of a 7-year-old Daughter
“Our youngest daughter has been seeing Dr. Bouzoukis since last year and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Bouzoukis helped her to not only cope but become much happier and more well adjusted as the family came through this crisis.”
Mother of a 10-year-old Son
"It used to take my son 2½ hours to do his homework every night but since he has been seeing Dr. Bouzoukis it now only takes ½ an hour. I would also like to add that it is a very friendly atmosphere.”
Dr. Robert LandyDirector of Drama Therapy Program N.Y.U.
“In providing stories and encouraging dramatic enactments [through drama/play therapy], Dr. Bouzoukis is a powerful and gentle guide.”
Mother of a 8-year-old Son
“I love her! She only just met my son and she knew all his issues. She works with him really well, and I’m just so happy I found her. He loves going.”
Mother of a 11-year-old Girl
“Within weeks of her first sessions with Dr. Bouzoukis, our daughter was more confident and relaxed than we had ever seen her. Physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety began to subtly, but steadily melt away. We just couldn’t be happier.”
Delaware TodayMedical Guide
“Games of make-believe are natural vehicles for a child’s imagination. But for youngsters with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, this type of play gives wings to self discovery and expression. Dr. Carol E. Bouzoukis has written Pediatric Dramatherapy, a book about these benefits.”
Mother of a 6-year-old Son
“Just two months after beginning sessions with Dr. Bouzoukis, (my son) changed. Today he is able to reason when he gets frustrated. Before he couldn’t express himself well. He’d hit or push others, and now he just tells them. I got my child back.”
Mother of a 7-year-old Girl
“Dr. Bouzoukis has helped my child open up at my child’s pace, with tremendous patience and compassion, while feeling almost like a family friend to us. She is warm and supportive, and always extremely accessible and encouraging to the parents as well.”
Mother of a 6-year-old Boy
“I really hope you know what a bright light you have been to us during some of our darker days. We are just so grateful for you.”
Mother of a 10-year-old Daughter
“You are the heart of our daughter’s healing.”
Mother of a 9-year-old Son
“Since my son has been working with her, we’ve seen a great improvement in how he handles his anger, and she’s very accessible when you need her. She talks to you and answers all your questions.”
Mother of Daughters Ages 4 and 6
“What I like most about the therapy is that my children are receiving all this therapeutic attention without feeling like they are in therapy. Dr Bouzoukis has done an excellent job of creating a positive environment where they can still be children. They can get their feelings out, they trust her, and they enjoy the time they spend there. She has been tremendous and my children love going and they get a whole lot out of it. It’s been nothing short of positive for us.”
Wilmington News Journal
“Dr. Bouzoukis works with sick and terminally ill children as well as kids with behavioral issues or those who are dealing with divorce. She lets the children initiate the conversation, then follows their lead. Her office is a room full of toys, and as the child starts to play she guides him along.”
Father of Two Teenage Daughters
“Thank you for being there for [our daughters] over all these years. We deeply appreciate your concern and care.”
Mother of an 8-year-old Girl
“I tell everyone about you and how truly wonderful you have been.”
Mother of a 7-year-old Boy
“He absolutely loves his sessions with you and looks forward to them.”
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