“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

– Plato

Approach to Therapy 

A safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that provides co-regulation is the first piece to therapy. I use a trauma-focused, developmental, strength-based, systemic, and participant-led lens with every individual I work with. I believe the participant is the expert of how they hope to grow through therapy so I strive to create an environment of validation and self advocacy for their voice to be heard.  

People learn and understand best when information and resources are given to them in a way that resonates with them. That is why I encourage my participants in recreational therapy to share their interests and build off of the things that give them joy that may then be translated into the world. 

I communicate therapy through play. My therapy space offers a variety of leisure activities, such as arts and crafts, games, imaginative figurines, sensory exploration, legos, and puzzles… to name a few. 

Including the parents and caregivers into a child’s therapy experience is a crucial piece for the child to continue to grow and be supported outside of the therapy office. 

Whether working with an individual or family, I see the value of using a systemic lens approach to further explore one’s self identity and relationship dynamics, and how that may contribute to one’s mental health. 

Emily Schumal

MS, MFT-IT, CTRS

Marriage & Family Therapist

Recreational Therapist

My Why…

I grew up in an environment strained by the heaviness and uncertainty of a parent with cancer. As a young adult, as days became harder to navigate with the turbulence of the unknown, I turned to leisure to ease stress, process emotions, and cultivate joy. Nothing fancy, expensive, or elaborate, but rather carefree play that created moments of happiness and creativity. I was drawn to explore a path that would allow me to integrate play and creativity with individuals and families through their own chapters of turbulence.