Suzanne Melton

God has given me a passion for working with children. Play Therapy (PT) is my specialty and first love. Scripture tells us how important the little ones (and adoption) are to the heart of God (Matthew 18:1-9). I work with children with a number of issues and believe that it is utmost important that they experience an environment where they feel safe, heard, and understood. Younger children do not have the vocabulary to express their experiences and emotions. Therefore, they communicate through their play. Play Therapy is very theory and technique oriented. Through the process of hearing reflection of their actions and observed feelings the child learns to validate his/her emotions, abilities, accept responsibility, and learn self-control.

For the older child or one who has gone through abuse or trauma, I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). While providing a safe and comfortable setting, I will guide your child through a number of techniques to help them understand and heal from their experience(s).

My adult clients receive counsel from a cognitive-behavioral, developmental, and family systems theories perspective, which is grounded in the Word of God. Striving to create a safe and understanding environment, my role is not to judge or to assign guilt. I begin by locating where my client is in his/her suffering and/or confusion. From that point, we work together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to restore health and relationships.

I love horses, especially miniature ones. They are loyal, social, smart, affectionate, and behave just like children. Walking through the isles at a mini horse show you will see families working together and everyone is smiling. I love it! As for family, my granddaughter and three grandsons are the sunshine in my days. Camping with family (usually my two daughters and their sons) and watching them fish are among my “a-list.” I also love to attend my grandson’s soccer games and engage in intellectual conversations with my son. All my hobbies are relationship oriented. After all… that is why God created us (to be in relationship with Him) as image bearers.