Where play is taken seriously
Hi, I’m glad
you’re here! I’m Amanda Serio.
Welcome to Serious About Play - a safe, compassionate, and playful approach to mental health. I’m Amanda Serio (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. I love helping children and teens navigate stressors in their life using the language they relate
to best - play!
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MISSION
My mission is to empower children and provide families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to handle any big feeling or situation that may arise.
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PARENTS
Parents are an integral part of the process. No one knows your child better than you. Through play therapy, parents learn techniques to better support their child.
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GOALS
I am committed to providing a safe environment where your child will acquire confidence, and the coping skills necessary to explore their feelings.
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CHANGE
Play therapy is a powerful tool that creates positive change in behaviors and attitudes contributing to improved emotional wellness.
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“Remember, no matter the problem, kindness is always the right response. When your child is having a problem, stop, listen, then respond to the need, not the behavior. The behavior can be addressed later, after the need has been met, because only then is the door to effective communication truly open.”
— L.R. Knost
More about Amanda
Education: Masters of Education in Counseling from University of Missouri-St. Louis
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, National Certified Counselor
Professional Affiliations: Association for Play Therapy
Experience: More than eight years of experience working with children and teens in both school settings and private practice
Fun Fact: I am a picky eater. I don’t like cheese unless it is melted. I understand and sympathize with kids who are picky eaters, sometimes it is just a texture thing.
Ages 3-12
Struggling in the classroom with behavior or poor grades
Easily overwhelmed or sensitive to dysregulation from loud noises or bright lights
Described as neurodivergent with trouble paying attention or struggling to control impulsive behaviors
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
I WORK BEST WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE…
Suffering from separation anxiety, social anxiety, perfectionism, or panic attacks
Struggling to accept mistakes
Experiencing low self confidence
Recovering from a traumatic event or going through a major life trauma
Having difficulty navigating social situations
Quick to anger or have big reactions to little problems