Play Therapist Recommendation?

I agree with Rebecca's suggestion. Not all environments fit all children. The University of Gymnastics in Plano, near Richardson, has an awesome preschool program that helps children engage...plus they have an awesome multi-sensory athletic, play program that is perfect for helping children meet the many sensory needs that a child has at his age. Many of the activties that they have would be what you would find in a play therapy environment. And, I think their tuition rates are great. They also have a great boys gymnastics program, which may also prove beneficial for your son's overall self-esteem and social well-being. They have done wonders for my daughter who does have issues. They have a web site if you want to obtain more info. http://www.universityofgymnastics.com/ You can also give Laura Beth a call if you need to speak to a person for answers, she's awesome, too.

I don't have a recommendation for a therapist, but I have a suggestion. Have you looked into a different MDO? I have a daughter who is six now, but at two and three would react similar in certain situations. She needed more structure to feel secure. We ended up in a preschool program that is in a dance studio. It was very structured and worked wonders for her. She wasn't ready to tackle playing on her own with other kids and in this program she was around other kids, but not in just free play. Your child maybe totally different in preschool or Kindergarten. If you want more information on the preschool we went PM me. They are in North Garland.

Emily Kern, Medical City

First of all, that is just not unusual for a 3 year old. My 4 year old is the same way - it's just who she is. She is a very well adjusted, happy girl, who doesn't like going to preschool. Since we're very familiar with the school and the teacher, I'm comfortable leaving her there 2x per week for a few hours. I wouldn't leave her for any longer than that, though - I think it's a balance between pushing her out of her comfort zone just a little, and offering her the security of comfort of being at home with me. But I'm not working, so it's not the same situation. I feel for you, very much! In fact, I am hoping to return to work at some point, but this is an issue I don't want to deal with, and we can live on one income, so I can wait.

I would think play therapy is extreme, but you could try the Center for Social Success if you feel it would be helpful - www.dristre.com. I really think it is normal, and it may be more stressful to be in a therapy situation, even if it's play therapy! Plus, more expense for you. :(

Do you think there is anything there that makes him uncomfortable? Is it possible to find another place? My 4 year old loved our MDO at church, which made me surprised to see how hard it is to adjust to this preschool, but the church was definitely much more nurturing to her. I wish now I hadn't moved her to this preschool, but we're toughing it out for the year. I know next year's teacher is much more nurturing and fun, so I have hopes that will be better (plus, she'll be a little older and it makes a big difference!).

Good luck - I hope you find a solution that works well for both of you.