Resilience: A Building Inner Strength Journey

***Note***: This episode was recorded in February 2023. Play Therapy month, which is referenced in the episode, refers to the month of February. Christine Wheeler-Case Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor within the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has several years of experience in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Christine received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Randolph-Macon College, located in Ashland, VA. She further went on and obtained her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University, located in Arlington, VA. Christine particularly began to take interest in play therapy at this time, as she worked within an elementary school setting and noticed the many therapeutic powers of play. Christine has always been fond in using play and other expressive therapies as a means to meet the child where he or she is. As this passion for play therapy continued to develop, Christine would use her skills specifically when working with children and their families within the home setting. As an intensive in-home therapist in Richmond, VA, Christine would often incorporate play when working with both the child and the family. This passion towards play therapy and working with children continued to benefit as she was later the recipient for the annual award within the Child and Family Services division of Richmond Behavioral Health Authority. Christine was recognized at this time for her ability to advocate for the children and families within Richmond, VA. Christine has also had experience working within various other domains, including residential,, therapeutic day treatment within the school setting, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and outpatient counseling. Christine has also had experience in providing services with children suffering from abuse and neglect and other traumatic stressors. She has had experience in working with children that have been adopted as well as those in foster care. Christine also has had a range of experience in working with various diagnoses and behavioral issues to include mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, autism, attachment issues, and PTSD to name a few. Other interests include the use of digital play therapy and gameplay within sessions. Christine believes in the importance of meeting each child where he or she is. By gaining interest in the client’s world, whether this be through the use of board games, art, music, play, video games, specific apps and other media related sources, Christine believes it is within this therapeutic and welcoming environment that promotes growth and change within oneself.