MereAnn Reid

Attachment Theory

Our earliest relationships construct a map for how we expect future relationships to unfold. Our sense of safety—both internal and shared—has its roots in how we were parented. All of this is changeable. As our brains grow and adapt across our whole lives, the greatest factor of influence is how and with whom we connect. We'll tune into relationship patterns and stuck spots, helping your child get their needs met and regulate emotions, while in connection with others.

Sand Tray

Sand tray therapy offers a sensory experience, along with miniature figures from every category—wild animals to wizards, fairies to family members—inviting expression beyond words. Using play and the same parts of the brain that help us dream, we can use the tray to explore wishes, share worries, and try out new strategies for problem-solving. Sand tray is an accessible medium for all ages, offering an interactive, creative, open-ended approach beyond talk therapy.

Play Therapy 

We learn the language of play before we learn to talk. It's how we explore, see patterns, make connections, and test limits safely. Creating a space that's welcoming to kids and families includes a well-stocked playroom with art materials, puppets, sensory tools, musical instruments, and more. We'll use these to follow your child's lead, experimenting with new strategies for regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-expression. I'll show you how play can bring these out.

Somatic Therapy (Body Centered)

Our bodies & nervous systems are our best tools to navigate the world around us. A felt sense of safety, connection, and manageable stress are based on input from the environment, internal sensations, and relationships. These inform the skills & resources we draw on to navigate challenge, meet new experiences, and handle big feelings. When we (or our kids) don't have the skills we need, we do the best we can; therapy helps build new tools, expanding felt safety & resilience internally.

Adoption Issues

I'm certified in therapy with foster & adoptive families. My experience includes supporting early trauma, attachment, grief & loss, child development, and complex family histories. I'm familiar with all types of adoption, often work with prospective adoptive parents, support transracial families, and help navigate post-adoption dynamics. I enjoy working with birth/first parents, particularly through the grief of relinquishment and providing support during search + reunion.

Parenting

Parenthood is a job that never feels done. But it doesn't have to be alI-consuming! I help parents understand how stuck patterns and chronic stress can fuel the unworkable behaviors you're seeing. We may explore a new approach to setting limits, reworking expectations, or tools for building more connection. I offer parent coaching as part of family play therapy and build active parenting support into our sessions. I run a series of non-therapy workshops for parents at https://www.familyzest.com/

Child or Adolescent Issues

Kids who come to see me often learn how to tame big feelings, make sense of their experiences--even hard ones--increase their resilience, and learn new ways to express needs. I use play therapy, family sessions, and art materials to help kids build skills, develop new perspective, and feel understood by the people they love. I especially enjoy working with kids age 3-10.

Loss or Grief

Much of my work with kids is around transitions: Adoption, losing a pet, new school, moving. I support kids who've lost a parent or sibling, whether they've died or otherwise gone away, and help them make sense of the big changes in their life and family. I have experience with adoption search & reunion, planning birth country trips, talking about donors and surrogacy, or prep for an expected loss