Scottsdale therapist says play is the first language of healing

Erica Tatum-Sheade earns Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor credential

Erica Tatum-Sheade, DSW, LCSW, co-owner of Integrated Mental Health Associates in Scottsdale, has earned the designation of Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor — a credential awarded by the Association for Play Therapy to highly experienced mental health professionals.

As a child and adolescent therapist, Tatum-Sheade understands the critical role play can have in helping young clients express emotions that may be difficult to articulate with words.

“Kids are not mini adults,” she said. “We play with intention. We go beyond the play. It’s understanding some of the metaphors that come up in play and how to read them, especially with kids with trauma.”

Tatum-Sheade described an example involving a young patient pla