Child Parent Counseling Comes to Edgewater

A local mom and licensed therapist is helping area kids and their families better communicate with the help of toys.

Kelly McNew, a Riva resident and mother of two, opened Child Parent Counseling on Mayo Road in July. The counseling center provides support for area families.

McNew is a Licensed Play Therapist, which provides her with a unique set of tools and resources to help those in need.

“Play Therapy is the treatment of choice for mental health in young children,” McNew said. “I have a special room with different games and toys that are used in a variety of different ways to get children to express different feelings and emotions they may have.”

While traditional talking therapy may be ideal for adults, McNew said it is difficult for children to express themselves. She said kids use toys to communicate.

“It is a way for a child to be heard in their own language,” McNew said. “Children don’t have that ability to communicate using language, so play is their language.”

McNew is originally from the Annapolis area, but spent time in Florida working at a mental health center. When she and her family moved to Riva, she looked for a way to continue working with children.

To her surprise, McNew had a hard time finding a place where she could work with children in Anne Arundel County. She felt that the counseling services for kids was lacking.

“I was really interested in continuing to work with young children and families together, because I loved it and really enjoyed it” McNew said. “But after looking around Anne Arundel County there weren’t a lot of services.”

So McNew decided to open Child Parent Counseling in Edgewater. She said her center can be used to help kids with an array of difficulties.

From children who are having trouble communicating with their peers, have been through a traumatic experience, or who have behavioral problems... Child Parenting Services can help.

McNew said her favorite part of the job is helping families in need.

“I just love the interaction with children and families and helping them to become stronger together,” McNew said. “I really get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing that family’s stride.”

For more information on Child Parent Counseling visit its website.