Yolanda Patko

Yolanda has been a licensed counselor for over 17 years, and was an adjunct professor for many of those years, as well. In late 2018, she suffered a stroke, so she took a break to focus on her physical therapy. Her clinical abilities were not affected by the stroke, so she kept her license and continuing education active throughout that time. She still struggles with the use of the right side of her body, and finding the right word at times. But, it does not affect her ability to help the kids she serves!!

Yolanda's favorite population to work with is children, ages 3-13. So, she's focusing on them! She specializes in child-directed play therapy. Children don't have the same vocabulary and insight of adults, so it's hard for them to talk about feelings. But, they can express their problems and feelings through play, and a trained play therapist, like Yolanda, will know how to interpret it.

Yolanda is very supportive and affirming. So, kids can expect to feel freedom to express themselves openly through play in her sessions. If your child attends therapy regularly, you can expect to see a child who is much better adjusted. Naturally, they will continue to have problems, as we all do; but children who attend therapy learn how to face and deal with their problems, making them better prepared to deal with things in their lives.