Hi, I’m Machen.
(may like the month and chin, may-chin. It means ‘girl’ in German.)
LPCC-S, RPT-S™, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner
Practice Owner | Pronouns: she/her/hers
Ages 3 - 10 | Accepts: Caresource & Self-Pay
Have you heard of Dr. Stuart Brown’s Play Personalities? If not, I recommend checking them out. He talks about how we all (yes, the adults too) are wired to play and outlines 8 different ways we may all playfully engage in life.
I am an explorer: I love to explore through learning, reading, traveling, and trying new things.
I am an artist/creator: Whether it’s a painting or a powerpoint, I enjoy making things. In my playroom, sometimes it’s as simple as making a mess.
I am a director: The small details enthrall me. Sometimes planning the trip is just as much fun as going. I am also that person who Googles the menu for a restaurant and thinks about the food options the night before or during the car ride over.
FUN FACTS:
• Star Wars fan am I.
• Ultimate frisbee and kick boxing are my favorite ways to move.
• I am an introvert who knows how to people.
• I was a licensed early childhood teacher (first grade).
• Coffee over tea any day.
Approach to Counseling
I firmly believe that all humans are wired to bloom - meaning we are all capable of being the best versions of ourselves. I also know that sometimes we need a safe, trustworthy place to help us discover that version of us. With this belief and my passion for serving children, I started Wired to Bloom Therapy & Consulting, LLC.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S), Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S™), and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, my goal is to build healthy, attuned relationships with every child I work with so that they feel safe and empowered to heal the hurt and grow into capable, creative adults.
I am passionate about providing relationally-focused, neuroscience informed play therapy to children ages 3 to 10 who are struggling with big feelings and big behaviors. I also work with children who have faced and overcome challenges, including trauma, grief and loss, attachment and relationship concerns, oppositional behaviors, anger management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. I am certified in Synergetic Play Therapy, which combines the therapeutic powers of play, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, physics, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and therapist authenticity. I am a Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner, which is an evidence-based dyadic child and family therapy aimed at supporting healthy attachment. I have over 300 hours of education around Play Therapy, the brain, development, and behaviors - meaning I truly love what I do and aim to bring that knowledge to all my clients and their families.
Besides therapy, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge of the brain with others! I speak regularly to schools on topics such as stress and the brain, incorporating brain-based strategies into the classroom, and how to regulate through tough moments. I provide training to mental health professionals on the brain and play therapy. Currently, I serve on the Ohio Association for Play Therapy Board and the Chi Sigma Iota Board at the University of Cincinnati. I am also pursuing my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Cincinnati.
Licensure & Certification
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) E.1901239-SUPV | State of Ohio
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S™) S3165 | Association for Play Therapy
Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Training Certification - Phase 1*
Experience
A Cincinnati native, I earned my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Xavier University and my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. I have been working with children for over ten years and in a variety of settings, including nannying, teaching band camp (baritone and tenor saxophone), inpatient psychiatric units, community mental health, and school-based therapy.
Prior to counseling, I was a first grade teacher and am passionate about supporting children and the superheroes who teach them. I also love to speak about brain, play therapy, and the power of relationships and I’ve been fortunate enough to do that for other mental health professionals and school staff.