Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sophia Dery

Los Angeles

Summary

Bringing extensive experience and specialized skills in DIR/Floortime and play therapy, I excel in supporting children's developmental and emotional needs through individualized, play-based interventions. My background in building trusting, collaborative relationships with children and their families, combined with a commitment to continuous professional growth, ensures high-quality, evidence-based care. Proficient in using play as a therapeutic medium, I foster significant social, emotional, and cognitive development. My ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams enhances the comprehensive support provided to each child.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

MFT Trainee

Child Development Institute
01.2025 - Current
  • Provided individual therapy sessions to children using the DIR/Floortime model, focusing on social-emotional growth, self-regulation, and parent-child interactions.
  • Conducted parent coaching sessions to promote skill generalization and strengthen family support systems.
  • Led social skills groups for children to enhance peer interaction, communication, and play development.
  • Collaborated with allied health professionals (OTs, SLPs, educators) to create integrated, individualized treatment plans.
  • Participated in weekly individual and group supervision to review cases, receive feedback, and refine clinical skills.
  • Documented progress, developed treatment goals, and ensured interventions aligned with developmental and family-centered best practices.

DIR/Floortime Therapist

THERAPEUTIC PLAY LA, LLC
01.2024 - Current
  • Utilized sensory-based interventions to help clients self-regulate and maintain focus during therapy activities.
  • Created opportunities for positive reinforcement by highlighting successes during therapy sessions.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress, challenges encountered during sessions, and recommendations for continued growth.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals involved in client's life, such as teachers or occupational therapists.
  • Utilized variety of therapeutic techniques, such as play-based interventions, visual aids, and social stories, to facilitate progress toward treatment goals.
  • Actively engaged clients in play activities that fostered emotional regulation, problem-solving abilities, and improved communication skills.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans for clients based on their specific needs and goals.

Behavioral Interventionist

Behavior Therapy Clinic
10.2022 - 06.2023
  • Supported clients in learning effective coping mechanisms for dealing with frustration or anxiety through relaxation techniques.
  • Developed individualized behavior intervention plans for clients with autism and related disorders.
  • Assessed client progress on regular basis to ensure effectiveness of interventions.
  • Taught self-help skills such as toileting routines, dressing independently, grooming habits like tooth brushing or hand washing.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, interventions used, and any changes made in treatment plans.
  • Fostered positive relationships between clients by modeling appropriate peer interactions during group sessions or activities.

Registered Behavior Technician

Hidden Treasures
11.2021 - 10.2022
  • Collected data on client progress and adjusted treatment strategies accordingly.
  • Communicated regularly with families regarding client progress and recommended strategies for home use.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage appropriate behaviors.
  • Coordinated with school personnel to support clients' educational goals and implement accommodations as needed.
  • Managed client-specific behavior reduction strategies in line with behavior intervention plan.
  • Created visual supports and social stories to facilitate understanding of complex concepts for clients.
  • Engaged children in interactive and meaningful play during downtime.
  • Implemented behavior intervention plans to reduce challenging behaviors.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology

California State University, Northridge
05.2022

AMFT - Marriage And Family Therapy (LMFT)

Antioch University
Culver City, CA
09.2025

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Building Rapport
  • Documentation and record keeping
  • Effective Communication
  • Child Development
  • Social skills training
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Play therapy
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Multitasking

Timeline

MFT Trainee

Child Development Institute
01.2025 - Current

DIR/Floortime Therapist

THERAPEUTIC PLAY LA, LLC
01.2024 - Current

Behavioral Interventionist

Behavior Therapy Clinic
10.2022 - 06.2023

Registered Behavior Technician

Hidden Treasures
11.2021 - 10.2022

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology

California State University, Northridge

AMFT - Marriage And Family Therapy (LMFT)

Antioch University
Sophia Dery