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, CA09.2025
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