What is Development, Individual-differences, Relationship-based therapy (DIR)
DIR therapy, which stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based therapy, is an approach that helps children with developmental challenges. It focuses on their social-emotional functioning, communication, and cognitive skills.
In DIR therapy, a Floor Time player engages with the child through play. They follow the child's lead and create a supportive environment for interaction and learning. The player joins the child's play, encourages exploration, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
The goal is to promote the child's development, including social skills, communication, and thinking abilities. DIR therapy and Floor Time aim to help children reach their full potential by building a strong relationship and supporting their individual needs.
The Story of Playful Daruma
At Playful Daruma, inspired by the story of the Daruma doll, we have crafted a unique play-based DIR one-on-one tutoring/playing program. Just as the Daruma doll embodies resilience and the pursuit of goals, we embrace the values of trust, care, and joy in our approach.
Like the Daruma doll, our program encourages children to embark on their developmental journey. We believe that by fostering a trusting and supportive environment, we can empower children to overcome obstacles and bounce back with resilience.
In our play-based program, we emphasize the importance of care and compassion. We understand that each child has unique needs, strengths, and challenges. By cultivating a nurturing and inclusive space, we provide personalized support that fosters their growth and well-being. Just as the Daruma doll represents care and empathy, we prioritize creating meaningful connections and building strong relationships with each child we serve.
But above all, we infuse every interaction with JOY. Playfulness is at the heart of what we do, as we believe that joyful experiences are not only engaging but also essential for promoting learning and development. We aim to spark joy and ignite resilience for learning.
Together, we create a space where children can flourish, celebrate their unique strengths, and find joy in their learning experiences.
Casey Ikeda | Founder
Hi , I’m Casey! Some of my friends call me Case-O or Queso because I can be a bit cheesy. I love this community. As a young kid I was a non-verbal, active kid, who jumped fences and memorized West Side Story until my parents brought me to the musical for my second birthday. I couldn’t sit still through dinner, but I sat through the whole play.
I am a Yonsei (forth generation) JA (Japanese American). My father is a historian and my mother is a teacher, my grandparents fought in WII, one was a draft resister and imprisoned, the other was a draftee. These are just a few of my teachers I was lucky to grow up with. From their mentorship, I have been able to act, dance, love cooking, excel at sports, graduate with a history degree, coach, and teach at schools. I still can’t sit still, and I barely make it through dinner, but my latest adventure is starting Playful Daruma LLC. I believe I have found my life’s work supporting my community. I have been lucky enough to have had a family of people who have brought love and joy into my life. I believe I can help bring joy, play, laughter, and resilience into yours.