Brooke Rustman

I grew up in Wagner, SD, and love the diversity of the community. I later received Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Nursing, and a Master of Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and specialization in play therapy from South Dakota State University. I am currently in the process of becoming a registered play therapist. I practice child-centered play therapy, utilize Theraplay techniques, and implement child-parent relationship therapy skills into practice to meet children and families where they are, and allow a safe, non-judgmental space for children and families to explore and navigate situations and emotions experienced. Through play, children can communicate experiences, build their emotional vocabulary, learn emotional regulation strategies, and experience a safe, non-judgmental environment to explore themselves and their world.

Through my experiences, I have learned that I enjoy collaborating with families, school staff, and various entities in the Brookings and surrounding communities. Past experiences include working with individuals having difficulties with emotional regulation, aggressive behaviors, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, individuals in foster care, individuals of separated and divorced parents, and many others. I have been trained in DC:0-5, Two Spirit, and Sand Tray. I have also received some training in AutPlay, Theraplay, and Child-Parent Relationship Training, and hope to gain additional knowledge in Synergetic Play Therapy in the future.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring National Parks, gardening, traveling, spending time with my husband and Australian Shepherd, watching Disney and Marvel movies, anything that provides a creative outlet, and cooking new recipes.