Play Therapy is an approach to counseling utilized for children. Children learn to understand the world through play. Play Therapy embraces play to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Play can include games, dolls, art activities, sports, make-believe, or any other activity that fits a child developmentally and emotionally.
Play Therapy can be beneficial for children with behavioral issues. Because these children might not have the words to communicate their feelings or might not want to, this allows them a space to express themselves and share their feelings through play.
Play therapists get to know the child’s specific interests and can tailor their counseling space to make it unique for each child. As the counselor observes and interacts with the child, they can understand the emotions that lead to their behaviors. Over time, therapists can encourage children to use play to express feelings instead of expressing them through inappropriate or harmful behaviors.
Play Therapy can also be used for adults to help them connect with their inner creativity and facilitate child-like joy.
We all have moments in our life where we need support and encouragement. My primary focus is to provide clients with a safe and trusting environment with a compassionate treatment model. As we work together, we will build a therapeutic approach that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. My areas of expertise begin with using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, Psychoanalytic and...
Shari has worked extensively in the foster care system providing age appropriate therapy for children, their biological families and their foster/adoptive families assisting them with the various life transitions and traumas they have endured and giving them the tools needed to overcome these obstacles. Shari believes that individual therapy is always a good place to start addressing stressors ...
Sometimes our lives can become unbalanced and things can rapidly spin out of control, with no end in sight. Whether it's someone we love and care about, or ourselves, we all at times, need help. Getting the necessary tools to overcome adversity, cope with chronic struggles, or help someone close to us can make a huge impact on our lives. The key ingredient is a willingness to change. If we are...
I specialize in neurobiology-informed psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, attachment issues, etc.. My approach is integrative and whole person wellbeing focused. Psychological issues closely interact with physical health issues, such as chronic illness/pain, energy deficiency, sleeping, memory loss, eating/weight issues, etc. In therapy, I will work with you on the...
I have many years of experience working with at-risk children and families. I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) that provides play therapy counseling for children with attachment-related symptoms, highly challenging behaviors, and other issues. I specialize in working with children who have learning disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral and emotional problems, including school...
Parenting and family life can often be more challenging than we envisioned. I help families navigate social-emotional difficulties, behavioral struggles and life stressors. I am able to connect well with both children and parents and to create a sense of comfort and safety. I use both play-based and talk-based interventions depending on the developmental level of the child. I help parents bette...
We gain a greater understanding and perspective of our existence when addressing that which concerns us the most. Accepting responsibility for mental and emotional health is an empowering decision to make, one that will evolve and transform your life. If you are seeking therapy to resolve anxiety, abandonment, anger, boundary setting, depression, family and personal relationships, conflict, gri...
I work with all ages and make it a point to meet my clients where they are at presently and work on making goals to help improve their overall quality of life. I have worked as a therapist for over ten years with children and adolescents specifically with a focus on finding ways to combat symptoms of ADHD , depression and anxiety. I have also worked with the adult population for several years a...
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor native to Northern Virginia and for 21 years I’ve had the honor and privilege of the opportunity to use my training, skills and experience to try to make a positive difference in the lives of many people, from young children to adults and from many different walks of life. By meeting people where they are, and not where they are expected to be, I empower my...
The philosopher Plato once wrote that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my...
My name is Shideh Sarmadi, I am a licensed professional counselor in State of Virginia. My goal is to empower clients to change their lives in a positive manner by focusing on recovery and welfare and promoting healthy personal growth. This typically is accomplished by improving the way you cope and interact with your environment. I have worked with a variety of issues including marital and fam...
The decision to enter treatment is a significant first step towards the healing process. The importance of building a therapeutic relationship with the adult, child, teen, and family is essential and reflects my therapeutic approach to relationship building. Whether through verbal and/or nonverbal forms of communication, I try to help individuals better understand their challenges and help find...
Everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. Sometimes, individuals struggle to find their voice. I am a firm believer that all behavior is communication, and I would like to help you find the right words for your journey. I see a wide variety of clients ranging in age, ethnic groups, culture, and diagnoses. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, traum...
My ideal client is one who is ready for change, even if that means starting at a snail's pace. I want to work with those who are ready to challenge themselves, break down walls, and find their best self. No matter the issue, need, or goals, I'm open to working with all who desire healing and peace. I have been working in the field since 2004, and has worked with a variety of patients, as well a...
Ms. Morel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Comprehensive MedPsych Systems (CMPS). She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Masters in Social work. She enjoys working with parents, children, and schools to come to the best result for school-age children and their families. She specializes in treating children with anxiety, behavioral and mood difficulties, helping paren...
