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.
I hope that when I work with people, what stands out is the honesty, creativity and hopefulness that I bring to the therapeutic relationship. What you are struggling with is undoubtedly confusing and complex and challenging. As a therapist, I know that it is my responsibility to stand with you, no matter what comes up. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of...
I am a believer in the human experience and normalizing the suffering that is a part of that experience. I do not take a pathological approach to individuals' mental health. I believe you will suffer within your lifetime and that we can work together to build your capacity for resilience. That being said I understand that some individuals have a chemical imbalance, or may experience psychosis i...
“When you change your mind, you change your life.” This is a beautiful quote that I heard many years ago, and it stuck with me. My name is Casey Ann Johnston, and I recently graduated from Mount Mercy University with a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. I look forward to working with all populations and cultures. My passion is helping others reach their goals by utilizing congruent...
There are times in life when you feel stuck, sad, angry, or indifferent. In these times, it is helpful to have a non-bias party be a mirror on your journey to becoming the best version of you that you can be. There are also times when clients have identified that familial traditions have held them captive or even hindered their growth. Processing those things will help you to identify the best...
Welcome to my profile page! I look forward to meeting you and your family. I have 14 years of social work experience in child welfare working with children, birth parents, foster parents and adoptive parents. I have also worked in a hospital setting with children and adults with depression, anxiety, and struggling with suicide. I enjoy supporting families as they move through the challenges of ...
Seeking help during times of difficulty is one of the more courageous acts a person can make. Early experiences wire us to respond in specific patterns as we navigate through our life. As we grow and change, sometimes these learned behaviors no longer help us, and may be creating problems in relationships or other aspects of living. Through therapy, I create a safe environment to explore these...
I am a licensed graduate professional counselor and a nationally certified school counselor with over 20 years of professional experience. I provide counseling for adults, children, adolescents, and families. Over the course of my career, I have worked in private practice and school settings providing individual, group and family therapy. I also offer educational consulting services for familie...
Congratulations for making a step toward change! Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or lost? Maybe you are seeking guidance to find purpose in your life or explore who you are and how to connect with the world around you. Feeling like your best self can be challenging regardless of age or life experiences. For almost a decade, I have supported individuals and families to overcome anxiety...
With the world still in crisis and with so many unanswered questions about the future of things, I want provide a safe space for you and your family to take care of their mental health and overall wellbeing. COVID19 brings so many changes to our everyday lives that are difficult to handle, yet completely out of our control. Whether its for your kiddo that doesn't understand whats going on, sibl...
No matter what life brings, YOU are worthy, YOU matter, and YOU can find healing as I commit to offer support, unconditional compassion, and a relentless desire to meet you where you are in life. I consider it an honor to work with children, tweens/teens, families, and adults seeking help and comfort during challenging situations. I aim to equip and encourage parents who are seeking tools and...
I believe everyone is capable of growth and wellness. My goal is to offer others a safe place to come and work on their most personal and inner selves. My theoretical approach is client-centered, focusing on the counseling relationship and self-exploration. I view every client as someone pursuing healing, and I want to give them the space to bring in what is weighing on them so we can process...
Carly Blalack, LCSW graduated from the University of California Irvine receiving her BA degree in Psychology and minor in Education in 2005. In 2007, she graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with her Masters of Social Work, School Social Work Credential, and Pupil Services and Attendance Credential. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Carly has experience worki...
My name is Michelle VanNoord and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in working with children, adolescents and adults. As children grow and change, they often think and respond differently than adults would. I meet kids where they are at to help them through their struggles in a way that makes sense to them. I help parents understand the limits of the developing brain and how...
My name is Megan Loving and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of TN and VA. I have nearly a decade of mental health experience across Northeast TN and Southwest VA. As a counselor, my personal philosophy is to be a supportive facilitator that guides you on your journey through whatever issues you have previously or are currently facing in life. I'm highly motivated and patient...
