What is Play Therapy?

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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.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Play Therapy

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." This famous Eleanor Roosevelt quote can be applied to many situations. When we get stuck -- in a rut at work, in a stormy relationship, in a lukewarm marriage, with our children -- we suffer but are often pulled to focus on the problem rather than finding a solution. Sometimes, we're not aware of what the actual issue is. All we can do i...
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I am a Board Certified Psychotherapist with Certification as a Specialist in treating Children, Adolescents and Families. I have a Masters Degrees in Social Work from Adelphi University and a Masters Degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy from NYU I have had many years of experience in dealing with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, oppositional defiance, depression, ADHD, etc. a...
Wings of the Future Consulting and Private Practice is a for profit clinical practice that provides treatment for families who are required to complete court ordered psychotherapy/counseling, psychological assessment, and group therapy/classes. Wings of the Future Consulting Private Practice provides Trauma Informed treatment based on our understanding of Freudian Psychoanalytic approach that...

Chris Elliott

Greensboro

North Carolina

I have worked with children, teens, and families for the past sixteen years, first in an educational capacity and then in counseling and mentorship. While in graduate school for counseling, coursework has included family systems, marital conflict, crisis, career, human sexuality, and addictive behaviors. My practicum has involved domestic violence and sexual assault victims and perpetrators. My...
I believe that everyone can discover and be their "best self"! We all may just need a little help sometime getting to that point. We cannot go back and change the past....but can only start from today, where we are right now, and create our best future! We will work together in discovering the obstacles that are in your path and create a plan to get you on the right path....
**Practice is full. Not accepting new clients at this time.** I am a licensed social worker who provides professional counseling/therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. I have been working in the human services field for over 20 years in various roles and capacities, and I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Social...
I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults who are motivated to take a good look at themselves and change thought or behavior problems that are keeping them from living their best life. I enjoy being a supportive voice and use strategies that I have found successful over the years in my work with these populations. In addition, I have added young married couples to my practice. It i...
It is an honor and a privilege to work in a profession that I truly love and feel passionate about. Each of my clients allows me to walk with them in their journey of positive change, healing and self-empowerment. Together, we will explore the underlying factors affecting your behavioral and emotional health. I provide a genuine, caring and comfortable counseling environment and treat everyone...

Maddie Fetzer

Richmond

Virginia

If you, your child or teen struggle with emotional extremes, excessive worry or anger outbursts, I can help you better manage these emotions in a warm, supportive and collaborative environment. I use creative arts and play to help children express themselves, improve their behavior, and learn strategies to deal with uncomfortable emotions. I am also passionate about helping adolescents and youn...
I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to build upon or develop skills to manage life's many twists and trials. Therapeutic work can also be extremely effective in improving and changing relational dynamics. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. I love the work that I do with individuals and with families and I beli...
I specialize in working with children of all ages and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem/identity, attachment, emotional/mood difficulties, trauma, opposition/defiance, family conflict, anger, school problems, ADHD, and self-harm behaviors. My strengths-based, integrative, and collaborative approach promotes a child's success across all settings. We will work together to...
I love working with families. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years in a variety of settings. I have found my passion in working with young children and their families with a special love for children with significant behavioral issues. My goal is to work with care givers to help support them in parenting and understanding the child's behavior through a different lens. I ...
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Erica Nicole Kesse

Nashville

Tennessee

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