Play Therapy in 60626
![Photo of Tricia Sybesma, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a64f4840-2a29-4d67-a3b9-c92a713317ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tricia Sybesma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
People seek therapy for many reasons. Maybe you’ve experienced a recent life change or event that is causing distress or discomfort. Maybe you’ve struggled with issues for a long time and have decided you have the desire and capacity to deal with it now. Maybe you’re looking for a place to process and reflect on the stressors that are part of daily life. Whatever your motivation for seeking support at this time, I’m glad you’re here and eager to learn more about how I can help.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Maybe you’ve experienced a recent life change or event that is causing distress or discomfort. Maybe you’ve struggled with issues for a long time and have decided you have the desire and capacity to deal with it now. Maybe you’re looking for a place to process and reflect on the stressors that are part of daily life. Whatever your motivation for seeking support at this time, I’m glad you’re here and eager to learn more about how I can help.
![Photo of Katherine Nolan, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63518526-d779-413b-9102-29b6e26aaa96/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with over ten years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with a wide range of clients in various settings. I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, women's issues, and life transitions. I use multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Strength-Based, Trauma Focused, Person-Centered, and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT). I focus on my client's goals, working on what they want to get out of therapy and what direction they want their life to take.
Hello, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with over ten years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with a wide range of clients in various settings. I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, women's issues, and life transitions. I use multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Strength-Based, Trauma Focused, Person-Centered, and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT). I focus on my client's goals, working on what they want to get out of therapy and what direction they want their life to take.
![Photo of Pemba Binti Bayo - Present Moment Journeys - Pemba B Bayo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7519c13-34a6-4f4c-b99f-ffc789c18a2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Present Moment Journeys - Pemba B Bayo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
Welcome to the Present Moment Journeys practice. We are all on a journey traversing the complexities of modern daily living. Often the routes we choose are met with obstacles from the past and the uncertainties of the future. At Present Moment Journeys, we are here to resolve past sufferings, solve present issues, and evolve your future, opening you to the joy of the present moment. Pemba B Bayo, LCSW, is a hypnoanalyst in Chicago, IL. Pemba has served persons of all ages as a child development center director, elder caregiver, and case manager and now as a licensed clinical social worker.
Welcome to the Present Moment Journeys practice. We are all on a journey traversing the complexities of modern daily living. Often the routes we choose are met with obstacles from the past and the uncertainties of the future. At Present Moment Journeys, we are here to resolve past sufferings, solve present issues, and evolve your future, opening you to the joy of the present moment. Pemba B Bayo, LCSW, is a hypnoanalyst in Chicago, IL. Pemba has served persons of all ages as a child development center director, elder caregiver, and case manager and now as a licensed clinical social worker.
![Photo of Nicole C du Mont, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/703baa74-7ec1-4bc6-a1b3-df9a517bd703/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole C du Mont
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 15 years of extensive clinical experience providing support to children, adults and families in Spanish and English. I have worked with a diverse client population experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, chronic illness and medical trauma. Do you need emotional support while healing from past traumas? Is anxiety or depression limiting your potential to live a full life? I am here to support you in your journey towards healing and feeling good about you!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 15 years of extensive clinical experience providing support to children, adults and families in Spanish and English. I have worked with a diverse client population experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, chronic illness and medical trauma. Do you need emotional support while healing from past traumas? Is anxiety or depression limiting your potential to live a full life? I am here to support you in your journey towards healing and feeling good about you!
![Photo of Gail E Grazian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a0a3c6d-6090-46c7-a451-e5064bc18438/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clients tell me that I really listen to them, am a down-to-earth person, and am able to help them through very difficult times of their lives. I am an energetic and positive person, yet can calmly help clients find creative solutions to tough problems and areas where they feel stuck somewhere in their lives.
My clients tell me that I really listen to them, am a down-to-earth person, and am able to help them through very difficult times of their lives. I am an energetic and positive person, yet can calmly help clients find creative solutions to tough problems and areas where they feel stuck somewhere in their lives.
![Photo of Bethany Cook, PsyD, HSP, MT-BC, PsyPact, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4a64d91-531f-41cc-85fe-555546aea19a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bethany Cook
Psychologist, PsyD, HSP, MT-BC, PsyPact
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
Through raw, real and relatable communication I help others find the greatness within themselves. I offer practical, hands-on guidance with a trademark unconventional approach that brims with bold candor, spicy humor, and an F-bomb (or two). My clients benefit from my relentlessly upbeat, contagiously positive outlook and refreshing departure from the stuffy, overly-clinical methodology that distinguish my uniquely relatable style. I bring real-world guidance to individuals and families of all socioeconomic and mental health backgrounds, based on over 20-plus years of clinical experience in the field.
Through raw, real and relatable communication I help others find the greatness within themselves. I offer practical, hands-on guidance with a trademark unconventional approach that brims with bold candor, spicy humor, and an F-bomb (or two). My clients benefit from my relentlessly upbeat, contagiously positive outlook and refreshing departure from the stuffy, overly-clinical methodology that distinguish my uniquely relatable style. I bring real-world guidance to individuals and families of all socioeconomic and mental health backgrounds, based on over 20-plus years of clinical experience in the field.
![Photo of Jennifer Moreno - S & J Wellness PLLC, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8725441e-43b1-4b05-89b4-416b385c4dcb/2/320x400.jpeg)
S & J Wellness PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
We are a niche therapy practice specializing in PTSD and trauma, adoption and attachment issues, complex family issues and dynamics, and culturally responsive therapy. We see couples, families, and individuals. Our clients feel distressed due to family and attachment issues, trauma and PTSD, and are seeking recovery and relief from trauma, anxiety, and other symptoms. We understand how issues in childhood, issues in our relationships, and conflict within our family dynamics can contribute to depression, anxiety and PTSD. We are neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming and provide therapy in English, Spanish and French.
We are a niche therapy practice specializing in PTSD and trauma, adoption and attachment issues, complex family issues and dynamics, and culturally responsive therapy. We see couples, families, and individuals. Our clients feel distressed due to family and attachment issues, trauma and PTSD, and are seeking recovery and relief from trauma, anxiety, and other symptoms. We understand how issues in childhood, issues in our relationships, and conflict within our family dynamics can contribute to depression, anxiety and PTSD. We are neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming and provide therapy in English, Spanish and French.
![Photo of Kathy Bogie, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c64fc20-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 30 years experience in doing therapy with children, teens, and adults. More than half this time has been spent helping children and teens, and their parents, deal with social/emotional difficulties of childhood and adolescence. Areas I have been focusing on include school performance, peer relationships, parent-child relationships, self esteem, anxiety issues, and depression. I also have considerable experience in working with family issues, including divorce, and in working with individual adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self esteem, or relationship issues.
I have over 30 years experience in doing therapy with children, teens, and adults. More than half this time has been spent helping children and teens, and their parents, deal with social/emotional difficulties of childhood and adolescence. Areas I have been focusing on include school performance, peer relationships, parent-child relationships, self esteem, anxiety issues, and depression. I also have considerable experience in working with family issues, including divorce, and in working with individual adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self esteem, or relationship issues.
![Photo of Beth Pettinelli, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea0c6363-8357-4b78-a2f2-eeab3c077392/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.
I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.
![Photo of Kellie Meyn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccc015c7-4d07-4c9f-a5a7-c58edd974a3f/1/320x400.jpeg)
My treatment focus is working clients who have experienced trauma and helping them work through the impact of thosr traumatic experiences using talk therapy and mind/body work to heal and move forward. I have years of experience working with males with addicton issues and criminal backgrounds. I also have equal exprience working with preteens and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self esteem. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and gender affirming.
My treatment focus is working clients who have experienced trauma and helping them work through the impact of thosr traumatic experiences using talk therapy and mind/body work to heal and move forward. I have years of experience working with males with addicton issues and criminal backgrounds. I also have equal exprience working with preteens and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self esteem. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and gender affirming.
![Photo of Colleen Jackson, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f9a0503-150d-4461-941a-a090570e2b79/3/320x400.jpeg)
Colleen Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
Are you looking to feel more peace and joy in your life? Would you like to break old patterns, address past hurt, receive needed support in a difficult time, or step into more of what you were created for? Working from a strengths-based perspective I believe a lot of healing can come from discovering the unique strengths, plans, and purposes each of us possesses. Through this lens we can work together to identify areas in need of healing and achieve your unique goals. Whatever you may be going through I believe that there is hope and a way forward.
Are you looking to feel more peace and joy in your life? Would you like to break old patterns, address past hurt, receive needed support in a difficult time, or step into more of what you were created for? Working from a strengths-based perspective I believe a lot of healing can come from discovering the unique strengths, plans, and purposes each of us possesses. Through this lens we can work together to identify areas in need of healing and achieve your unique goals. Whatever you may be going through I believe that there is hope and a way forward.
15 Second Videos
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Peter Lachman
Sara Renauer-Reid
![Photo of Ash Levine, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81f84d46-4253-4148-854a-bfc445f120b1/2/320x400.png)
To me, therapy is a team sport. I'm there to help create a space and relationship where you feel safe exploring the things that are happening in your life. Maybe that thing is identity exploration, depression or anxiety that just won't quit, or figuring out how survive and then thrive after a big trauma. All of this is big stuff. I'm here to help you hold it and find a way through it. I have plenty of tools that I can bring to bear (questions, coping skills training, identifying patterns, and reframing situations), but ultimately, my approach centers around you and what you need to be successful, however you define success.
To me, therapy is a team sport. I'm there to help create a space and relationship where you feel safe exploring the things that are happening in your life. Maybe that thing is identity exploration, depression or anxiety that just won't quit, or figuring out how survive and then thrive after a big trauma. All of this is big stuff. I'm here to help you hold it and find a way through it. I have plenty of tools that I can bring to bear (questions, coping skills training, identifying patterns, and reframing situations), but ultimately, my approach centers around you and what you need to be successful, however you define success.
![Photo of Peter Lachman, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6f7e571-8f7e-4f38-a667-68c527e4d026/1/320x400.png)
We can all benefit from therapy, but taking the first step on your mental health journey can feel daunting - that's why I strive to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Whether we're meeting online or face-to-face, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself. Therapy shouldn't feel like a formal interrogation. I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions, fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. Being authentic is key to our work together, and I encourage clients to express themselves freely, expletives and all.
We can all benefit from therapy, but taking the first step on your mental health journey can feel daunting - that's why I strive to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Whether we're meeting online or face-to-face, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself. Therapy shouldn't feel like a formal interrogation. I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions, fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. Being authentic is key to our work together, and I encourage clients to express themselves freely, expletives and all.
![Photo of Julie Blythe, RN, MDiv, LCSW, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60ab4462-ba89-4194-a642-66abaa7d6c4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Blythe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RN, MDiv, LCSW, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
I am glad you are here. In order to know whether I am a good fit for you, let me tell you about myself and my understanding of what it means to be your therapist. After working as an R.N. and a pastor/chaplain, I realized that counseling was truly my passion. So, I went back to school – again! I received my Master’s in Social Work and have been working as a therapist for the last five years. In my practice, I see adults and children aged 10 and up. I am willing to consider seeing younger children on a case-by-case basis. I also do couple’s therapy. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - II and specialize in trauma.
I am glad you are here. In order to know whether I am a good fit for you, let me tell you about myself and my understanding of what it means to be your therapist. After working as an R.N. and a pastor/chaplain, I realized that counseling was truly my passion. So, I went back to school – again! I received my Master’s in Social Work and have been working as a therapist for the last five years. In my practice, I see adults and children aged 10 and up. I am willing to consider seeing younger children on a case-by-case basis. I also do couple’s therapy. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - II and specialize in trauma.
![Photo of Carolynn Brusseau, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9dae001-c5b3-4356-bfae-094e4bb2c0fa/2/320x400.png)
Carolynn Brusseau
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone who is seeking a safe and nurturing environment to grow and heal. They may feel isolated and alone, struggling with life's challenges and looking for a compassionate guide to support them on their journey. This individual is ready to explore their thoughts and emotions, even if it feels daunting, and is open to discovering their inner strengths.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking a safe and nurturing environment to grow and heal. They may feel isolated and alone, struggling with life's challenges and looking for a compassionate guide to support them on their journey. This individual is ready to explore their thoughts and emotions, even if it feels daunting, and is open to discovering their inner strengths.
![Photo of Albe Gutierrez, MAATC, BFA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aeacf016-abb2-41ef-836d-a26d984a0775/1/320x400.png)
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
![Photo of Neelma Zafar, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/534940e6-e353-4ce3-b7b3-e7a926129f9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I meet the clients where they are and get to know them and their strengths. My approach is trauma-focused and evidence-based therapy but I believe in empowering the clients.
I meet the clients where they are and get to know them and their strengths. My approach is trauma-focused and evidence-based therapy but I believe in empowering the clients.
![Photo of Kate Dawson, MSW, RYT-200, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/038ddcc1-38b6-4dec-ad43-420c0b86e42c/2/320x400.png)
The weight of the world can be unbearably heavy to carry alone. You deserve someone who can help make it feel easier to hold. Kate is experienced in working with children, young adults, & families navigating various stressors, life transitions, and emotional challenges. Kate deeply values her clients' lived experiences and understands how stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and other difficulties can manifest, making everyday life feel challenging, if not impossible. It can be hard to reach out for help, especially when it seems like things could be worse. Remember—there's always room for things to get better, too!
The weight of the world can be unbearably heavy to carry alone. You deserve someone who can help make it feel easier to hold. Kate is experienced in working with children, young adults, & families navigating various stressors, life transitions, and emotional challenges. Kate deeply values her clients' lived experiences and understands how stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and other difficulties can manifest, making everyday life feel challenging, if not impossible. It can be hard to reach out for help, especially when it seems like things could be worse. Remember—there's always room for things to get better, too!
![Photo of Sara Renauer-Reid, LCPC, RDT, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c84e028-d126-473b-8278-8ebdb0da3169/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Renauer-Reid
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, RDT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
Feeling stuck? Burnt out? Overwhelmed by that inner critical voice? I work with individuals of all ages struggling with difficult life transitions, challenging relationships, feelings of anxiety, and low self-esteem. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and working with children and teens. I can work with you to break down barriers to connection, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate your inner strength. I believe that most of our suffering stems from feeling disconnected, be it from our loved ones, from our communities, or even from ourselves.
Feeling stuck? Burnt out? Overwhelmed by that inner critical voice? I work with individuals of all ages struggling with difficult life transitions, challenging relationships, feelings of anxiety, and low self-esteem. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and working with children and teens. I can work with you to break down barriers to connection, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate your inner strength. I believe that most of our suffering stems from feeling disconnected, be it from our loved ones, from our communities, or even from ourselves.
See more therapy options for 60626
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.