Play Therapy in 96734
I use the modalities of art and play therapy to help you to connect with your child.
Parenting is the most demanding job many of us will ever experience. You want the best for your child, so it can be painful to witness your child struggling with their emotions and anxiety. Therapy can help to enhance your child's emotional IQ and equip them with tools to deal with life's ups and downs. All relationships have ups and downs. So it is easy to get stuck in a frustrating cycle when your child doesn't listen, leaving you both feeling upset and disconnected. There is an alternative. You can enhance the relationship with your child, improve compliance and foster positive behaviors.
I use the modalities of art and play therapy to help you to connect with your child.
Parenting is the most demanding job many of us will ever experience. You want the best for your child, so it can be painful to witness your child struggling with their emotions and anxiety. Therapy can help to enhance your child's emotional IQ and equip them with tools to deal with life's ups and downs. All relationships have ups and downs. So it is easy to get stuck in a frustrating cycle when your child doesn't listen, leaving you both feeling upset and disconnected. There is an alternative. You can enhance the relationship with your child, improve compliance and foster positive behaviors.
I admire the courage it takes to seek help and make change, and believe everyone has the capacity for healing. I bring compassion and curiosity to my person centered work with clients. My approach is collaborative, feedback driven, strengths based, and often infused with play, art, and nature therapy techniques. While the work we do will be as unique as each client, I am most inspired by internal family systems, emotionally focused therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and AEDP.
I admire the courage it takes to seek help and make change, and believe everyone has the capacity for healing. I bring compassion and curiosity to my person centered work with clients. My approach is collaborative, feedback driven, strengths based, and often infused with play, art, and nature therapy techniques. While the work we do will be as unique as each client, I am most inspired by internal family systems, emotionally focused therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and AEDP.
I also use play, art.
Do you want more tools to navigate life's oceans? Facing parenting struggles? General anxiety and overwhelm? Together we can unlock the keys for a calmer nervous system. I approach therapy as a collaborative somatic process and provide a supportive, empowering, and confidential space. Race, gender, class, and power—and how multiple identities intersect--all inform the work. I specialize in parenting, trauma, postpartum depression, and anxiety. I work with you to co-create small, impactful change. Together we can unlock connection, compassion, creativity, and community.
I also use play, art.
Do you want more tools to navigate life's oceans? Facing parenting struggles? General anxiety and overwhelm? Together we can unlock the keys for a calmer nervous system. I approach therapy as a collaborative somatic process and provide a supportive, empowering, and confidential space. Race, gender, class, and power—and how multiple identities intersect--all inform the work. I specialize in parenting, trauma, postpartum depression, and anxiety. I work with you to co-create small, impactful change. Together we can unlock connection, compassion, creativity, and community.
Sophia Bullard studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Sophia Bullard studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
Through the utilization of play, movement, music, and art in therapy sessions, I am able to support youth of all ages.
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
Through the utilization of play, movement, music, and art in therapy sessions, I am able to support youth of all ages.
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
Carol l Nowak
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use both individual play therapy, parent consultation, and family therapy and utilize behavioral interventions to assist with problems and challenges.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I primarily use a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and family systems approach. Having been in practice for more than 25 years, I have a well rounded and broad background of experience which includes working with all types of clients of all ages with many varying presenting issues. Clients who are best suited for my practice want to become more aware of their issues as they relate to the underlying patterns and dynamics that replicate again and again and cause dysfunction in their lives.
I use both individual play therapy, parent consultation, and family therapy and utilize behavioral interventions to assist with problems and challenges.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I primarily use a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and family systems approach. Having been in practice for more than 25 years, I have a well rounded and broad background of experience which includes working with all types of clients of all ages with many varying presenting issues. Clients who are best suited for my practice want to become more aware of their issues as they relate to the underlying patterns and dynamics that replicate again and again and cause dysfunction in their lives.
Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about ABA, play-based interventions, or how we can work together toward meaningful progress.
Aloha! Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and play-based interventions for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, blending behavioral principles with insights from developmental psychology to support meaningful growth. I work with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities who may face challenges with communication, social skills, or daily tasks. I also support parents in understanding strategies to support their children.
Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about ABA, play-based interventions, or how we can work together toward meaningful progress.
Aloha! Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and play-based interventions for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, blending behavioral principles with insights from developmental psychology to support meaningful growth. I work with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities who may face challenges with communication, social skills, or daily tasks. I also support parents in understanding strategies to support their children.
Melissa Sipolt, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kailua, HI 96734 (Online Only)
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
Mary H Dodd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734
Waitlist for new clients
With over 40 years of experience, I am a good match for many types of clients. However, I’m especially helpful to those experiencing life transitions that are difficult and who are open to adding a counselor to their team. My areas of expertise are : Aging, Parenting issues, Mental/Emotional Health Concerns, Relationship challenges/Couples Counseling and processing Grief and Loss from disease, moving, animal loss or sudden death.
With over 40 years of experience, I am a good match for many types of clients. However, I’m especially helpful to those experiencing life transitions that are difficult and who are open to adding a counselor to their team. My areas of expertise are : Aging, Parenting issues, Mental/Emotional Health Concerns, Relationship challenges/Couples Counseling and processing Grief and Loss from disease, moving, animal loss or sudden death.
Is your past trauma, anxiety, or addictions significantly interfering with the way you would like to live your life? Have you lost satisfaction in activities that you once enjoyed? Are you grieving a loss or struggling with relationships? Are you a military veteran navigating the symptoms of PTSD or an individual who simply needs a safe space? It is easy to get lost in the stresses of life and current events. You are not alone in your journey for healing.
Is your past trauma, anxiety, or addictions significantly interfering with the way you would like to live your life? Have you lost satisfaction in activities that you once enjoyed? Are you grieving a loss or struggling with relationships? Are you a military veteran navigating the symptoms of PTSD or an individual who simply needs a safe space? It is easy to get lost in the stresses of life and current events. You are not alone in your journey for healing.
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Amelia Rachel Hokulea Borofsky
Island Counseling and Neurofeedback, LLC, Inc
Kilia H Hinrichs
I have beginning and advanced certification for NeurOptimal Neurofeedback. I offer in person sessions as well as rentals. I am happy to help you learn about this dynamical neurofeedback process.
I have beginning and advanced certification for NeurOptimal Neurofeedback. I offer in person sessions as well as rentals. I am happy to help you learn about this dynamical neurofeedback process.
I am a friendly, real, and comfortable person to talk with. Therapy can feel daunting and embarrassing, especially at first, so it's important that you feel comfortable when you are talking about what's bothering you. You are coming to therapy to work on issues and resolve problems and you want support and answers. When you come in we will talk about what you feel ready to deal with. I will gently guide you through the process of uncovering your needs and wants in a way that doesn't feel threatening or invasive and help you get those in your life.
I am a friendly, real, and comfortable person to talk with. Therapy can feel daunting and embarrassing, especially at first, so it's important that you feel comfortable when you are talking about what's bothering you. You are coming to therapy to work on issues and resolve problems and you want support and answers. When you come in we will talk about what you feel ready to deal with. I will gently guide you through the process of uncovering your needs and wants in a way that doesn't feel threatening or invasive and help you get those in your life.
Isabella Dagher is a pre-licensed clinical psychology professional from Saybrook University with a master’s in clinical psychology and is currently obtaining her Ph.D. Isabella believes in a holistic approach that addresses the intersection between one’s mind, body, culture, and creative spirit. Isabella supports you in facilitating the meditative spaces for you to experience a sense of rest and reset, transform stuckness or feelings of psychological, somatic, and traumatic pain, build capacity and awareness towards empowering change, anchor in compassion and forgiveness, and nourish your self-healer.
Isabella Dagher is a pre-licensed clinical psychology professional from Saybrook University with a master’s in clinical psychology and is currently obtaining her Ph.D. Isabella believes in a holistic approach that addresses the intersection between one’s mind, body, culture, and creative spirit. Isabella supports you in facilitating the meditative spaces for you to experience a sense of rest and reset, transform stuckness or feelings of psychological, somatic, and traumatic pain, build capacity and awareness towards empowering change, anchor in compassion and forgiveness, and nourish your self-healer.
Malama Trauma Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734 (Online Only)
Do you feel anxiety, depression, relational stress, grief, loss, & are searching for meaning, purpose, identity, hope, & fullest potential? Trauma can shake us to our core and challenge the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us. Together we will collaborate on a compassionate therapeutic plan to understand how your coping skills have protected you, develop new skills, and embrace self-acceptance even as we grow. I also offer therapeutic harp music for relaxation and mindfulness practice if desired! I hope to assist you discover the gifts in your suffering and see yourself in a new light!
Do you feel anxiety, depression, relational stress, grief, loss, & are searching for meaning, purpose, identity, hope, & fullest potential? Trauma can shake us to our core and challenge the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us. Together we will collaborate on a compassionate therapeutic plan to understand how your coping skills have protected you, develop new skills, and embrace self-acceptance even as we grow. I also offer therapeutic harp music for relaxation and mindfulness practice if desired! I hope to assist you discover the gifts in your suffering and see yourself in a new light!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years' of psychotherapy experience. My clinical experience emphasizes a therapeutic approach and holistic understanding of each client's experience while providing support to each client. I treat psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, domestic violence, abuse, family/couples counseling, anger management, behavioral Issues, and self-harm. My goal is to help my client navigate through stressors and challenging seasons of life while providing mental health care to help you achieve your goals.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years' of psychotherapy experience. My clinical experience emphasizes a therapeutic approach and holistic understanding of each client's experience while providing support to each client. I treat psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, domestic violence, abuse, family/couples counseling, anger management, behavioral Issues, and self-harm. My goal is to help my client navigate through stressors and challenging seasons of life while providing mental health care to help you achieve your goals.
Life can feel hard and scary at times, and asking for help takes courage. Your journey to health and healing has begun. When you contact me, I will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your needs. When we meet online or in person you will feel comforted because I create a safe space for you to express your feelings. I will listen to your struggles without judgement, and I'll help you navigate life's challenging and difficult moments. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy, and I will feel privileged that you trust me to help you on your journey. We all go through ups and downs. You are not alone.
Life can feel hard and scary at times, and asking for help takes courage. Your journey to health and healing has begun. When you contact me, I will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your needs. When we meet online or in person you will feel comforted because I create a safe space for you to express your feelings. I will listen to your struggles without judgement, and I'll help you navigate life's challenging and difficult moments. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy, and I will feel privileged that you trust me to help you on your journey. We all go through ups and downs. You are not alone.
Hannah Beck, BA graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has recently relocated to Oahu where she pursues her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hannah is also credentialed in personal training, health coaching, and nutrition. Hannah's extensive experience as a server has also helped develop her strong interpersonal skills. Her diverse occupational background has made her a well-rounded and open-minded mental health worker.
Hannah Beck, BA graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has recently relocated to Oahu where she pursues her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hannah is also credentialed in personal training, health coaching, and nutrition. Hannah's extensive experience as a server has also helped develop her strong interpersonal skills. Her diverse occupational background has made her a well-rounded and open-minded mental health worker.
Christin DeCoito, was born and raised in Hilo where she grew passionate about helping others in her community. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, she later received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UH Hilo. She ventured a little ways out of Hilo, where she currently lives on the Hamakua coast with her loving family and growing two little boys. Christins experience stems from working directly with students as a school based behavioral health specialist since 2017.
Christin DeCoito, was born and raised in Hilo where she grew passionate about helping others in her community. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, she later received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UH Hilo. She ventured a little ways out of Hilo, where she currently lives on the Hamakua coast with her loving family and growing two little boys. Christins experience stems from working directly with students as a school based behavioral health specialist since 2017.
Grace's focus in treatment is to be client centered and to help support you in accomplishing your goals in therapy. Her goal is to create a safe environment for you to process past or current difficulties, stressors or traumas. Grace has a background working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, personality disorders, and have experienced abuse or neglect.
Grace's focus in treatment is to be client centered and to help support you in accomplishing your goals in therapy. Her goal is to create a safe environment for you to process past or current difficulties, stressors or traumas. Grace has a background working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, personality disorders, and have experienced abuse or neglect.
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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.