Sandplay Therapists in Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Mackenzie Francis, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mackenzie Francis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028
I work exclusively with children ages 4-10 using play therapy, sandplay, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Between the phone calls home from school and the changes in their mood and behavior, when your child is struggling, it is stressful. You want to help them, but you don't know how to respond when they're in the midst of it. You've considered reaching out for help, but taking that next step is difficult because it's hard to imagine that anyone could understand what your child and family are going through.
I work exclusively with children ages 4-10 using play therapy, sandplay, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Between the phone calls home from school and the changes in their mood and behavior, when your child is struggling, it is stressful. You want to help them, but you don't know how to respond when they're in the midst of it. You've considered reaching out for help, but taking that next step is difficult because it's hard to imagine that anyone could understand what your child and family are going through.
(480) 660-3430 View (480) 660-3430
Photo of Cynthia Ramos, LPC, NCC, CCTS-I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cynthia Ramos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTS-I
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85054  (Online Only)
I use sandplay, art, storytelling, and games to help children work through emotional and behavioral challenges.
Welcome, I'm delighted that you've embarked on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. I would be honored to provide you with a safe space to work towards your healing and transformation. As a Latinx therapist, I am passionate about serving the Spanish-speaking community and helping to lessen the stigma of accessing mental health services. I am equally as passionate about working with children, teens, and their families so that they may overcome any challenges they are facing. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families using a variety of evidence-based methods that are tailored to you.
I use sandplay, art, storytelling, and games to help children work through emotional and behavioral challenges.
Welcome, I'm delighted that you've embarked on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. I would be honored to provide you with a safe space to work towards your healing and transformation. As a Latinx therapist, I am passionate about serving the Spanish-speaking community and helping to lessen the stigma of accessing mental health services. I am equally as passionate about working with children, teens, and their families so that they may overcome any challenges they are facing. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families using a variety of evidence-based methods that are tailored to you.
(623) 288-0419 View (623) 288-0419
Photo of Dawn Marie Byrd, PsyD, Psychologist
Dawn Marie Byrd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85015
My ideal client could be in need of any one of a broad array of professional services encompassing areas of therapy and testing. Clients range from individuals to entire families. I serve a diverse clientele ranging from emotional or behavioral distress, adjustment or trauma distress to identity issues. Whether it is treatment of behavioral/emotional or developmental disabilities, trauma therapy, treatment of mental disorders or psycho-educational assessments, I have programs and techniques such as EMDR or Brainspotting that can help you and your loved ones address life challenges. Call or email me immediately to start your program!
My ideal client could be in need of any one of a broad array of professional services encompassing areas of therapy and testing. Clients range from individuals to entire families. I serve a diverse clientele ranging from emotional or behavioral distress, adjustment or trauma distress to identity issues. Whether it is treatment of behavioral/emotional or developmental disabilities, trauma therapy, treatment of mental disorders or psycho-educational assessments, I have programs and techniques such as EMDR or Brainspotting that can help you and your loved ones address life challenges. Call or email me immediately to start your program!
(602) 497-2153 View (602) 497-2153
Photo of Eva Cristina Norheim, LAC, NCC, Counselor
Eva Cristina Norheim
Counselor, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85086
It takes time to pick up the pieces. Parts of you may feel broken, paralyzed, and unheard. With intergenerational systems of dysfunction, very few of us grew up with anything approaching healthy relating. As mammals, we can use the natural force towards connection along with regulating our autonomic fitness to return to our joyful and intuitive self. I can help adults and teens create movement in the isolated "stuck places" and integrate unprocessed pain and suffering. I am passionate about serving children who also highly benefit from therapy by communicating their inner world through play.
It takes time to pick up the pieces. Parts of you may feel broken, paralyzed, and unheard. With intergenerational systems of dysfunction, very few of us grew up with anything approaching healthy relating. As mammals, we can use the natural force towards connection along with regulating our autonomic fitness to return to our joyful and intuitive self. I can help adults and teens create movement in the isolated "stuck places" and integrate unprocessed pain and suffering. I am passionate about serving children who also highly benefit from therapy by communicating their inner world through play.
(480) 613-4993 View (480) 613-4993
Abigail Atkins
Psychologist, EdD, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85027  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are struggling to cope with life stressors of all types including children, family and work concerns. As a chaplain I also work with grief.
I work with individuals who are struggling to cope with life stressors of all types including children, family and work concerns. As a chaplain I also work with grief.
(602) 900-8695 x2 View (602) 900-8695 x2
Photo of Kyle Giblin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kyle Giblin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85013  (Online Only)
If you've experienced trauma, struggled with addiction, or navigated complex relationships, I am living proof that you can heal. I understand the pain, confusion, and isolation you might feel. At Noble Path Counseling & Consulting, our compassionate team of professionals truly relates to your struggles and offers specialized skills tailored to your needs. Trauma, addiction, and complex relationships are our specialties, extending to many other mental health challenges. Let us support you in overcoming obstacles so you can start living your best life now. Visit us at www.noblepathcc.com to find the right therapist who makes you feel
If you've experienced trauma, struggled with addiction, or navigated complex relationships, I am living proof that you can heal. I understand the pain, confusion, and isolation you might feel. At Noble Path Counseling & Consulting, our compassionate team of professionals truly relates to your struggles and offers specialized skills tailored to your needs. Trauma, addiction, and complex relationships are our specialties, extending to many other mental health challenges. Let us support you in overcoming obstacles so you can start living your best life now. Visit us at www.noblepathcc.com to find the right therapist who makes you feel
(928) 693-4094 View (928) 693-4094
Photo of Dalisa Jimenez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dalisa Jimenez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85048
Parenting can be difficult. This is especially true when your child is experiencing behavioral problems. Whether it’s problems within the parent-child relationship, academics, peer relationships, or difficulty managing emotions, I can help. Young children are unique in their experience of the world and the challenges they face. My experience in the Birth to Five field as well as working with individuals of all ages has provided me the opportunity to help families from many different backgrounds with a variety of problems.
Parenting can be difficult. This is especially true when your child is experiencing behavioral problems. Whether it’s problems within the parent-child relationship, academics, peer relationships, or difficulty managing emotions, I can help. Young children are unique in their experience of the world and the challenges they face. My experience in the Birth to Five field as well as working with individuals of all ages has provided me the opportunity to help families from many different backgrounds with a variety of problems.
(480) 470-3644 View (480) 470-3644
Photo of Elijah Steinbrecher, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elijah Steinbrecher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028
History shows us that at some point during our lives, we will all need some form of help. So, if we take our legal needs to Lawyers, medical needs to Doctors, why wouldn't we take our mental & emotional needs to a Therapist? Journeying through life can often be confusing & challenging. Life is all about connection to ourselves, a spouse, families or Creator. Connection takes work! So, when we've run out of resources to deal with issues, we often feel lost. I'm passionate about supporting individuals, couples, & families address challenges associated with life & trauma, because nobody effortlessly waltzes into great relationships.
History shows us that at some point during our lives, we will all need some form of help. So, if we take our legal needs to Lawyers, medical needs to Doctors, why wouldn't we take our mental & emotional needs to a Therapist? Journeying through life can often be confusing & challenging. Life is all about connection to ourselves, a spouse, families or Creator. Connection takes work! So, when we've run out of resources to deal with issues, we often feel lost. I'm passionate about supporting individuals, couples, & families address challenges associated with life & trauma, because nobody effortlessly waltzes into great relationships.
(602) 878-7139 View (602) 878-7139
Photo of Shawn Foltz Emmons, PhD, Psychologist
Shawn Foltz Emmons
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I enjoy doing all types of therapy for all different issues to include depression, anxiety, addiction/substance use and abuse, health and wellness, grief, trauma, parental alienation, developmental challenges, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, codependency, work stress and relationship conflict. I work with people to identify treatment goals and create a treatment regimen that fits their needs which includes psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, behavior modification, interpersonal therapy, sport psychology and coaching.
I enjoy doing all types of therapy for all different issues to include depression, anxiety, addiction/substance use and abuse, health and wellness, grief, trauma, parental alienation, developmental challenges, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, codependency, work stress and relationship conflict. I work with people to identify treatment goals and create a treatment regimen that fits their needs which includes psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, behavior modification, interpersonal therapy, sport psychology and coaching.
(480) 207-3432 View (480) 207-3432
Photo of Ina E Hilgers, PsyD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ina E Hilgers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
I am a Behavioral Health Psychologist and LPC, that works with adults, adolescents, and children that have experienced trauma. Sometimes, our traumatic experiences can leave a wound that interferes with our ability to connect with ourselves, others, and the world. Often, we can feel incredibly isolated and misunderstood in our pain. Working with trauma includes building safety with the person, providing warmth and stability in the environment, and consistency in their treatment. While you may feel like there is no hope, there are gentle and effective ways, that we can work together to find, that will support your healing.
I am a Behavioral Health Psychologist and LPC, that works with adults, adolescents, and children that have experienced trauma. Sometimes, our traumatic experiences can leave a wound that interferes with our ability to connect with ourselves, others, and the world. Often, we can feel incredibly isolated and misunderstood in our pain. Working with trauma includes building safety with the person, providing warmth and stability in the environment, and consistency in their treatment. While you may feel like there is no hope, there are gentle and effective ways, that we can work together to find, that will support your healing.
(480) 531-6611 View (480) 531-6611
Photo of Kathryn McClearn, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathryn McClearn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85021
I have experience working in many different settings including city social services, in education, an outpatient clinic and within a homeless shelter. I am trained to work with children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples, and families on various issues that hinder growth and happiness. I specialize in the trauma therapy (EMDR), ABA for working with individuals on the spectrum, mindfulness and relaxation methods, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My counseling style is centered around helping you complete the goals you set for yourself in a supportive and warm environment, free of judgment.
I have experience working in many different settings including city social services, in education, an outpatient clinic and within a homeless shelter. I am trained to work with children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples, and families on various issues that hinder growth and happiness. I specialize in the trauma therapy (EMDR), ABA for working with individuals on the spectrum, mindfulness and relaxation methods, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My counseling style is centered around helping you complete the goals you set for yourself in a supportive and warm environment, free of judgment.
(602) 610-0092 View (602) 610-0092
Photo of Halina Brooke, MS, LPC, Counselor
Halina Brooke
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Maybe coming to therapy is an easy, intuitive next step for you. You know and trust yourself to find just the right counselor. You know what you need from therapy to support your relationships, career/life satisfaction, self-care needs, or trauma recovery. I trust your inner wisdom and can’t wait to collaborate with you. Or, maybe you’re more tentative about this whole “therapy” thing. Life may have taught you that trust is precious–that reaching out for support could be dangerous. You may have even gotten the message not to believe in or advocate for yourself. Well, this might be a surprise: I also trust *your* inner wisdom.
Maybe coming to therapy is an easy, intuitive next step for you. You know and trust yourself to find just the right counselor. You know what you need from therapy to support your relationships, career/life satisfaction, self-care needs, or trauma recovery. I trust your inner wisdom and can’t wait to collaborate with you. Or, maybe you’re more tentative about this whole “therapy” thing. Life may have taught you that trust is precious–that reaching out for support could be dangerous. You may have even gotten the message not to believe in or advocate for yourself. Well, this might be a surprise: I also trust *your* inner wisdom.
(602) 755-3068 View (602) 755-3068
Photo of Joshua G Kellison, PhD, Psychologist
Joshua G Kellison
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who seeks to support client's goals, while also helping them achieve a life worth living. Prior to private practice I have worked at the VA and the National Center for PTSD in Honolulu, HI, Seattle Children's Hospital, PCH, and community mental health clinics. As a result of working within a variety of settings, I have the experience and skills to work with children, adolescents, and adults who present with behavioral, mood, and life challenges. I also have specialized training for grief, impulse control and anger management, PTSD, and coping/emotion regulation skills acquisition.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who seeks to support client's goals, while also helping them achieve a life worth living. Prior to private practice I have worked at the VA and the National Center for PTSD in Honolulu, HI, Seattle Children's Hospital, PCH, and community mental health clinics. As a result of working within a variety of settings, I have the experience and skills to work with children, adolescents, and adults who present with behavioral, mood, and life challenges. I also have specialized training for grief, impulse control and anger management, PTSD, and coping/emotion regulation skills acquisition.
(480) 418-0765 View (480) 418-0765
Photo of Heather Sestili, MSCP, LPC, RPT-S, IMH, ASDCP, Counselor
Heather Sestili
Counselor, MSCP, LPC, RPT-S, IMH, ASDCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85080
There is a special place in my heart for a traumatized child. Traumatic events in childhood have a devastating impact on the child and family. Children need empathic, understanding, knowledgeable adults to come along side to guide and comfort the child through the journey of recovery. I provide caregivers education to support the child while providing practical techniques rewarding for both child and family. I provide play therapy, sand tray, Theraplay (R), and PCIT. I use these with EMDR and CBT to help children process their loss, trauma, reduce behaviors and impulsivity, enhance attachment, build communication and self esteem.
There is a special place in my heart for a traumatized child. Traumatic events in childhood have a devastating impact on the child and family. Children need empathic, understanding, knowledgeable adults to come along side to guide and comfort the child through the journey of recovery. I provide caregivers education to support the child while providing practical techniques rewarding for both child and family. I provide play therapy, sand tray, Theraplay (R), and PCIT. I use these with EMDR and CBT to help children process their loss, trauma, reduce behaviors and impulsivity, enhance attachment, build communication and self esteem.
(623) 432-0738 View (623) 432-0738
Photo of Kathryn Heltzel - Gender Identity Center, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gender Identity Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Would you like to talk about gender with a caring professional in a confidential space? We are a therapy practice devoted to supporting teens, adults, and families who are transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, gender queer, or just wanting to explore gender identity. We can connect you to needed resources, write referral letters, and network you in to our LGBTQ supportive community. Most importantly we value creating safe and trusting therapeutic relationships so that we can be in the journey of gender identity with you and you do not have to go it alone.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Would you like to talk about gender with a caring professional in a confidential space? We are a therapy practice devoted to supporting teens, adults, and families who are transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, gender queer, or just wanting to explore gender identity. We can connect you to needed resources, write referral letters, and network you in to our LGBTQ supportive community. Most importantly we value creating safe and trusting therapeutic relationships so that we can be in the journey of gender identity with you and you do not have to go it alone.
(602) 691-6496 View (602) 691-6496
Photo of Julie Huffman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Huffman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Accepting New Clients. I am a compassionate therapist with over 10 years of counseling experience specializing in working with teenagers and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, family relationship problems, anger, grief and loss, life changes and navigating adulthood. I am EMDR trained and use EMDR to help process trauma. I can help you move from feeling stuck and incapable of change to a place of freedom and relief. In addition to EMDR, I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Polyvagal Theory, Solution Focused and Internal Family Systems.
Accepting New Clients. I am a compassionate therapist with over 10 years of counseling experience specializing in working with teenagers and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, family relationship problems, anger, grief and loss, life changes and navigating adulthood. I am EMDR trained and use EMDR to help process trauma. I can help you move from feeling stuck and incapable of change to a place of freedom and relief. In addition to EMDR, I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Polyvagal Theory, Solution Focused and Internal Family Systems.
(480) 482-1838 View (480) 482-1838
Photo of Jaclyn Kimmel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jaclyn Kimmel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016  (Online Only)
Hey there! If you're thinking about taking the first step towards healing and self-discovery, I'm here for you! My name is Jackie Kimmel, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in sunny Arizona. I'm here to offer support with a focus on compassion and effectiveness, especially for those navigating trauma, narcissistic abuse, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, relationship issues, and women's concerns. I work with adults, teens, and pre-teens. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, tailoring my interventions to fit your unique needs.
Hey there! If you're thinking about taking the first step towards healing and self-discovery, I'm here for you! My name is Jackie Kimmel, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in sunny Arizona. I'm here to offer support with a focus on compassion and effectiveness, especially for those navigating trauma, narcissistic abuse, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, relationship issues, and women's concerns. I work with adults, teens, and pre-teens. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, tailoring my interventions to fit your unique needs.
(623) 343-6369 View (623) 343-6369
Photo of Linda C Gray - Heartful Solutions for Families, MA, LPC, Counselor
Heartful Solutions for Families
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Waitlist for new clients
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
(602) 529-3972 View (602) 529-3972
Photo of Victoria Brandt, LAC, Counselor
Victoria Brandt
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85014
My priority as your therapist is to create a safe and compassionate space for healing. I work with clients to cultivate their capacity to heal from the past, learn new ways to handle triggers in the present, and utilize strengths to effectively manage stressors in the future.
My priority as your therapist is to create a safe and compassionate space for healing. I work with clients to cultivate their capacity to heal from the past, learn new ways to handle triggers in the present, and utilize strengths to effectively manage stressors in the future.
(623) 304-8828 View (623) 304-8828
Photo of For More Information - Arizona Family Counseling (a service of CFC)
Arizona Family Counseling (a service of CFC)
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Arizona Family Counseling is committed to providing high-quality counseling and parent coaching services to strengthen individuals, couples, and families. We believe that your past and present experiences and support system greatly help or hinder your well-being and relationships. Our compassionate team is trained and experienced in understanding family systems, trauma, and attachment. We expertly utilize this understanding to help you work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting needs, and behavioral difficulties.
Arizona Family Counseling is committed to providing high-quality counseling and parent coaching services to strengthen individuals, couples, and families. We believe that your past and present experiences and support system greatly help or hinder your well-being and relationships. Our compassionate team is trained and experienced in understanding family systems, trauma, and attachment. We expertly utilize this understanding to help you work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting needs, and behavioral difficulties.
(623) 462-2036 View (623) 462-2036
1
Sandplay Therapists

What problems are best treated with sandplay therapy?

Research has examined this therapy’s utility in young people and found positive results. It has been shown to be useful for those who suffer from autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and or aggressive behavior. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma have also seen improvement through this therapy. Abused children are often fearful and anxious about their safety, making verbal communication more difficult.

Is sandplay therapy suitable for children and teenagers?

Children and adolescents are good candidates for sandplay therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts, let alone the emotions they are experiencing. Through this play therapy, they will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Is sandplay suitable for adults?

This type of therapy can be useful for adults who have difficulties expressing themselves. People who have suffered neurological changes after a brain injury or because of a traumatic event might be good candidates for this therapy. In fact, anything that has had an effect on the brain, such as substance abuse, can make non-verbal sandplay a valuable option.

Does sandplay therapy work?

There have been studies on the effectiveness of sandplay therapy, and it appears to improve difficult behaviors in children. It may also enhance self-esteem and lessen feelings of physical anxiety as well as hypersensitivity. This type of therapy is based on non-verbal communication and may feel less threatening to the individual.