Play Therapy in Tempe, AZ
Ana Liza Cisneros Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85284
I practice Child Centered Play Therapy and will adjust to a more directive approach based on your child’s needs.
My focus in training and practice has been in treating children who have experienced trauma, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues at home and school, major life transitions, and working with the parents of the children I support. I also provide treatment for adults who have experienced trauma and am trained in providing treatment based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Seeking Safety (trauma based treatment).
I practice Child Centered Play Therapy and will adjust to a more directive approach based on your child’s needs.
My focus in training and practice has been in treating children who have experienced trauma, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues at home and school, major life transitions, and working with the parents of the children I support. I also provide treatment for adults who have experienced trauma and am trained in providing treatment based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Seeking Safety (trauma based treatment).
I support clients with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy, EMDR and Person Centered Therapy.
I work with clients of all ages with varying degrees of concerns. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and behavioral concerns. I understand that asking for help can be difficult and has often times been characterized as a weakness. I specialize in a strength based approach to counseling and if you are asking for help that is the first step on your path to healing.
I support clients with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy, EMDR and Person Centered Therapy.
I work with clients of all ages with varying degrees of concerns. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and behavioral concerns. I understand that asking for help can be difficult and has often times been characterized as a weakness. I specialize in a strength based approach to counseling and if you are asking for help that is the first step on your path to healing.
Seema Bacon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAAT, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85283
By incorporating and combining aspects of traditional talk therapy, art therapy, sand tray play therapy, elements of EMDR, grounding components, and psychotherapeutic processing, I offer clients a fresh perspective on seeing themselves, helping them to look beyond what their physical presence shows them and working inward on what may be hidden deep within.
In life, there are no 'ideal' clients or 'ideal' problematic issues, rather there are people hurt, people in pain and distress, and people in need of finding hope within themselves. In my practice, I thrive on not focusing on the easy fix, but rather helping clients see, learn, and trust that their own internal resources are the root of what truly helps themselves heal.
By incorporating and combining aspects of traditional talk therapy, art therapy, sand tray play therapy, elements of EMDR, grounding components, and psychotherapeutic processing, I offer clients a fresh perspective on seeing themselves, helping them to look beyond what their physical presence shows them and working inward on what may be hidden deep within.
In life, there are no 'ideal' clients or 'ideal' problematic issues, rather there are people hurt, people in pain and distress, and people in need of finding hope within themselves. In my practice, I thrive on not focusing on the easy fix, but rather helping clients see, learn, and trust that their own internal resources are the root of what truly helps themselves heal.
My mission is to create a safe and compassionate space where children can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while developing the skills to navigate life's challenges. Childhood is a precious and transformative time. My approach to psychotherapy revolves around creating a therapeutic journey tailored to your child's individuality. Through play, art, talk therapy, and creative expression, I provide a variety of tools to help your child communicate their thoughts and emotions in ways that resonate with them.
My mission is to create a safe and compassionate space where children can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while developing the skills to navigate life's challenges. Childhood is a precious and transformative time. My approach to psychotherapy revolves around creating a therapeutic journey tailored to your child's individuality. Through play, art, talk therapy, and creative expression, I provide a variety of tools to help your child communicate their thoughts and emotions in ways that resonate with them.
I integrate trauma-based modalities along with play therapy and for older ages cognitive based therapies in order to help client understand themselves better and have an educational and realistic approach to what is occurring emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
I am passionate about therapy in the online platform. I have experience working with preschool age children, school age children, teens, and adults of ages within this format. I can help you reach your goals while you remain comfortable at home or at the office.
I integrate trauma-based modalities along with play therapy and for older ages cognitive based therapies in order to help client understand themselves better and have an educational and realistic approach to what is occurring emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
I am passionate about therapy in the online platform. I have experience working with preschool age children, school age children, teens, and adults of ages within this format. I can help you reach your goals while you remain comfortable at home or at the office.
Let's talk change! My goal is for you to feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn, grow and overcome current obstacles to be your best self. I can help teach you, your child, and your family skills that can be used to help regulate overwhelming emotions, communicate more effectively, and improve meaningful relationships. I will utilize my passion, creativity and objectivity to help you discover your own inner strength and to love yourself first. I am a Certified EMDR therapist and Approved Consultant, with specialized training in childhood trauma, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
Let's talk change! My goal is for you to feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn, grow and overcome current obstacles to be your best self. I can help teach you, your child, and your family skills that can be used to help regulate overwhelming emotions, communicate more effectively, and improve meaningful relationships. I will utilize my passion, creativity and objectivity to help you discover your own inner strength and to love yourself first. I am a Certified EMDR therapist and Approved Consultant, with specialized training in childhood trauma, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
Nichole Eileen Villasana
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
Through play and structure I will collaborate with you and your child(ren) to create/ maintain boundaries, increase self esteem, build social skills for healthy relationships, emotional expression and understanding.
I am a compassionate and experienced Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a deep commitment to nurturing the emotional well-being and harmony of children and their families. With a focus on your child(ren)'s unique needs, I will work with you to provide support and guidance to help your family thrive.
Through play and structure I will collaborate with you and your child(ren) to create/ maintain boundaries, increase self esteem, build social skills for healthy relationships, emotional expression and understanding.
I am a compassionate and experienced Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a deep commitment to nurturing the emotional well-being and harmony of children and their families. With a focus on your child(ren)'s unique needs, I will work with you to provide support and guidance to help your family thrive.
She utilizes EMDR, IFS, play therapy, and is trauma informed.
Abby finds joy working with children ages 5-105. Children are special and the work with children with trauma ages 5-18 is my specialty. The way to healing is a unique trail from everyone and is not easy but you will be stronger through the process of healing. Abby is passionate about helping children grow into themselves and truly leave the past behind.
She utilizes EMDR, IFS, play therapy, and is trauma informed.
Abby finds joy working with children ages 5-105. Children are special and the work with children with trauma ages 5-18 is my specialty. The way to healing is a unique trail from everyone and is not easy but you will be stronger through the process of healing. Abby is passionate about helping children grow into themselves and truly leave the past behind.
Drawing from my background in play therapy and my experience working with neurodivergent individuals, I incorporate creative and engaging techniques to help children express themselves and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
I am a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Counseling degree from Northern Arizona University. I have a passion for supporting children and adolescents and have years of experience as a school counselor. I understand the unique challenges young individuals face in today's world and I am committed to providing a safe and nurturing space for them to explore their emotions and navigate life's complexities. My approach is warm, empathetic, and tailored to meet the specific needs of each child or teenager I work with.
Drawing from my background in play therapy and my experience working with neurodivergent individuals, I incorporate creative and engaging techniques to help children express themselves and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
I am a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Counseling degree from Northern Arizona University. I have a passion for supporting children and adolescents and have years of experience as a school counselor. I understand the unique challenges young individuals face in today's world and I am committed to providing a safe and nurturing space for them to explore their emotions and navigate life's complexities. My approach is warm, empathetic, and tailored to meet the specific needs of each child or teenager I work with.
Training and Certifications include: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Narrative Therapy, ACT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Neurodivergent-Affirming Techniques.
I believe that experiences and circumstances shape how we see the world and ourselves. Negative experiences can affect our self-esteem, relationships, feelings, and the way we problem-solve. I believe that people can grow to overcome negative experiences through understanding their past, present and future, as well as develop better awareness and coping skills. In our work, I will help you build insight into yourself, identify your strengths, heal from the past, and learn new skills. Schedule an appointment at our website WWW.HopScotchClinical.com.
Training and Certifications include: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Narrative Therapy, ACT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Neurodivergent-Affirming Techniques.
I believe that experiences and circumstances shape how we see the world and ourselves. Negative experiences can affect our self-esteem, relationships, feelings, and the way we problem-solve. I believe that people can grow to overcome negative experiences through understanding their past, present and future, as well as develop better awareness and coping skills. In our work, I will help you build insight into yourself, identify your strengths, heal from the past, and learn new skills. Schedule an appointment at our website WWW.HopScotchClinical.com.
I use a variety of research-based modalities which are effective and efficient, such as Positive Psychology, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral, EMDR and Dialectical Behavioral.
I am a licensed therapist who provides a safe nurturing environment for children and adolescents. I focus on topics such as life adjustment, depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, life transitions, ADHD, autism spectrum and neurodivergent individuals, and attachment issues. I specializes in ADHD and Autism spectrum disorders, childhood attachment issues which tend to impede emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual growth. I also have an extensive background in assisting individuals with spectrum disorders.
I use a variety of research-based modalities which are effective and efficient, such as Positive Psychology, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral, EMDR and Dialectical Behavioral.
I am a licensed therapist who provides a safe nurturing environment for children and adolescents. I focus on topics such as life adjustment, depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, life transitions, ADHD, autism spectrum and neurodivergent individuals, and attachment issues. I specializes in ADHD and Autism spectrum disorders, childhood attachment issues which tend to impede emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual growth. I also have an extensive background in assisting individuals with spectrum disorders.
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As a dedicated child therapist, I provide specialized services such as Child Parent Psychotherapy, play therapy, Theraplay, sand therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
My expertise is in child development supporting children who are facing significant medical problems, attachment issues, or developmental challenges. They may struggle with anxiety disorders, sensory processing difficulties, mood disorders, or trauma. Their families are seeking support to understand and manage these complex needs. The child's primary goal is to achieve emotional stability, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. They want a compassionate, knowledgeable therapist who can provide tailored interventions and guide them through these difficulties.
As a dedicated child therapist, I provide specialized services such as Child Parent Psychotherapy, play therapy, Theraplay, sand therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
My expertise is in child development supporting children who are facing significant medical problems, attachment issues, or developmental challenges. They may struggle with anxiety disorders, sensory processing difficulties, mood disorders, or trauma. Their families are seeking support to understand and manage these complex needs. The child's primary goal is to achieve emotional stability, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. They want a compassionate, knowledgeable therapist who can provide tailored interventions and guide them through these difficulties.
Liz Plotkin, Crestview Child Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85284
I enjoy helping children make positive changes in their lives. I provide child therapy services for children who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. These challenges include emotional outbursts; uncooperative and aggressive behaviors; difficulty managing emotions including anger, anxiety, and sadness; and decreased self-confidence. Life experiences can be difficult for children to understand and navigate. My treatment approach combines play therapy interventions and structured problem solving to help children learn coping strategies and make positive changes.
I enjoy helping children make positive changes in their lives. I provide child therapy services for children who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. These challenges include emotional outbursts; uncooperative and aggressive behaviors; difficulty managing emotions including anger, anxiety, and sadness; and decreased self-confidence. Life experiences can be difficult for children to understand and navigate. My treatment approach combines play therapy interventions and structured problem solving to help children learn coping strategies and make positive changes.
Jeff Fulkerson
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
These include: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, Play, ERP and EMDR.
As a therapist I believe that we all have untapped potential to overcome challenges and live a happy life. I want to help individuals tap into the strengths they possess to be who they are meant to be. I have a strong background working with kids, teenagers, parents and adults. I enjoy working with individuals who face emotional challenges in life for one reason or another and need some help developing strategies and coping skills to deal with these issues.
These include: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, Play, ERP and EMDR.
As a therapist I believe that we all have untapped potential to overcome challenges and live a happy life. I want to help individuals tap into the strengths they possess to be who they are meant to be. I have a strong background working with kids, teenagers, parents and adults. I enjoy working with individuals who face emotional challenges in life for one reason or another and need some help developing strategies and coping skills to deal with these issues.
I specialize in Play Therapy and Trauma Therapy with both children and adults.
My role as your therapist is to offer compassion and a calm, safe space for healing. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, working at your pace toward your identified goals. I focus on offering support, tools, and resources as we work together. Each client has a unique situation and services are tailored to fit those needs. We will work together to achieve what is important to you.
I specialize in Play Therapy and Trauma Therapy with both children and adults.
My role as your therapist is to offer compassion and a calm, safe space for healing. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, working at your pace toward your identified goals. I focus on offering support, tools, and resources as we work together. Each client has a unique situation and services are tailored to fit those needs. We will work together to achieve what is important to you.
By incorporating and combining aspects of traditional talk therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, elements of EMDR, CBT, ACT, grounding components, and mindfulness, I offer clients a fresh perspective on seeing themselves, helping them to look beyond what their physical presence shows them and working inward on what may be hidden deep within.
I am a licensed mental health therapist who provides a safe nurturing environment for children and adolescents. I have extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with a variety of emotional, behavioral, academic, and cognitive needs. I work with children in an individualized and therapeutic setting and seek to incorporate parents in the overall process.
By incorporating and combining aspects of traditional talk therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, elements of EMDR, CBT, ACT, grounding components, and mindfulness, I offer clients a fresh perspective on seeing themselves, helping them to look beyond what their physical presence shows them and working inward on what may be hidden deep within.
I am a licensed mental health therapist who provides a safe nurturing environment for children and adolescents. I have extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with a variety of emotional, behavioral, academic, and cognitive needs. I work with children in an individualized and therapeutic setting and seek to incorporate parents in the overall process.
I use an eclectic approach to treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and play therapy.
Mental health is fluid, I work to address the issues you're experiencing with humor and acceptance. I encompass compassion and authenticity to help you process generational trauma and symptoms associated with PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression or just general life transitions. Working together we will create your individualized treatment plan to fit your current needs and concerns.
I use an eclectic approach to treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and play therapy.
Mental health is fluid, I work to address the issues you're experiencing with humor and acceptance. I encompass compassion and authenticity to help you process generational trauma and symptoms associated with PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression or just general life transitions. Working together we will create your individualized treatment plan to fit your current needs and concerns.
Leslie Pechkurow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
In working with children I often utilize play therapy techniques, and I incorporate the family unit as a whole in sessions.
My passion is to serve those who are looking for fulfillment, healing, and more joy in their lives. Through the therapeutic process I aim to empower individuals and families to discover and utilize their own personal strengths to overcome obstacles and struggles. As a therapist I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced many difficulties including severe trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, guilt and shame, suicidal ideation, attachment barriers, and loss. I allow individuals and families to guide the therapy process while I assist in providing insight, feedback, and encouragement.
In working with children I often utilize play therapy techniques, and I incorporate the family unit as a whole in sessions.
My passion is to serve those who are looking for fulfillment, healing, and more joy in their lives. Through the therapeutic process I aim to empower individuals and families to discover and utilize their own personal strengths to overcome obstacles and struggles. As a therapist I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced many difficulties including severe trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, guilt and shame, suicidal ideation, attachment barriers, and loss. I allow individuals and families to guide the therapy process while I assist in providing insight, feedback, and encouragement.
These include psychoeducational assessments, neurodevelopment assessments, CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, ACT, Brainspotting, empirical interventions, cognitive restructuring.
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!
These include psychoeducational assessments, neurodevelopment assessments, CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, ACT, Brainspotting, empirical interventions, cognitive restructuring.
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!
Susanne Nigro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85282 (Online Only)
At times the challenges we are presented with can be painfully overwhelming. Some of our choices and habits along with our need for companionship affect our judgment. Indecisiveness and complacency can manifest as unsatisfying patterns of behavior or disheartening relationships. I believe it is possible to create meaningful changes, to be the person you want to be and live a happy, fulfilling life. For young client's fun and play are important. Incorporating creative, expressive art and play therapy interventions is my specialty. This is a great way to connect with children and teens unresponsive to traditional forms of therapy.
At times the challenges we are presented with can be painfully overwhelming. Some of our choices and habits along with our need for companionship affect our judgment. Indecisiveness and complacency can manifest as unsatisfying patterns of behavior or disheartening relationships. I believe it is possible to create meaningful changes, to be the person you want to be and live a happy, fulfilling life. For young client's fun and play are important. Incorporating creative, expressive art and play therapy interventions is my specialty. This is a great way to connect with children and teens unresponsive to traditional forms of therapy.
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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.