Play Therapy in Soda Springs, CA
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![Photo of Kathy Di Giacomo, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ea0cf8f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy Di Giacomo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sonora, CA 95370
Imagine....Peace in your mind and enjoying a beautiful moment. Do you feel anxious or overwhelmed, trapped, afraid, stuck, sad, or depressed? Get relief. After a couple of visits, you will feel hope & empowerment. Come feel how wonderful freedom feels in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment. Utilizing "play therapy" and art classes to help children & adults. Empathy & understanding changes your perspective & brings Powerful results. You are unique & created for happiness & success. Be courageous today, change your life! Unlimited relationship Confidence Coaching With Kathy Call now! 209.536.4296
Imagine....Peace in your mind and enjoying a beautiful moment. Do you feel anxious or overwhelmed, trapped, afraid, stuck, sad, or depressed? Get relief. After a couple of visits, you will feel hope & empowerment. Come feel how wonderful freedom feels in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment. Utilizing "play therapy" and art classes to help children & adults. Empathy & understanding changes your perspective & brings Powerful results. You are unique & created for happiness & success. Be courageous today, change your life! Unlimited relationship Confidence Coaching With Kathy Call now! 209.536.4296
![Photo of Donita King, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fc29f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use a variety of techniques and theories from family systems, psychodynamic, humanistic, transpersonal, somatic, cognitive-behavioral therapies, creative expression and child play therapies.
Hello and welcome! As a licensed Marriage and Family Psychotherapist I provide an empathetic and trusting space to share your concerns. Working together we will uncover blocks to peace and contentment, identify and build upon strengths, alleviate symptoms, build more satisfying relationships and move towards bringing balance to your life. I have worked in community mental health for adults, schools and mental health clinics for children, adolescents and their families and have treated a wide range of disorders including-grief and loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, divorce, relational issues, child behavior issues and parenting.
I use a variety of techniques and theories from family systems, psychodynamic, humanistic, transpersonal, somatic, cognitive-behavioral therapies, creative expression and child play therapies.
Hello and welcome! As a licensed Marriage and Family Psychotherapist I provide an empathetic and trusting space to share your concerns. Working together we will uncover blocks to peace and contentment, identify and build upon strengths, alleviate symptoms, build more satisfying relationships and move towards bringing balance to your life. I have worked in community mental health for adults, schools and mental health clinics for children, adolescents and their families and have treated a wide range of disorders including-grief and loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, divorce, relational issues, child behavior issues and parenting.
![Photo of Amber Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2f0eae6-2db3-4221-b248-da014f830393/2/320x400.jpeg)
My education and training amplifies the traditional therapeutic work by also incorporating expressive arts, play, nature and somatic interventions. Prior to having my private practice, I worked for county programs with those who have moderate to severe mental health issues, community based non-profits, residential treatment centers and in schools with children whose mental health impacts their ability to learn and have quality relationships with their peers and families.
My education and training amplifies the traditional therapeutic work by also incorporating expressive arts, play, nature and somatic interventions. Prior to having my private practice, I worked for county programs with those who have moderate to severe mental health issues, community based non-profits, residential treatment centers and in schools with children whose mental health impacts their ability to learn and have quality relationships with their peers and families.
![Photo of Meredith Holmes, PsyD, MSW, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef567eaf-17be-464c-9749-0c44f46d65ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist and over 16 years of experience as a social worker. I support and empower clients who have a range of concerns including adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges, exploring various aspects of identity (i.e., race, sexuality, gender), trauma, grief and loss, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and more. When appropriate, I utilize humor in the therapy room, and I also welcome exploring creative ways of healing through avenues such as art, music, and play.
![Photo of Ruth Pascale-Jones - Creative Counseling , MA, CA LMFT, NV MFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4697382b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Creative Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CA LMFT, NV MFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95678
Specialties include, Play Therapy (certified), Parent Child Interactive Therapy (certified), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (certified), sand tray therapy, infant regulation, early childhood development (Master's Degree), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Parenting, teenagers, animal assisted therapy, and foster/ adoption.
Ruth Pascale-Jones is a child development specialist and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years of experience with ages 0 to 21 years old. I specialize in Autism, ADHD, and Trauma. Using Play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, bibliotherapy, and animal assisted therapy. I have been using this prescriptive therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each family that comes to me. For the past 10 years I have worked in Sacramento and Placer County, helping families heal and grow.
Specialties include, Play Therapy (certified), Parent Child Interactive Therapy (certified), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (certified), sand tray therapy, infant regulation, early childhood development (Master's Degree), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Parenting, teenagers, animal assisted therapy, and foster/ adoption.
Ruth Pascale-Jones is a child development specialist and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years of experience with ages 0 to 21 years old. I specialize in Autism, ADHD, and Trauma. Using Play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, bibliotherapy, and animal assisted therapy. I have been using this prescriptive therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each family that comes to me. For the past 10 years I have worked in Sacramento and Placer County, helping families heal and grow.
![Photo of Dennis Hollingsworth, LMFT, CADC-ll, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c1bdf30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dennis Hollingsworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC-ll
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
Other models used include Solution Focused, Developmental, Family Systems, Narrative and Play.
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
Other models used include Solution Focused, Developmental, Family Systems, Narrative and Play.
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
![Photo of Dawn Morris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb46c619-e315-4c80-8924-3d31d80fa476/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95831
Waitlist for new clients
I have training and experience implementing Cognitive-Behavioral techniques (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT) tools, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), TF-Integrated Play Therapy, TF-CBT and Mindfulness in my sessions.
Hello! Welcome to your journey in finding the right therapist for your child or yourself. It is likely that you are here because you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts, behaviors or emotions that you can’t understand and/or are unsure of how to handle. You are not alone! It would be my honor to support you, your child and your family with interventions that will help create yield insight and create stability & hope! I have extensive experience working w/ clients who struggle with anger, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, unhealthy attachment/relational issues & self-harm behavior.
I have training and experience implementing Cognitive-Behavioral techniques (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT) tools, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), TF-Integrated Play Therapy, TF-CBT and Mindfulness in my sessions.
Hello! Welcome to your journey in finding the right therapist for your child or yourself. It is likely that you are here because you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts, behaviors or emotions that you can’t understand and/or are unsure of how to handle. You are not alone! It would be my honor to support you, your child and your family with interventions that will help create yield insight and create stability & hope! I have extensive experience working w/ clients who struggle with anger, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, unhealthy attachment/relational issues & self-harm behavior.
![Photo of Kaitlin Webber, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cb0ba56-85f4-4a3f-87cf-d548d0faefc7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Webber
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661
With kids I typically use different art therapy interventions as well as play and sandtray therapy.
I am a Children and individual Adult therapist specializing in behavioral challenges, anxiety, add/adhd, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Rather than a one size fits all approach to therapy, I pull from a variety of modalities and incorporate different interventions and skills based on the individual clients needs and goals.
With kids I typically use different art therapy interventions as well as play and sandtray therapy.
I am a Children and individual Adult therapist specializing in behavioral challenges, anxiety, add/adhd, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Rather than a one size fits all approach to therapy, I pull from a variety of modalities and incorporate different interventions and skills based on the individual clients needs and goals.
![Photo of Joy Lise Steuer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a09e13f0-5ba2-4aa3-aa35-ba1b770d60d4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joy Lise Steuer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nevada City, CA 95959
I specialize in working with the existential nature of the human journey, complex childhood trauma, spiritual path work, play therapy, integration of psychedelics, relational connections, addiction, sexuality and grief.
Therapy is a safe place to explore the depths of your being for the purposes of growth. You are invited to safely explore the wonders of your heart while also feeling held in the pain of your darkness and traumas. Your psyche, your heart, your soul and your personal story are ready for you to explore, transmute, alchemize, rediscover, rewrite and heal in a therapeutic container with intention and care. If you feel called to venture on this path, I would be honored to walk beside you in the bravery of your journey towards your authentic and integrated self. I will hold a compassionate & nurturing container for your process.
I specialize in working with the existential nature of the human journey, complex childhood trauma, spiritual path work, play therapy, integration of psychedelics, relational connections, addiction, sexuality and grief.
Therapy is a safe place to explore the depths of your being for the purposes of growth. You are invited to safely explore the wonders of your heart while also feeling held in the pain of your darkness and traumas. Your psyche, your heart, your soul and your personal story are ready for you to explore, transmute, alchemize, rediscover, rewrite and heal in a therapeutic container with intention and care. If you feel called to venture on this path, I would be honored to walk beside you in the bravery of your journey towards your authentic and integrated self. I will hold a compassionate & nurturing container for your process.
![Photo of Wendy Lair, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee9e7e30-307c-4065-850a-535d422da991/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
![Photo of Stephanie Beermann - Stephanie Beermann, LMFT, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48d45828-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Beermann, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95834
Whether it be art, cognitive behavioral, play, sand tray or talk therapy, I tailor the treatment to each individual that I work with.
I look to create a safe space for my clients, whether it be children, adolescents, adults, families or couples to support progress towards mental health. I enjoy working with a diverse population of individuals and supporting them on their paths. I consider any I spend with clients an honor and privilege. It is not easy to share with others. I work to provide a validating experience for my clients while also remaining attuned to their emotions and needs. I provide Brainspotting, Experiential, CBT, Insight-Oriented and other somatic interventions.
Whether it be art, cognitive behavioral, play, sand tray or talk therapy, I tailor the treatment to each individual that I work with.
I look to create a safe space for my clients, whether it be children, adolescents, adults, families or couples to support progress towards mental health. I enjoy working with a diverse population of individuals and supporting them on their paths. I consider any I spend with clients an honor and privilege. It is not easy to share with others. I work to provide a validating experience for my clients while also remaining attuned to their emotions and needs. I provide Brainspotting, Experiential, CBT, Insight-Oriented and other somatic interventions.
![Photo of Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, MEd, BCBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31dd1d1c-421f-48be-8898-37bb9f65bf43/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aura promotes a naturalistic, play-based and assent-based approach to ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment.
Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, BCBA, is the CEO of Aura Behavioral Health. Aura is a healthcare group founded and led by clinicians who share the goal of fostering hope for children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. We hold a firm belief that all clients are deserving of a better quality of life despite their cultural, developmental or socioeconomic background.
Aura promotes a naturalistic, play-based and assent-based approach to ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment.
Manvel Ter-Pogosyan, BCBA, is the CEO of Aura Behavioral Health. Aura is a healthcare group founded and led by clinicians who share the goal of fostering hope for children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. We hold a firm belief that all clients are deserving of a better quality of life despite their cultural, developmental or socioeconomic background.
![Photo of Melissa Aguirre, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f910daee-963e-43a8-882a-a8dfbb8f59d2/1/320x400.png)
I also love to engage in any art or sand or play therapy to support the client in working on their goals.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for working with individuals who experience stressors and challenges to work collaboratively toward growth and change in their lives. I am based in Santa Maria, California. My approach is cognitive behavior therapy, DBT, and solution-focused. My experience is working with both teens and adults with severe mental illness, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, etc. I have worked in residential youth facilities, mental health agencies, and schools. I have supported clients with life transitions, developing coping skills to access everyday life activities and academics.
I also love to engage in any art or sand or play therapy to support the client in working on their goals.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for working with individuals who experience stressors and challenges to work collaboratively toward growth and change in their lives. I am based in Santa Maria, California. My approach is cognitive behavior therapy, DBT, and solution-focused. My experience is working with both teens and adults with severe mental illness, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, etc. I have worked in residential youth facilities, mental health agencies, and schools. I have supported clients with life transitions, developing coping skills to access everyday life activities and academics.
![Photo of Rowan Foley, EdS, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41a12df2-76ec-4d5f-a9a6-fd6a1e97958b/2/320x400.png)
I provide psychological testing and evaluation to address challenges related to memory, attention (ADHD), learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, etc). In addition to assessment, I also provide individual counseling to build skills that foster independence and increase self-confidence. I utilize play therapy strategies to build self-esteem, and address anxiety and other concerns.
I provide psychological testing and evaluation to address challenges related to memory, attention (ADHD), learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, etc). In addition to assessment, I also provide individual counseling to build skills that foster independence and increase self-confidence. I utilize play therapy strategies to build self-esteem, and address anxiety and other concerns.
![Photo of Allison Hass, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4daa30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Hass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elk Grove, CA 95624 (Online Only)
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Art, Sand Tray, & Play Therapy in my work.
Now Accepting New Clients age 15+ Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Are you struggling to manage/cope with other life stressors/challenges? You have come courageously to the right place.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Art, Sand Tray, & Play Therapy in my work.
Now Accepting New Clients age 15+ Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Are you struggling to manage/cope with other life stressors/challenges? You have come courageously to the right place.
![Photo of Kathryn Taylor, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d339d6d4-11d9-40fa-971c-735bf2ade179/2/320x400.jpeg)
For children, play and art are a vital part of the therapy process.
The search for a therapist often begins at the point when the pain and struggle outweigh the capacity to cope on your own. Whether the search for a therapist is for yourself or your child, to work on a specific challenge or to work through years of challenges, finding relief from the pain and struggle and a path for growth is often the end goal. My intention is to function as a compassionate guide to find the answers within you, perhaps buried under stress and trauma responses which allowed you to survive to this point in your journey.
For children, play and art are a vital part of the therapy process.
The search for a therapist often begins at the point when the pain and struggle outweigh the capacity to cope on your own. Whether the search for a therapist is for yourself or your child, to work on a specific challenge or to work through years of challenges, finding relief from the pain and struggle and a path for growth is often the end goal. My intention is to function as a compassionate guide to find the answers within you, perhaps buried under stress and trauma responses which allowed you to survive to this point in your journey.
![Photo of Skylar Callum Rossy, ACSW, PPSC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b0b4b91-7f2e-4b95-b92e-8b65d1ca8170/2/320x400.jpeg)
Skylar Callum Rossy
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95811
I take a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness and person-centered techniques, trauma-informed and gender-affirming care, feedback-informed treatment, narrative therapy, and play therapy.
Hello everyone! My name is Skylar Rossy (pronouns: he/him/his) and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker with Seeds of Growth Counseling. My goal is to support you with self-empowerment and growth as we navigate difficult emotions and life stressors together.
I take a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness and person-centered techniques, trauma-informed and gender-affirming care, feedback-informed treatment, narrative therapy, and play therapy.
Hello everyone! My name is Skylar Rossy (pronouns: he/him/his) and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker with Seeds of Growth Counseling. My goal is to support you with self-empowerment and growth as we navigate difficult emotions and life stressors together.
![Photo of Christine A. Volker, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc8ad62-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I see children, 3-12 using art therapy & play therapy.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
I see children, 3-12 using art therapy & play therapy.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
![Photo of Renee Bond, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4add17b-96ae-4094-a18e-0d003b128e44/2/320x400.jpeg)
Highly trained in mindfulness, EMDR therapeutic art making and processing, therapeutic play and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Being a human is hard. Sometimes we need a little help to get back on track to our truest self. Together we will forge a powerful partnership learning new tools creating a safe intentional way of being. If you’re a sensitive and probably overwhelmed human ready for a reset, this is the place for you.
Highly trained in mindfulness, EMDR therapeutic art making and processing, therapeutic play and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Being a human is hard. Sometimes we need a little help to get back on track to our truest self. Together we will forge a powerful partnership learning new tools creating a safe intentional way of being. If you’re a sensitive and probably overwhelmed human ready for a reset, this is the place for you.
![Photo of Jennifer Stockslager - Developing Minds Psychology, LLC, LEP, NCC, NCSP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/968d5c29-0485-4167-b72e-66cf83246fd0/3/320x400.jpeg)
She utilizes collaborative problem solving, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, play based therapy, and mindfulness.
Mental health is an important part of an individual's overall health and well-being. It impacts how an individual thinks, feels, and acts; as well as how one handles stress, performs in school, relates or interacts with others, and makes healthy choices. Jen offers consultation, psychoeducational testing, and psychological counseling. She works with children, adolescents, and young adults with learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, trauma and loss, suicidal ideation, behavioral challenges, and school adjustment issues of all kinds.
She utilizes collaborative problem solving, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, play based therapy, and mindfulness.
Mental health is an important part of an individual's overall health and well-being. It impacts how an individual thinks, feels, and acts; as well as how one handles stress, performs in school, relates or interacts with others, and makes healthy choices. Jen offers consultation, psychoeducational testing, and psychological counseling. She works with children, adolescents, and young adults with learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, trauma and loss, suicidal ideation, behavioral challenges, and school adjustment issues of all kinds.
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.