Play Therapy in Cocoa Beach, FL
Dr. Neuropsychology Concierge: Cristi Salinas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Dr. Cristi is an expert neuropsychologist, author, international speaker, and mama of a 2e/ADHD son who has worked with 6,000 children and adults. Dr. Cristi specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Gifted, Brain Injury, and Epilepsy. She worked at the number 1 rated Children’s Hospital in the US, Boston Children’s, and contributed to best practices at Harvard, Emory & Advent Health Orlando. She has the unique expertise to identify your strengths and the root cause of your concerns plus she will develop a practical roadmap of interventions/solutions.
Dr. Cristi is an expert neuropsychologist, author, international speaker, and mama of a 2e/ADHD son who has worked with 6,000 children and adults. Dr. Cristi specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Gifted, Brain Injury, and Epilepsy. She worked at the number 1 rated Children’s Hospital in the US, Boston Children’s, and contributed to best practices at Harvard, Emory & Advent Health Orlando. She has the unique expertise to identify your strengths and the root cause of your concerns plus she will develop a practical roadmap of interventions/solutions.
Hi! My name is Drew and I am honored by the potential to walk by your side while navigating any mental health challenges or life issues that may arise. My own personal experiences with mental and behavioral health in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, in addition to being a local and seeing how unaddressed mental health challenges and addiction have impacted many of my friends and the community as a whole, is what acted as a catalyst for my entrance into and my passion for the field of mental health.
Hi! My name is Drew and I am honored by the potential to walk by your side while navigating any mental health challenges or life issues that may arise. My own personal experiences with mental and behavioral health in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, in addition to being a local and seeing how unaddressed mental health challenges and addiction have impacted many of my friends and the community as a whole, is what acted as a catalyst for my entrance into and my passion for the field of mental health.
Alanna Taormina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Online Only)
I take a holistic approach to therapy and address client's concerns from the perspective of their mind, body, and spirit. My role is one of a guide along the journey to wholeness. I offer illumination of integral pieces along your path and help you to integrate these pieces to become a happier, healthier, more authentic you! I truly believe that each individual can heal from emotional pain. I am competent in a variety of theoretical approaches including: Psychodynamic, Transpersonal, Client centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, and CBT. I am trained in EMDR and clinical hypnosis.
I take a holistic approach to therapy and address client's concerns from the perspective of their mind, body, and spirit. My role is one of a guide along the journey to wholeness. I offer illumination of integral pieces along your path and help you to integrate these pieces to become a happier, healthier, more authentic you! I truly believe that each individual can heal from emotional pain. I am competent in a variety of theoretical approaches including: Psychodynamic, Transpersonal, Client centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, and CBT. I am trained in EMDR and clinical hypnosis.
Maricarmen Cruz
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Do your racing thoughts rarely give you a moment of peace? Do you feel judged when you try to explain to others how your past has impacted you? Someone brings up an innocuous topic and suddenly you’re panicking, heart pounding, looking for an exit. You may not even know what exactly is triggering you, but you’re searching for somewhere you can feel safe. As my client, you're safe with me. There's no judgement or unrealistic expectations when you step into my office. My mission as a therapist is to walk alongside you through the struggles you're facing in order to accomplish the goals which are most important to you.
Do your racing thoughts rarely give you a moment of peace? Do you feel judged when you try to explain to others how your past has impacted you? Someone brings up an innocuous topic and suddenly you’re panicking, heart pounding, looking for an exit. You may not even know what exactly is triggering you, but you’re searching for somewhere you can feel safe. As my client, you're safe with me. There's no judgement or unrealistic expectations when you step into my office. My mission as a therapist is to walk alongside you through the struggles you're facing in order to accomplish the goals which are most important to you.
More Therapists Nearby
Individual and family meetings using play and behavior therapy, filial therapy, anxiety management / relaxation and cognitive behavioral interventions.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 1992, serving adults, children and their families. Over 30 yrs experience specializing in children and adolescent issues: school, behavioral, anxiety/mood disorders, special needs, ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum disorders) and developmental delays. Internship completed at Devereux Children's Hospital working with Autism Spectrum and behavioral disorders. Experienced working in-home and schools with children and families regarding abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, attachment disorders and behavioral issues. Coordinated on-site counseling programs for children and families in schools and home
Individual and family meetings using play and behavior therapy, filial therapy, anxiety management / relaxation and cognitive behavioral interventions.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 1992, serving adults, children and their families. Over 30 yrs experience specializing in children and adolescent issues: school, behavioral, anxiety/mood disorders, special needs, ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum disorders) and developmental delays. Internship completed at Devereux Children's Hospital working with Autism Spectrum and behavioral disorders. Experienced working in-home and schools with children and families regarding abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, attachment disorders and behavioral issues. Coordinated on-site counseling programs for children and families in schools and home
Kerry Berner
Counselor, BSW, MA, EdS, LMHC-QS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Now accepting Counselor Supervision and Play Therapy Supervision! At Brevard Counseling, we have counselors who work with CHILDREN as young as 4 using Play Therapy in our Play Therapy Rooms, ADOLESCENTS (struggling with peer pressure, anxiety, divorce, and school issues), INDIVIDUALS (with grief, anxiety, depression, substance issues), and COUPLES/MARRIAGE utilizing the Gottman Method. We have 2 locations! Merritt Island (4 counseling rooms & 1 Play Therapy room) Rockledge (2 counseling rooms & 1 Play Therapy room). We offer many different rate plans including sliding fees if needed and some insurance plans.
Now accepting Counselor Supervision and Play Therapy Supervision! At Brevard Counseling, we have counselors who work with CHILDREN as young as 4 using Play Therapy in our Play Therapy Rooms, ADOLESCENTS (struggling with peer pressure, anxiety, divorce, and school issues), INDIVIDUALS (with grief, anxiety, depression, substance issues), and COUPLES/MARRIAGE utilizing the Gottman Method. We have 2 locations! Merritt Island (4 counseling rooms & 1 Play Therapy room) Rockledge (2 counseling rooms & 1 Play Therapy room). We offer many different rate plans including sliding fees if needed and some insurance plans.
Audrey Jean Jones
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MS, RMHCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
My specialties include healing through play therapy, expressive arts, sandtray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and I am an EMDRIA approved clinician for trauma treatment through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
As a mindfulness-based clinician, I serve individuals, couples, families, and children. It is my intention to guide clients in growing beyond the conflicts that initiated therapy. Often times, people embark on therapy, unknowing why problems persist. Therapy is a journey in which I intend to assist clients in uncovering the unknowns to create a more meaningful life, to better navigate life stressors/unexpected events, and increase confidence in decision making. With intervention and therapeutic alliance, we will work together to reduce the internal conflicts that may contribute to the external problems.
My specialties include healing through play therapy, expressive arts, sandtray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and I am an EMDRIA approved clinician for trauma treatment through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
As a mindfulness-based clinician, I serve individuals, couples, families, and children. It is my intention to guide clients in growing beyond the conflicts that initiated therapy. Often times, people embark on therapy, unknowing why problems persist. Therapy is a journey in which I intend to assist clients in uncovering the unknowns to create a more meaningful life, to better navigate life stressors/unexpected events, and increase confidence in decision making. With intervention and therapeutic alliance, we will work together to reduce the internal conflicts that may contribute to the external problems.
Elana Breiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
Waitlist for new clients
For children, I incorporate CBT into play techniques.
Sometimes we need support from a non-biased professional in a safe, calm environment. If you'd like to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, interact with others, or re-train your thought processes to have more self-control, I am happy to help!
For children, I incorporate CBT into play techniques.
Sometimes we need support from a non-biased professional in a safe, calm environment. If you'd like to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, interact with others, or re-train your thought processes to have more self-control, I am happy to help!
Ilene A. Scharf, MSW, LCSW, Child Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Melbourne, FL 32940
So depending upon what they present, I may use non-directive or directive play therapy or art therapy.
I work exclusively with children aging 18 months to 18 years. I have been treating children in private practice for over 24 years. I treat ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Depression, Grief/Loss due to death, separation/divorce or deployment, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), verbal, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. I have extensive training and experience in treating children of separating & divorcing parents. I work with divorcing parents and their children in the Collaborative Divorce process. I provide them with insight and the tools to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
So depending upon what they present, I may use non-directive or directive play therapy or art therapy.
I work exclusively with children aging 18 months to 18 years. I have been treating children in private practice for over 24 years. I treat ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Depression, Grief/Loss due to death, separation/divorce or deployment, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), verbal, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. I have extensive training and experience in treating children of separating & divorcing parents. I work with divorcing parents and their children in the Collaborative Divorce process. I provide them with insight and the tools to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
I incorporate several techniques including person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), play/art therapy, solution focused, and mindfulness to help you feel more compassionate toward yourself and others.
Life can be difficult, unfair, and unpredictable. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious or having difficulty facing life transitions. Everyone needs a little support once in a while. You do not have to face your challenges alone. Together, we can find a way to make new meaning of your life; change behaviors that leave you feeling disconnected, lost or alone; and focus on your personal strengths and goals. I will work alongside you to help you understand yourself better and learn new ways of thinking about your life and yourself.
I incorporate several techniques including person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), play/art therapy, solution focused, and mindfulness to help you feel more compassionate toward yourself and others.
Life can be difficult, unfair, and unpredictable. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious or having difficulty facing life transitions. Everyone needs a little support once in a while. You do not have to face your challenges alone. Together, we can find a way to make new meaning of your life; change behaviors that leave you feeling disconnected, lost or alone; and focus on your personal strengths and goals. I will work alongside you to help you understand yourself better and learn new ways of thinking about your life and yourself.
Vanessa Matthews
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merritt Island, FL 32953
I graduated from Webster University and have training in and focused on areas such as Play Therapy, use of creative/expressive arts, and I utilize Adlerian, Solution-Focused, and person centered counseling approaches, as well as techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help clients move toward a balanced life.
Across the globe, everyone is dealing with stressors of life, whether it be work, school, relationships, and more. Understanding your feelings, handling life changes, building self-esteem and empowerment are all things that I love to work with clients on. These are things that affect everyone from all ages and all walks of life. If you are looking for balance, clarity, or understanding within your life, my goal is to help you achieve this, reaching mental wellness in a way that meets your needs.
I graduated from Webster University and have training in and focused on areas such as Play Therapy, use of creative/expressive arts, and I utilize Adlerian, Solution-Focused, and person centered counseling approaches, as well as techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help clients move toward a balanced life.
Across the globe, everyone is dealing with stressors of life, whether it be work, school, relationships, and more. Understanding your feelings, handling life changes, building self-esteem and empowerment are all things that I love to work with clients on. These are things that affect everyone from all ages and all walks of life. If you are looking for balance, clarity, or understanding within your life, my goal is to help you achieve this, reaching mental wellness in a way that meets your needs.
Counseling-Consulting-Coaching of Brevard
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merritt Island, FL 32952
Her approach to therapy incorporates Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused, Mindfulness and Play Therapy.
Sherry is a mental health counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working in grief and addiction counseling with both individuals and in family settings. Sherry works with both children and adults who are working through post-traumatic stress, attachment disorders, and ADHD management.
Her approach to therapy incorporates Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused, Mindfulness and Play Therapy.
Sherry is a mental health counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working in grief and addiction counseling with both individuals and in family settings. Sherry works with both children and adults who are working through post-traumatic stress, attachment disorders, and ADHD management.
Joey Jachec, Flourish Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockledge, FL 32955
We may incorporate expressive arts or play based approaches.
Do you find yourself stuck, frustrated, or struggling in some way? Maybe you’re not sure why things are hard, or perhaps you have experienced something awful and wonder how you’ll ever move past it? When painful things happen, we can be left feeling confused, out of control, or unsure how to move forward and heal. You deserve to feel better and I would be honored to help.
We may incorporate expressive arts or play based approaches.
Do you find yourself stuck, frustrated, or struggling in some way? Maybe you’re not sure why things are hard, or perhaps you have experienced something awful and wonder how you’ll ever move past it? When painful things happen, we can be left feeling confused, out of control, or unsure how to move forward and heal. You deserve to feel better and I would be honored to help.
Kimberly Hintz
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA, ITDS , CHT, LMHC-I
Verified Verified
Rockledge, FL 32955
Kimberly specializes in working with children, teens, and women covering a variety of issues. ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, and Womens are just a few areas she specializes in. Kimberly is a Neurodiversity Affirmating therapist that believes treatment should be centered on a client's strengths, not their weaknesses. Kimberly's approach is to serve client needs through a holistic and client centered approach that fosters hope and recovery. Kimberly utilizes evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and EFT (tapping), hypnotherapy, and brainspotting.
Kimberly specializes in working with children, teens, and women covering a variety of issues. ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, and Womens are just a few areas she specializes in. Kimberly is a Neurodiversity Affirmating therapist that believes treatment should be centered on a client's strengths, not their weaknesses. Kimberly's approach is to serve client needs through a holistic and client centered approach that fosters hope and recovery. Kimberly utilizes evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and EFT (tapping), hypnotherapy, and brainspotting.
Genger Kaye Benson Perez
Counselor, MS, LMHC, KAP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Do you sometimes feel alone, stressed, anxious or overwhelmed with your current life situation? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I enjoy helping individuals and couples who realize that it's ok to ask for help during these times. My mission is to help you work through any road blocks that are holding you back from moving forward on your path to a brighter day. I am an EMDREA approved EMDR therapist, an Informed IFS Therapist, call me to set a free 30 minute consult to see if we are a good fit. Ketamine Assisted Therapy consultation available in collaboration with Journey Clinical available upon request.
Do you sometimes feel alone, stressed, anxious or overwhelmed with your current life situation? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I enjoy helping individuals and couples who realize that it's ok to ask for help during these times. My mission is to help you work through any road blocks that are holding you back from moving forward on your path to a brighter day. I am an EMDREA approved EMDR therapist, an Informed IFS Therapist, call me to set a free 30 minute consult to see if we are a good fit. Ketamine Assisted Therapy consultation available in collaboration with Journey Clinical available upon request.
Neuropsychology Concierge: Dr. Cristi Salinas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, FL 32940
Dr. Cristi is an expert neuropsychologist, author, international speaker, and mama of a 2e/ADHD son who has worked with more than 6,000 children and adults. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of various conditions such as ADHD, Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Epilepsy. She worked at the number 1 rated Children’s Hospital in the US, Boston Children’s, and contributed to best practices at Harvard, Emory & Advent Health Orlando. She has the unique expertise to identify your strengths and the root cause of your concerns plus she will develop a roadmap of interventions/solutions.
Dr. Cristi is an expert neuropsychologist, author, international speaker, and mama of a 2e/ADHD son who has worked with more than 6,000 children and adults. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of various conditions such as ADHD, Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Epilepsy. She worked at the number 1 rated Children’s Hospital in the US, Boston Children’s, and contributed to best practices at Harvard, Emory & Advent Health Orlando. She has the unique expertise to identify your strengths and the root cause of your concerns plus she will develop a roadmap of interventions/solutions.
Stephanie Gray Registered Play Therapist
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merritt Island, FL 32952
Sometimes life sucks - Maybe right now, it’s one of those times. Most people feel stuck repeating the same painful patterns - Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you know you’d be happier if you made changes but it feels safer and more comfortable to stay the same. Stuck in negativity and feeling out of control, you may feel like life is out of control. Since you're reading this, there is likely a fire inside you that wants to take control.
Sometimes life sucks - Maybe right now, it’s one of those times. Most people feel stuck repeating the same painful patterns - Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you know you’d be happier if you made changes but it feels safer and more comfortable to stay the same. Stuck in negativity and feeling out of control, you may feel like life is out of control. Since you're reading this, there is likely a fire inside you that wants to take control.
Nicolle Conley
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, RMHCI, MC, MEd
Verified Verified
Merritt Island, FL 32952 (Online Only)
Experience and education have taught me to sit along side... and to listen to the needs of my clients. Allow me the opportunity to share in your experience. Through conversation, activities, and warmth, I will help you move through barriers to find your joy! As a counselor, my primary focus is to help individuals overcome their personal challenges and achieve their goals. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and work towards developing a better understanding of themselves. My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and supportive, yet also challenging when needed.
Experience and education have taught me to sit along side... and to listen to the needs of my clients. Allow me the opportunity to share in your experience. Through conversation, activities, and warmth, I will help you move through barriers to find your joy! As a counselor, my primary focus is to help individuals overcome their personal challenges and achieve their goals. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and work towards developing a better understanding of themselves. My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and supportive, yet also challenging when needed.
Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Have you experienced a loss recently or in the past that you are trying to process? Are you a parent struggling to navigate the challenges of day to day conflicts? Do you struggle with decision making and relationships? I hope that I can help you manage some of these struggles. I have spent my career as an educator and mental health clinician engaging with individuals and families while they seek guidance in these areas. My experience in schools, homes, and agencies has allowed me the opportunity to help these individuals find hope and reach goals.
Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Have you experienced a loss recently or in the past that you are trying to process? Are you a parent struggling to navigate the challenges of day to day conflicts? Do you struggle with decision making and relationships? I hope that I can help you manage some of these struggles. I have spent my career as an educator and mental health clinician engaging with individuals and families while they seek guidance in these areas. My experience in schools, homes, and agencies has allowed me the opportunity to help these individuals find hope and reach goals.
Rev. Nick is the Founder and Director of New Hope Counseling Center. He has been a practicing psychotherapist in the Space Coast since 1990. He received his Master of Arts in Counseling from Rollins College. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is a Certified LMHC Supervisor with the State of Florida and a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Rev. Nick is the Founder and Director of New Hope Counseling Center. He has been a practicing psychotherapist in the Space Coast since 1990. He received his Master of Arts in Counseling from Rollins College. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is a Certified LMHC Supervisor with the State of Florida and a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
See more therapy options for Cocoa Beach
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Cocoa Beach
- Cocoa
- Indialantic
- Melbourne
- Merritt Island
- Palm Bay
- Rockledge
- Saint Cloud
- Satellite Beach
- Sebastian
- Titusville
- Viera
- West Melbourne
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.