Play Therapy in Woodstock, GA
I believe that you’re the expert on your mental and emotional well-being and that when we work together through creative expression, play therapy, and talk therapy, we can truly find joy and fulfillment in our daily lives.
Hello, my name is Rachel Raven and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Georgia in 2011 and received my Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University in 2016. I have had diverse experience including hospital case management, child/adolescent grief counseling, group work with Cirque du Monde (a circus outreach program for at-risk youth), and domestic violence survivor support. Additionally, I volunteer annually at Give Kids the World Village in Orlando, which is an accessible resort for Make-A-Wish children and their families.
I believe that you’re the expert on your mental and emotional well-being and that when we work together through creative expression, play therapy, and talk therapy, we can truly find joy and fulfillment in our daily lives.
Hello, my name is Rachel Raven and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Georgia in 2011 and received my Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University in 2016. I have had diverse experience including hospital case management, child/adolescent grief counseling, group work with Cirque du Monde (a circus outreach program for at-risk youth), and domestic violence survivor support. Additionally, I volunteer annually at Give Kids the World Village in Orlando, which is an accessible resort for Make-A-Wish children and their families.
Kristi Cronan
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
As an experienced Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I value using developmentally & neurologically informed treatment methods to meet your child where they are and reduce the stressful symptoms they are experiencing.
Being a parent is the hardest job on the planet. It can feel impossible to know what is truly going on in your child's mind and heart, and it can be even more daunting to figure out how to help them when you see that they need additional support. Pediatric clinical counseling can help identify what is happening, select realistic goals for care, provide treatment plans that will produce results, and educate parents on how to effectively support and influence their children. I specialize in treating a wide variety of needs, but traditionally I work most with children and teens experiencing stress from trauma, anxiety, and depression.
As an experienced Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I value using developmentally & neurologically informed treatment methods to meet your child where they are and reduce the stressful symptoms they are experiencing.
Being a parent is the hardest job on the planet. It can feel impossible to know what is truly going on in your child's mind and heart, and it can be even more daunting to figure out how to help them when you see that they need additional support. Pediatric clinical counseling can help identify what is happening, select realistic goals for care, provide treatment plans that will produce results, and educate parents on how to effectively support and influence their children. I specialize in treating a wide variety of needs, but traditionally I work most with children and teens experiencing stress from trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Kristi Cronan
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS, RPT-S™
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
As a registered play therapist, I utilize research-supported play therapy techniques to support children ages 5-12.
I specialize with adults who have experienced trauma and are managing anxiety, depression, codependency issues, attachment wounds, and shame-based living. My clients are often looking for a transformative therapy experience that provides deep insights into who they are, how they got here, and where they go from here to be healthy, authentic, and confident. Sessions are supportive, non-judgmental, and individualized for your needs and comfort level. We frequently use interventions like traditional talk therapy and creative expressive experiences (if you are interested!) to explore the connections between your mind, body, & emotions.
As a registered play therapist, I utilize research-supported play therapy techniques to support children ages 5-12.
I specialize with adults who have experienced trauma and are managing anxiety, depression, codependency issues, attachment wounds, and shame-based living. My clients are often looking for a transformative therapy experience that provides deep insights into who they are, how they got here, and where they go from here to be healthy, authentic, and confident. Sessions are supportive, non-judgmental, and individualized for your needs and comfort level. We frequently use interventions like traditional talk therapy and creative expressive experiences (if you are interested!) to explore the connections between your mind, body, & emotions.
Sherrie Sperling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
Treatment approaches utilized include play therapy, CBT and client focused therapy.
I enjoy working with all populations. My passion for helping others continues to grow each day. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I utilize the best evidence based practice technique for each individual. I listen to my clients, offer support, encouragement and hope.
Treatment approaches utilized include play therapy, CBT and client focused therapy.
I enjoy working with all populations. My passion for helping others continues to grow each day. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I utilize the best evidence based practice technique for each individual. I listen to my clients, offer support, encouragement and hope.
Shauna Sue Michaels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
I am trained in Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy.
I have the core belief that hope and healing is possible for clients I work with. I have been working in the field of social work with youth, children, and families for the past 11 years. It is my goal to serve as a team with my client and their family/support system; working to meet client developed treatment goals. I have experience working with foster/adoptive families and foster youth. I have enjoyed providing counseling to adults, families, teens, and children in their school, home, and community. I have been honored to see the growth and change and build positive relationships with the client's I work with.
I am trained in Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy.
I have the core belief that hope and healing is possible for clients I work with. I have been working in the field of social work with youth, children, and families for the past 11 years. It is my goal to serve as a team with my client and their family/support system; working to meet client developed treatment goals. I have experience working with foster/adoptive families and foster youth. I have enjoyed providing counseling to adults, families, teens, and children in their school, home, and community. I have been honored to see the growth and change and build positive relationships with the client's I work with.
As a masters level mental health clinician and play therapist in training, I am directly supervised by Kristi Cronan, PhD, LPC, ACS, RPT.
Finding a therapist that you connect well with is a daunting task. It is my goal to ensure that you feel supported and equipped to meet your counseling goals, whatever they may be. I typically partner with adults, children, and teens to assist them with anxiety, depression, behavioral needs, trauma, and solution-focused care. Care can range from empirically supported play therapy interventions for kids to experiential and awareness-building talk therapy for teens and adults. Ultimately, we will work together to find a treatment path that fits your unique needs and preferences.
As a masters level mental health clinician and play therapist in training, I am directly supervised by Kristi Cronan, PhD, LPC, ACS, RPT.
Finding a therapist that you connect well with is a daunting task. It is my goal to ensure that you feel supported and equipped to meet your counseling goals, whatever they may be. I typically partner with adults, children, and teens to assist them with anxiety, depression, behavioral needs, trauma, and solution-focused care. Care can range from empirically supported play therapy interventions for kids to experiential and awareness-building talk therapy for teens and adults. Ultimately, we will work together to find a treatment path that fits your unique needs and preferences.
Dillon Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30189
Waitlist for new clients
I use person-centered, CBT, DBT, family systems, motivational interviewing, play therapy, recreational therapy, and expressive/art therapy.
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do." - Bren'e Brown. We are the authors of our own life story and you have now started the next chapter in your story by reaching out for help. I focus my practice on providing a safe space for all clients to share their story as well as creating an environment that promotes collaboration and relationship building. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families that present with a variety of needs such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, ADHD, grief, and anger management.
I use person-centered, CBT, DBT, family systems, motivational interviewing, play therapy, recreational therapy, and expressive/art therapy.
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do." - Bren'e Brown. We are the authors of our own life story and you have now started the next chapter in your story by reaching out for help. I focus my practice on providing a safe space for all clients to share their story as well as creating an environment that promotes collaboration and relationship building. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families that present with a variety of needs such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, ADHD, grief, and anger management.
Dunia Lobo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
Some of my specialties are: Sand Tray Therapy, Play therapy, EMDR Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT utilized to change thoughts, feelings and negative behaviors.
Clients and Colleagues recommend me for my exceptional ability to connect, understand and show compassion, resulting in positive outcomes. For over 20 years, I have promoted mental health, personal growth and wellness in children, adolescents and adults so they can achieve their full potential. I encourage and support my clients while preparing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to be empowered. I assist my clients through their life journey, taking into account each person in his/her full dimensions: mind, body and spirit. I strongly believe in the human capacity to heal, grow and overcome life's challenges.
Some of my specialties are: Sand Tray Therapy, Play therapy, EMDR Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT utilized to change thoughts, feelings and negative behaviors.
Clients and Colleagues recommend me for my exceptional ability to connect, understand and show compassion, resulting in positive outcomes. For over 20 years, I have promoted mental health, personal growth and wellness in children, adolescents and adults so they can achieve their full potential. I encourage and support my clients while preparing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to be empowered. I assist my clients through their life journey, taking into account each person in his/her full dimensions: mind, body and spirit. I strongly believe in the human capacity to heal, grow and overcome life's challenges.
Jennifer Kuck
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdS, LMFT, LPC, CSAT, CPCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
I am trained as a play and adventure therapist.
I specialize in strengthening couple and family relationships, whether daily challenges or more serious issues involving infidelity, addiction, or betrayal trauma. I work to increase happiness through strengthening, remodeling, or rebuilding relationships. I help clients build communication, conflict resolution, and life skills as well as increasing connection. I work with people across the lifespan, from children to adolescents, to adults, individually or in a relationship. As a play therapist, I am skilled in working with children and adolescents. As a marriage and family therapist, I love to help build couple and family skills.
I am trained as a play and adventure therapist.
I specialize in strengthening couple and family relationships, whether daily challenges or more serious issues involving infidelity, addiction, or betrayal trauma. I work to increase happiness through strengthening, remodeling, or rebuilding relationships. I help clients build communication, conflict resolution, and life skills as well as increasing connection. I work with people across the lifespan, from children to adolescents, to adults, individually or in a relationship. As a play therapist, I am skilled in working with children and adolescents. As a marriage and family therapist, I love to help build couple and family skills.
Stephanie Gillenwater
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
I am trained in EMDR, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and I am a certified Autism Play therapist.
I began my career in mental health at a psychiatric hospital, where I gained extensive experience working with a diverse array of diagnoses, such as Major Depression Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In my role, I focus on helping individuals manage and reduce their symptoms, while also equipping them with effective coping strategies. I am dedicated to supporting clients in their journey towards emotional stability and personal growth. My ultimate goal is to empower people to build a life that is not only manageable but also deeply fulfilling and worth living.
I am trained in EMDR, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and I am a certified Autism Play therapist.
I began my career in mental health at a psychiatric hospital, where I gained extensive experience working with a diverse array of diagnoses, such as Major Depression Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In my role, I focus on helping individuals manage and reduce their symptoms, while also equipping them with effective coping strategies. I am dedicated to supporting clients in their journey towards emotional stability and personal growth. My ultimate goal is to empower people to build a life that is not only manageable but also deeply fulfilling and worth living.
I have specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, which allows me to connect with clients as young as three in a way that is both fun and effective.
As a licensed professional counselor I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where my clients can explore and overcome their challenges. My practice is grounded in a deep respect for each person’s unique journey, with a focus on working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, suicidal, and self harming clients. I find working with 'tough cookies'—clients who meet life's challenges with a strong and determined spirit—especially rewarding. Whether my client is a kiddo with big feelings and behavioral issues or a young adult struggling to find a reason to keep going, I am happy to join with them as they work towards recovery.
I have specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, which allows me to connect with clients as young as three in a way that is both fun and effective.
As a licensed professional counselor I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where my clients can explore and overcome their challenges. My practice is grounded in a deep respect for each person’s unique journey, with a focus on working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, suicidal, and self harming clients. I find working with 'tough cookies'—clients who meet life's challenges with a strong and determined spirit—especially rewarding. Whether my client is a kiddo with big feelings and behavioral issues or a young adult struggling to find a reason to keep going, I am happy to join with them as they work towards recovery.
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Are you ready to Be Brave and work with a therapist? I help children, teens, and women find lasting calm, confidence, answers, and healing. For parents of aggressive, anxious, and impulsive children: Are you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with your child? Is your child often angry, or ignoring you? As a Registered Play Therapist, I help children and teens calm their emotions, build confidence, connect with others, and heal. I help them learn to manage their feelings and behaviors. I also work closely with you, the parent, to build your confidence, and improve your connection with your child. Let me help you control your destiny.
Are you ready to Be Brave and work with a therapist? I help children, teens, and women find lasting calm, confidence, answers, and healing. For parents of aggressive, anxious, and impulsive children: Are you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with your child? Is your child often angry, or ignoring you? As a Registered Play Therapist, I help children and teens calm their emotions, build confidence, connect with others, and heal. I help them learn to manage their feelings and behaviors. I also work closely with you, the parent, to build your confidence, and improve your connection with your child. Let me help you control your destiny.
A child brings many relationships into the play room-caregivers, teachers, mentors, etc.
Play Therapist Accepting Saturday Clients - Kids have incredible internal resources for healing and resiliency, but sometimes, those resources are blocked. Through play and creative expression, I partner with kids to affirm and connect with themselves. My approach is compassionate. Some require many sessions, and other require a more longterm relationship - I'm here to meet your child wherever they are.
A child brings many relationships into the play room-caregivers, teachers, mentors, etc.
Play Therapist Accepting Saturday Clients - Kids have incredible internal resources for healing and resiliency, but sometimes, those resources are blocked. Through play and creative expression, I partner with kids to affirm and connect with themselves. My approach is compassionate. Some require many sessions, and other require a more longterm relationship - I'm here to meet your child wherever they are.
Brittany is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment with life transitions, and relationship or family conflict. She believes each client’s journey is unique, and people are doing the best they can. For those who find themselves overwhelmed in relationships, adjusting to new challenges, or feel the world’s weight is on their shoulders, you don't have to walk that journey alone.
Brittany is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment with life transitions, and relationship or family conflict. She believes each client’s journey is unique, and people are doing the best they can. For those who find themselves overwhelmed in relationships, adjusting to new challenges, or feel the world’s weight is on their shoulders, you don't have to walk that journey alone.
Kirsten P Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188 (Online Only)
"My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. I've been told by clients that I am "annoyingly optimistic" but that I also "tell it like it is." I expect you to be the "driver" of your therapy while I navigate and provide various paths for you.
"My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. I've been told by clients that I am "annoyingly optimistic" but that I also "tell it like it is." I expect you to be the "driver" of your therapy while I navigate and provide various paths for you.
Alma Gardarsdottir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
Are you an athlete or a parent of an athlete that has been struggling with Anxiety, Trauma, or performance issues and you are not sure where to start or how to help yourself or your child? I specialize in utilizing EMDR to support the mental health and treatment of sports performance problems caused by negative experiences, trauma, or injury. These experiences, commonly known as slumps, mental blocks, and yips, can often lead to Lost Move Syndrome (LMS) and hinder an athlete's peak performance.
Are you an athlete or a parent of an athlete that has been struggling with Anxiety, Trauma, or performance issues and you are not sure where to start or how to help yourself or your child? I specialize in utilizing EMDR to support the mental health and treatment of sports performance problems caused by negative experiences, trauma, or injury. These experiences, commonly known as slumps, mental blocks, and yips, can often lead to Lost Move Syndrome (LMS) and hinder an athlete's peak performance.
*****Not Accepting New Clients | Self-Pay Only***** No matter what phase of parenting you are in, I can help prepare you for success on your parenting journey. I specialize in working with young children and new moms. If you are struggling with your young child’s behavior, with feeling connected with your child, or with the adjustment to motherhood, please reach out to me. Being a parent isn’t easy and is often isolating. COVID has made circumstances even harder for many families. It’s okay to ask for help!
*****Not Accepting New Clients | Self-Pay Only***** No matter what phase of parenting you are in, I can help prepare you for success on your parenting journey. I specialize in working with young children and new moms. If you are struggling with your young child’s behavior, with feeling connected with your child, or with the adjustment to motherhood, please reach out to me. Being a parent isn’t easy and is often isolating. COVID has made circumstances even harder for many families. It’s okay to ask for help!
Colleen P. Panunzio
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
Thank you for checking out my profile! I welcome any questions that you may have prior to scheduling. I'm accepting new patients and I have been in private practice for 24 years. I offer a direct and genuine approach in a supportive environment to help people identify their unhealthy patterns of behaviors that contribute to the difficulties in our lives. I believe in a person's ability to change. My goal is to provide the most effective therapeutic services in a safe, caring, and empathetic environment. I believe that while an understanding of the past is essential, positive change occurs in the present.
Thank you for checking out my profile! I welcome any questions that you may have prior to scheduling. I'm accepting new patients and I have been in private practice for 24 years. I offer a direct and genuine approach in a supportive environment to help people identify their unhealthy patterns of behaviors that contribute to the difficulties in our lives. I believe in a person's ability to change. My goal is to provide the most effective therapeutic services in a safe, caring, and empathetic environment. I believe that while an understanding of the past is essential, positive change occurs in the present.
Melissa King
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
Providing therapy for children, teens and adult women since 2010 with quality and care. Providing clinical supervision for APCs and aspiring RPTs since 2018.
Providing therapy for children, teens and adult women since 2010 with quality and care. Providing clinical supervision for APCs and aspiring RPTs since 2018.
Mariana Shively
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188 (Online Only)
Counseling is a form of self-care. People go to therapy for various reasons: working out conflicts, improving relationships and behavior, healing from trauma, receiving treatment for mental health conditions, or just having a safe, neutral space to talk about life. You may be looking for support managing symptoms of a chronic mental health issue like anxiety or depression, or you may want a different perspective on a difficult relationship in your life. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, it is valid, and I am here to support and guide you.
Counseling is a form of self-care. People go to therapy for various reasons: working out conflicts, improving relationships and behavior, healing from trauma, receiving treatment for mental health conditions, or just having a safe, neutral space to talk about life. You may be looking for support managing symptoms of a chronic mental health issue like anxiety or depression, or you may want a different perspective on a difficult relationship in your life. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, it is valid, and I am here to support and guide you.
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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.