Play Therapy in Hawaii
I am a Registered Play Therapist, I use play and sandtray therapy for children and adolescents to express themselves in other ways than words.
Do you ever feel misunderstood and emotionally stressed; or have you been affected by unexpected life situations (such as Covid 19)? It may be time to talk about some of these stressors in your life. Going through a pandemic and facing natural life challenges can be overwhelming to adults and adolescents. Remotely working and going to school from home has taken us to a point of limited socialization and staying in the confines of our homes to stay healthy. Changes can be difficult for anyone and the uncertainty of this pandemic can be trying and I would like to help.
I am a Registered Play Therapist, I use play and sandtray therapy for children and adolescents to express themselves in other ways than words.
Do you ever feel misunderstood and emotionally stressed; or have you been affected by unexpected life situations (such as Covid 19)? It may be time to talk about some of these stressors in your life. Going through a pandemic and facing natural life challenges can be overwhelming to adults and adolescents. Remotely working and going to school from home has taken us to a point of limited socialization and staying in the confines of our homes to stay healthy. Changes can be difficult for anyone and the uncertainty of this pandemic can be trying and I would like to help.
While working together, we can explore creative approaches such as Walk & Talk Therapy and Outdoor Play Therapy in a scenic Honolulu park.
God created you for greatness. However, challenges in life are attempting to hinder you from being the person you are meant to be. I am here to help. With my laid-back and compassionate approach, I create a warm and safe environment where you will feel validated, empowered, and at times challenged. I value providing holistic therapy, where together we will develop mental, emotional, and spiritual tools that will assist you in becoming your best self. I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults who seek help with identity issues, spiritual development, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and athletic performance.
While working together, we can explore creative approaches such as Walk & Talk Therapy and Outdoor Play Therapy in a scenic Honolulu park.
God created you for greatness. However, challenges in life are attempting to hinder you from being the person you are meant to be. I am here to help. With my laid-back and compassionate approach, I create a warm and safe environment where you will feel validated, empowered, and at times challenged. I value providing holistic therapy, where together we will develop mental, emotional, and spiritual tools that will assist you in becoming your best self. I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults who seek help with identity issues, spiritual development, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and athletic performance.
Ellen Marie Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSCP, LMFT
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96822
Waitlist for new clients
The space offers comfort, art supplies, somatic & play therapy tools.
Currently accepting new clients, and welcoming in-person, tele-health, and eco-therapy sessions. Are you struggling to overcome emotional pain, heal from past hurt or trauma, get “un-stuck”, and create positive changes? I understand what it feels like to feel stuck, to want something different, to know that what you are doing isn’t working and that there is a better way but being unable to let go of unhelpful habits, patterns, social constructs, and/or relationships that are keeping us there. Change is possible and is most possible when one decides they just can’t keep living this way anymore and something must give.
The space offers comfort, art supplies, somatic & play therapy tools.
Currently accepting new clients, and welcoming in-person, tele-health, and eco-therapy sessions. Are you struggling to overcome emotional pain, heal from past hurt or trauma, get “un-stuck”, and create positive changes? I understand what it feels like to feel stuck, to want something different, to know that what you are doing isn’t working and that there is a better way but being unable to let go of unhelpful habits, patterns, social constructs, and/or relationships that are keeping us there. Change is possible and is most possible when one decides they just can’t keep living this way anymore and something must give.
Roswitha Shanahan, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813
Not accepting new clients
I work from a holistic framework, inviting the client's mind and body into the conversation. This style of psychotherapy assists the client in reducing stress levels and going deep into the places where older trauma resides, feelings of depression, restlessness, anxiety, worry, and unease. To help them embrace who they are and to positively inspire them to look inside themselves and discover what they want and how to cope with stressors and emotional turmoil. My approaches to therapy are through supportive, client oriented therapy, eye movement desensitization, play therapy, sand-play therapy, hypnosis, guided breathing, and meditation.
I work from a holistic framework, inviting the client's mind and body into the conversation. This style of psychotherapy assists the client in reducing stress levels and going deep into the places where older trauma resides, feelings of depression, restlessness, anxiety, worry, and unease. To help them embrace who they are and to positively inspire them to look inside themselves and discover what they want and how to cope with stressors and emotional turmoil. My approaches to therapy are through supportive, client oriented therapy, eye movement desensitization, play therapy, sand-play therapy, hypnosis, guided breathing, and meditation.
Michelle Birdsall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kapolei, HI 96707 (Online Only)
When working with children, the use of play therapy is incorporated, as well as parental involvement.
Have you been struggling with sadness, anger, or anxiety? Are there stressors in your life relating to relationships, financial struggles, or loss of a loved one which are impacting you at work, home, or school? Did you recently have a baby and struggling? Did you experience a trauma that continues to creep up in your life. Therapy can be a process for growth and healing. I provide therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Your personal strengths and cultural orientation will be incorporated into your treatment. Taking the first step to contact a therapist can be difficult and I commend you for your courage.
When working with children, the use of play therapy is incorporated, as well as parental involvement.
Have you been struggling with sadness, anger, or anxiety? Are there stressors in your life relating to relationships, financial struggles, or loss of a loved one which are impacting you at work, home, or school? Did you recently have a baby and struggling? Did you experience a trauma that continues to creep up in your life. Therapy can be a process for growth and healing. I provide therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Your personal strengths and cultural orientation will be incorporated into your treatment. Taking the first step to contact a therapist can be difficult and I commend you for your courage.
Sophia Bullard studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Sophia Bullard studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.
I am a licensed psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have a person-centered approach to counseling that focuses on the biopsychosocial spiritual view of others. I practice from an integrative approach to diversity and multicultural aspects of treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an emphasis of treatment. I am a certified clinical trauma professional and a certified compassion fatigue specialist. I am also trained in CBT-I as well as play therapy. I can work with clients in person or via Thera-link an online platform.
I am a licensed psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have a person-centered approach to counseling that focuses on the biopsychosocial spiritual view of others. I practice from an integrative approach to diversity and multicultural aspects of treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an emphasis of treatment. I am a certified clinical trauma professional and a certified compassion fatigue specialist. I am also trained in CBT-I as well as play therapy. I can work with clients in person or via Thera-link an online platform.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
Carol l Nowak
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kaneohe, HI 96744 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use both individual play therapy, parent consultation, and family therapy and utilize behavioral interventions to assist with problems and challenges.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I primarily use a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and family systems approach. Having been in practice for more than 25 years, I have a well rounded and broad background of experience which includes working with all types of clients of all ages with many varying presenting issues. Clients who are best suited for my practice want to become more aware of their issues as they relate to the underlying patterns and dynamics that replicate again and again and cause dysfunction in their lives.
I use both individual play therapy, parent consultation, and family therapy and utilize behavioral interventions to assist with problems and challenges.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I primarily use a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and family systems approach. Having been in practice for more than 25 years, I have a well rounded and broad background of experience which includes working with all types of clients of all ages with many varying presenting issues. Clients who are best suited for my practice want to become more aware of their issues as they relate to the underlying patterns and dynamics that replicate again and again and cause dysfunction in their lives.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Play Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
I believe we all need support from time to time. As a systemic and compassionate therapist, I believe in walking alongside my clients, through the trenches and up the hill. I meet my clients where they are by building a safe haven to work through the difficulties of life.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Play Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
I believe we all need support from time to time. As a systemic and compassionate therapist, I believe in walking alongside my clients, through the trenches and up the hill. I meet my clients where they are by building a safe haven to work through the difficulties of life.
Kimberley Warnecke
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA
Verified Verified
Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (Online Only)
I utilize both directive & non-directive play therapy methods with clients depending on age, treatment goals, presenting concerns, & more.
I was raised on the beautiful Big Island of Hawai’i and served for years as a high school teacher in Kona. I love working with youth and their families and decided to pursue a graduate degree in mental health counseling to serve this community’s youth in a different way. I specialize in working with children/ teens (ages 3-18) and their families, particularly those with a history of trauma. I believe long-term change happens within the family system, and I try to involve parents and caregivers consistently throughout the treatment process because of this.
I utilize both directive & non-directive play therapy methods with clients depending on age, treatment goals, presenting concerns, & more.
I was raised on the beautiful Big Island of Hawai’i and served for years as a high school teacher in Kona. I love working with youth and their families and decided to pursue a graduate degree in mental health counseling to serve this community’s youth in a different way. I specialize in working with children/ teens (ages 3-18) and their families, particularly those with a history of trauma. I believe long-term change happens within the family system, and I try to involve parents and caregivers consistently throughout the treatment process because of this.
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Counselor, LMHC, CSAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96821
Not accepting new clients
Outside stressors can so easily become internal struggles if we let them fester--so, it's important to know when to reach out for support and help. I work with clients of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientations who need guidance and support as they navigate the pitfalls, transitions, and obstacles that are part of the human condition and journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, transitions, play therapy, and relational issues; however, I also have extensive experience helping those with past and current substance abuse.
Outside stressors can so easily become internal struggles if we let them fester--so, it's important to know when to reach out for support and help. I work with clients of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientations who need guidance and support as they navigate the pitfalls, transitions, and obstacles that are part of the human condition and journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, transitions, play therapy, and relational issues; however, I also have extensive experience helping those with past and current substance abuse.
Danelle S K Medeiros
Mental Health Counselor, MSCP, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kapolei, HI 96707
I am a trained and certified Sand Tray Therapist and Play Therapist.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, a traumatic event, abusive relationships, couples and marital difficulties or any type unexpected life changes, I have effective treatments modalities that will changes things to better. Together, we will define the issues and seek treatments that will help you to overcome these challenges. Come in to see me today, so that we can begin to restore balance and mental wellness to your life. My approach is to heal your inner spirit so that you reach your maximum physical goals and desires.
I am a trained and certified Sand Tray Therapist and Play Therapist.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, a traumatic event, abusive relationships, couples and marital difficulties or any type unexpected life changes, I have effective treatments modalities that will changes things to better. Together, we will define the issues and seek treatments that will help you to overcome these challenges. Come in to see me today, so that we can begin to restore balance and mental wellness to your life. My approach is to heal your inner spirit so that you reach your maximum physical goals and desires.
Jina Uyeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96814 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am wholistic, systems based, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I am fluent in Korean. I provide Substance Abuse Assessments and early intervention education. I work with families, couples, individuals and children. I have experience working with trauma, depression, dual diagnosis, children with autism, ADHD, and ADD.I have training in play therapy, EMDR, Gottman methods and mindfulness based treatment modalities. I have also worked as a domestic violence advocate for the Navy and worked with military families.
I am wholistic, systems based, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I am fluent in Korean. I provide Substance Abuse Assessments and early intervention education. I work with families, couples, individuals and children. I have experience working with trauma, depression, dual diagnosis, children with autism, ADHD, and ADD.I have training in play therapy, EMDR, Gottman methods and mindfulness based treatment modalities. I have also worked as a domestic violence advocate for the Navy and worked with military families.
I specialize in play therapy and sand play therapy, using therapeutic toys, sand, figurines, art, and other mediums to work through your child’s conscious and unconscious conflicts to bring about resolution and healing.
Are you a caregiver looking for a therapist for your young child between the ages of 3-8 years old who has experienced trauma (e.g., medical-related trauma, injury, auto accident, near death experience, etc.) or the death of a loved one? Or is your child experiencing a change in their life, and you’re noticing they are not acting quite like themselves? I am here to help my young child clients heal from their experiences- working together with their families towards reducing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and moving forward to feeling better about themselves and their future.
I specialize in play therapy and sand play therapy, using therapeutic toys, sand, figurines, art, and other mediums to work through your child’s conscious and unconscious conflicts to bring about resolution and healing.
Are you a caregiver looking for a therapist for your young child between the ages of 3-8 years old who has experienced trauma (e.g., medical-related trauma, injury, auto accident, near death experience, etc.) or the death of a loved one? Or is your child experiencing a change in their life, and you’re noticing they are not acting quite like themselves? I am here to help my young child clients heal from their experiences- working together with their families towards reducing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and moving forward to feeling better about themselves and their future.
Through play and talk therapy, I can help children or teens improve their self-esteem.
We all experience challenges in our lives, but with insight and strong relationships we can explore new perspectives together. I can assist you with expressing yourself with greater ease and confidence, coping with grief and loss, uncovering and remembering your authentic self, identifying priorities and skills, and developing more peace in your life. Whether you are adjusting to a life change, struggling with anxiety, trauma, or depression, or facing challenges in your relationships, I offer a range of individualized services to help foster awareness, resilience, and positivity.
Through play and talk therapy, I can help children or teens improve their self-esteem.
We all experience challenges in our lives, but with insight and strong relationships we can explore new perspectives together. I can assist you with expressing yourself with greater ease and confidence, coping with grief and loss, uncovering and remembering your authentic self, identifying priorities and skills, and developing more peace in your life. Whether you are adjusting to a life change, struggling with anxiety, trauma, or depression, or facing challenges in your relationships, I offer a range of individualized services to help foster awareness, resilience, and positivity.
Through the utilization of play, movement, music, and art in therapy sessions, I am able to support youth of all ages.
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
Through the utilization of play, movement, music, and art in therapy sessions, I am able to support youth of all ages.
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
Tavita Maea III-Xplor Counseling Llc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aiea, HI 96701
Not accepting new clients
That could be through person-centered therapy, CBT, play therapy, positive psychology, or a mix of helpful and evidence-based modalities.
Support, guidance, tools, compassion, empathy--these are just a few of the many things you need when trying to manage your mental health or come through a crisis. If you've been dealing with depression, struggling with anxiety, or agonizing over a difficult relationship (with a spouse, child, friend, partner), it's important that your therapist show-up for you as you need and meet you where you are.
That could be through person-centered therapy, CBT, play therapy, positive psychology, or a mix of helpful and evidence-based modalities.
Support, guidance, tools, compassion, empathy--these are just a few of the many things you need when trying to manage your mental health or come through a crisis. If you've been dealing with depression, struggling with anxiety, or agonizing over a difficult relationship (with a spouse, child, friend, partner), it's important that your therapist show-up for you as you need and meet you where you are.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and I provide the following services in my private practice: Individual psychotherapy, play therapy for children, couple/marital therapy and family therapy.
In 1996, I began working with culturally diverse children, adolescents, adults and families in Oahu through a community health center in Honolulu.. The increasing need for mental health services for this population has challenged me to recognize, accept, and understand the complexities of their problems - challenges that offer potential for personal and professional growth, creativity, and deeper human connection. I had the opportunity since then to draw on various psychological approaches that include Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Existential, System/Family, Developmental and Psychoeducational.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and I provide the following services in my private practice: Individual psychotherapy, play therapy for children, couple/marital therapy and family therapy.
In 1996, I began working with culturally diverse children, adolescents, adults and families in Oahu through a community health center in Honolulu.. The increasing need for mental health services for this population has challenged me to recognize, accept, and understand the complexities of their problems - challenges that offer potential for personal and professional growth, creativity, and deeper human connection. I had the opportunity since then to draw on various psychological approaches that include Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Existential, System/Family, Developmental and Psychoeducational.
She incorporates DBT, EMDR, EFT, Sand Play and CBT into her therapy.
Moani Silva is an LMFT who was born and raised in Hawaii. She has experience working with people from all different ethnic backgrounds and believes in treating the whole being. She uses a conscious and holistic approach when working with individuals, families and children to help them thrive and experience living life to its fullest. She works to empower clients to awaken their self-guidance system, embrace their authentic selves, open to a life worth living, and step onto their own unique life-path.
She incorporates DBT, EMDR, EFT, Sand Play and CBT into her therapy.
Moani Silva is an LMFT who was born and raised in Hawaii. She has experience working with people from all different ethnic backgrounds and believes in treating the whole being. She uses a conscious and holistic approach when working with individuals, families and children to help them thrive and experience living life to its fullest. She works to empower clients to awaken their self-guidance system, embrace their authentic selves, open to a life worth living, and step onto their own unique life-path.
See more therapy options for Hawaii
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.