Play Therapy in Ankeny, IA
I have experience in working with children and adolescents (ages 6-17), families and adults. I utilize play therapy techniques to assist children in coping with big emotions. I also utilize a client-centered approach and am passionate about helping individuals grow and overcome challenges throughout their life. Whether you have current stressors you need help navigating or challenges from the past you are ready to talk about, I am here to help along the way. If you believe I may be the right therapist for you, please reach out. I look forward to meeting you!
I have experience in working with children and adolescents (ages 6-17), families and adults. I utilize play therapy techniques to assist children in coping with big emotions. I also utilize a client-centered approach and am passionate about helping individuals grow and overcome challenges throughout their life. Whether you have current stressors you need help navigating or challenges from the past you are ready to talk about, I am here to help along the way. If you believe I may be the right therapist for you, please reach out. I look forward to meeting you!
Areas of specialty: Trauma, anxiety, and play therapy.
Just as sometimes people get sick and need to visit a doctor, sometimes people need to visit a therapist. This could be due to a clinical diagnosis such as depression or anxiety, the desire to cope with past trauma, or just in response to the many and varied challenges of life. It takes courage and determination to reach out for help, and I hope that I can help. I believe we all have the ability to achieve lasting change and peace on our own, we just sometimes need help finding the way.
Areas of specialty: Trauma, anxiety, and play therapy.
Just as sometimes people get sick and need to visit a doctor, sometimes people need to visit a therapist. This could be due to a clinical diagnosis such as depression or anxiety, the desire to cope with past trauma, or just in response to the many and varied challenges of life. It takes courage and determination to reach out for help, and I hope that I can help. I believe we all have the ability to achieve lasting change and peace on our own, we just sometimes need help finding the way.
I currently work with children and adolescents who are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, mood dysregulation, anger, and trauma. In a typical session, we may work on grounding and mindfulness techniques as well as coping skills. We also may explore your child's emotions through play or talk therapy. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and child-centered theories. I also use play therapy modalities as well as sand tray therapy.
I currently work with children and adolescents who are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, mood dysregulation, anger, and trauma. In a typical session, we may work on grounding and mindfulness techniques as well as coping skills. We also may explore your child's emotions through play or talk therapy. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and child-centered theories. I also use play therapy modalities as well as sand tray therapy.
With children and adolescents, I utilize a lot of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques as well as play therapy.
I am dedicated to helping clients reach their goals and live the life they wish to have. I am passionate about mental health and am proud to offer services that assist with difficult symptoms and the challenges that life throws us.
With children and adolescents, I utilize a lot of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques as well as play therapy.
I am dedicated to helping clients reach their goals and live the life they wish to have. I am passionate about mental health and am proud to offer services that assist with difficult symptoms and the challenges that life throws us.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Making the decision to start therapy can be one of the hardest decisions to make. I am Erin, a compassionate therapist dedicated to fostering growth and resilience. Guided by a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy, I specialize in weaving play therapy techniques, sand tray, and cognitive-behavioral therapy into our therapeutic journey. I empower clients to understand and reshape their thought patterns. My utilization of play therapy techniques and sand tray facilitates a unique and effective approach, especially with younger clients or those who find traditional talk therapy challenging.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Making the decision to start therapy can be one of the hardest decisions to make. I am Erin, a compassionate therapist dedicated to fostering growth and resilience. Guided by a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy, I specialize in weaving play therapy techniques, sand tray, and cognitive-behavioral therapy into our therapeutic journey. I empower clients to understand and reshape their thought patterns. My utilization of play therapy techniques and sand tray facilitates a unique and effective approach, especially with younger clients or those who find traditional talk therapy challenging.
Child-centered play therapy can help all children express their emotions constructively.
Hi! I'm Amy Parker Reid. I am a master's level social worker in central Iowa with over 16 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. While on my journey I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa's mental health system, available resources in the DSM area, and special education services. As a former special education teacher and counselor, I have seen first-hand how difficult adjusting to new circumstances, routines, and relationships can bring about intense emotions and challenging behaviors. These stressors can often lead to a pattern of negative interactions and power struggles leaving parents frustrated.
Child-centered play therapy can help all children express their emotions constructively.
Hi! I'm Amy Parker Reid. I am a master's level social worker in central Iowa with over 16 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. While on my journey I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa's mental health system, available resources in the DSM area, and special education services. As a former special education teacher and counselor, I have seen first-hand how difficult adjusting to new circumstances, routines, and relationships can bring about intense emotions and challenging behaviors. These stressors can often lead to a pattern of negative interactions and power struggles leaving parents frustrated.
The decision to seek therapy can often feel intimidating and vulnerable. As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and empowering space to explore your individual needs within the context of your overall environment. My goal is to help promote healing and growth that feels personalized and attainable to your specific needs, experiences, and values, as well as providing you with the opportunity to collaborate on a treatment plan tailored to your mental health and overcoming the challenges life throws your way.
The decision to seek therapy can often feel intimidating and vulnerable. As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and empowering space to explore your individual needs within the context of your overall environment. My goal is to help promote healing and growth that feels personalized and attainable to your specific needs, experiences, and values, as well as providing you with the opportunity to collaborate on a treatment plan tailored to your mental health and overcoming the challenges life throws your way.
Leita received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and her Masters in Science of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Illinois University. Leita has previous experience working with a variety of ages and is interested in working with adolescence and adults. She focuses on areas such as trauma, depression and anxiety, neurodiversity, needs for individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as LGBTQ+ needs.
Leita received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and her Masters in Science of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Illinois University. Leita has previous experience working with a variety of ages and is interested in working with adolescence and adults. She focuses on areas such as trauma, depression and anxiety, neurodiversity, needs for individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as LGBTQ+ needs.
Full Heart Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
My professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns including symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, relationship distress, self-harm, domestic violence and much more. With over 15 years of mental health experience my empathetic, client-centered approach empowers my clients to feel heard and understood through the therapeutic relationship.
My professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns including symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, relationship distress, self-harm, domestic violence and much more. With over 15 years of mental health experience my empathetic, client-centered approach empowers my clients to feel heard and understood through the therapeutic relationship.
I am here to guide you back to yourself. I believe you are actually the one who “knows,” and my job is to help you rebuild the trust you have within yourself to access your own knowing. My approach is rooted in relationships as the foundation of healing, esp. the relationship we have with ourselves. My intention is to assist you in re-discovering the authentic essence of who you are and to help you become more embodied, integrated and whole. I take a trauma informed, client-centered approach and draw from principals based on the interconnection of our beliefs, emotions, body, nervous system, brain, experiences and relationships.
I am here to guide you back to yourself. I believe you are actually the one who “knows,” and my job is to help you rebuild the trust you have within yourself to access your own knowing. My approach is rooted in relationships as the foundation of healing, esp. the relationship we have with ourselves. My intention is to assist you in re-discovering the authentic essence of who you are and to help you become more embodied, integrated and whole. I take a trauma informed, client-centered approach and draw from principals based on the interconnection of our beliefs, emotions, body, nervous system, brain, experiences and relationships.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
Clear Brook Counseling Professionals
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC, CCH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
NOW OFFERING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ANKENY AND AMES. At Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, we work together to provide you the therapy - family, couples, or individual that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We believe life has meaning, and every moment is worth living. That's the end goal. At Clear Brook you'll experience a team of counselors, proven treatment, and techniques that work. The process is about finding clarity in the situation, and seeing change. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals weave proven practices and life-exercises into your therapy to help foster results.
NOW OFFERING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ANKENY AND AMES. At Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, we work together to provide you the therapy - family, couples, or individual that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We believe life has meaning, and every moment is worth living. That's the end goal. At Clear Brook you'll experience a team of counselors, proven treatment, and techniques that work. The process is about finding clarity in the situation, and seeing change. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals weave proven practices and life-exercises into your therapy to help foster results.
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
William F Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
Are you looking for support to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains, including social, work, school, or family relationships. We would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you or your family member. The warm and supportive environment in our office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), job stress, and other life stressors.
Are you looking for support to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains, including social, work, school, or family relationships. We would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you or your family member. The warm and supportive environment in our office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), job stress, and other life stressors.
It takes a lot of courage to seek outside help when you or your family is struggling. If you choose to work with Kasey, the importance of feeling safe and comfortable is understood and is the framework for building trust in the counseling environment. Kasey's hope is that you will feel the support you need to create the changes you would like to see in your life.
It takes a lot of courage to seek outside help when you or your family is struggling. If you choose to work with Kasey, the importance of feeling safe and comfortable is understood and is the framework for building trust in the counseling environment. Kasey's hope is that you will feel the support you need to create the changes you would like to see in your life.
Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, tLMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
My ideal clients range from individuals of all ages, couples, and families. They face challenges like parenting struggles, relationship issues, existential crises, and mental health concerns. They seek growth, connection, and courage to make life changes. Their goals are to flourish in relationships, overcome fears, and find meaning. They desire unconditional acceptance and support to become their best selves. My practice, Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy, provides compassionate, trusting, and transformative care, helping clients leave feeling better and more empowered.
My ideal clients range from individuals of all ages, couples, and families. They face challenges like parenting struggles, relationship issues, existential crises, and mental health concerns. They seek growth, connection, and courage to make life changes. Their goals are to flourish in relationships, overcome fears, and find meaning. They desire unconditional acceptance and support to become their best selves. My practice, Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy, provides compassionate, trusting, and transformative care, helping clients leave feeling better and more empowered.
Danielle L Sodergren
Counselor, LMHC, IAADC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to help clients gain understanding and insight into the underlying causes of thoughts and behaviors that may no longer serve them. I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy, using a number of different evidence based therapeutic techniques tailored to meet the individual needs of each of my clients.
My goal is to help clients gain understanding and insight into the underlying causes of thoughts and behaviors that may no longer serve them. I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy, using a number of different evidence based therapeutic techniques tailored to meet the individual needs of each of my clients.
Lorilei Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
I am an attachment and trauma-informed therapist. Our first priority will be to establish trust, mutual respect, consistency, and predictability so that you begin to feel safe. We will help you discover your strengths and will create goals to help you become your "best self". I prefer to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, including teaching about attachment, neuroscience, mindfulness, coping skills, and how the body and brain work together to process our emotions. Note: Taking clients in Illinois only. Iowa clients will be referred to clinicians within our agency- www.inclusiveinsight.net.
I am an attachment and trauma-informed therapist. Our first priority will be to establish trust, mutual respect, consistency, and predictability so that you begin to feel safe. We will help you discover your strengths and will create goals to help you become your "best self". I prefer to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, including teaching about attachment, neuroscience, mindfulness, coping skills, and how the body and brain work together to process our emotions. Note: Taking clients in Illinois only. Iowa clients will be referred to clinicians within our agency- www.inclusiveinsight.net.
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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.