Play Therapy in Des Moines, IA
I have completed 40 hours of formal play therapy training.
I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to New Orleans in 2008, where I completed my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I enjoy working with individuals through the different life stages especially children, couples and families. I am passionate about social justice, diversity/multicultural issues, neuro-divergence, mindfulness and physical/mental wellness. As a “systemic thinker”, I believe it is important to focus on an individual’s family of origin and identifying family dynamics and patterns to help them solve their problems.
I have completed 40 hours of formal play therapy training.
I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to New Orleans in 2008, where I completed my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I enjoy working with individuals through the different life stages especially children, couples and families. I am passionate about social justice, diversity/multicultural issues, neuro-divergence, mindfulness and physical/mental wellness. As a “systemic thinker”, I believe it is important to focus on an individual’s family of origin and identifying family dynamics and patterns to help them solve their problems.
Kristin Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50313
Waitlist for new clients
I have attended a broad range of trainings and utilize elements from a variety of therapeutic modalities to offer an individualized approach that best meets your needs, including but not limited to expressive arts, play therapy, sand tray, applied behavior analysis, and body-centered psychotherapies.
My work is to support individuals and families facing challenges that stem from co-occurring mental health, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. I believe in partnering with you to offer individualized services that serve to enhance overall independence, resilience, and wellbeing. We will work together collaboratively, connecting and integrating both mind, body, and spirit to heal, grow, develop, and acquire new skills. I specialize in working with individuals and families to decrease maladaptive behavior and build regulation, social, and safety skills. My approach is non-judgmental, playful, educational, and supportive.
I have attended a broad range of trainings and utilize elements from a variety of therapeutic modalities to offer an individualized approach that best meets your needs, including but not limited to expressive arts, play therapy, sand tray, applied behavior analysis, and body-centered psychotherapies.
My work is to support individuals and families facing challenges that stem from co-occurring mental health, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. I believe in partnering with you to offer individualized services that serve to enhance overall independence, resilience, and wellbeing. We will work together collaboratively, connecting and integrating both mind, body, and spirit to heal, grow, develop, and acquire new skills. I specialize in working with individuals and families to decrease maladaptive behavior and build regulation, social, and safety skills. My approach is non-judgmental, playful, educational, and supportive.
Phuong N. Chastain
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50313
Waitlist for new clients
Taking that first step to healing is a step you don't have to take on your own. I have a passion in guiding and supporting those who have the courage to want to take steps to heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University and completed my art therapy certificate from Grandview University. I have experience using art and play therapy techniques with children, adolescents and young adults in both inpatient and outpatient therapy settings.
Taking that first step to healing is a step you don't have to take on your own. I have a passion in guiding and supporting those who have the courage to want to take steps to heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University and completed my art therapy certificate from Grandview University. I have experience using art and play therapy techniques with children, adolescents and young adults in both inpatient and outpatient therapy settings.
Marissa Franklin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults. Therapy services should focus on you. Your needs, Your barriers, Your voice. Your mental health. It’s all about YOU! As a therapist I want to provide a space that can be all about you. I strive to create a place that feels safe and welcoming for you to explore and initiate personal growth. I enjoy using a combination of approaches from client- centered, strengths- based, play therapy to meditation and mindfulness. Processing and healing from your experiences is a priority to me.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults. Therapy services should focus on you. Your needs, Your barriers, Your voice. Your mental health. It’s all about YOU! As a therapist I want to provide a space that can be all about you. I strive to create a place that feels safe and welcoming for you to explore and initiate personal growth. I enjoy using a combination of approaches from client- centered, strengths- based, play therapy to meditation and mindfulness. Processing and healing from your experiences is a priority to me.
I am able to offer a variety of counseling modalities such as Individual therapy, group consultation, play therapy, sports and performance counseling, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Andrea Vignovich (she/her) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). An important part of my therapeutic role is to meet you where you are on your journey toward emotional wellness and stability. I believe empathy, empowerment, and connection can help lead you toward your personal goals. In counseling, it is pivotal to create a safe and open space for you to foster growth and learning in yourself and your goals. Seeking counseling can be scary and challenging, however, it can also be rewarding and its effects are long-lasting. I hope to join you on your journey of growth and emotional wellbeing.
I am able to offer a variety of counseling modalities such as Individual therapy, group consultation, play therapy, sports and performance counseling, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Andrea Vignovich (she/her) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). An important part of my therapeutic role is to meet you where you are on your journey toward emotional wellness and stability. I believe empathy, empowerment, and connection can help lead you toward your personal goals. In counseling, it is pivotal to create a safe and open space for you to foster growth and learning in yourself and your goals. Seeking counseling can be scary and challenging, however, it can also be rewarding and its effects are long-lasting. I hope to join you on your journey of growth and emotional wellbeing.
I am trained in EMDR & play therapy.
Being a kid is hard sometimes. Being a parent or caregiver can be hard too. Perhaps life has taken an unexpected turn. Maybe the stressors feel too big to handle or things just don’t feel right & you aren’t sure why. Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your child’s behavior & mood. Loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, or issues related to adoption, foster care or abuse can leave your child (and you) feeling lost, hopeless, confused, & hurting. Life doesn’t have to feel so hard & you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to walk alongside you & your child with compassion and care as you navigate life’s twists & turns.
I am trained in EMDR & play therapy.
Being a kid is hard sometimes. Being a parent or caregiver can be hard too. Perhaps life has taken an unexpected turn. Maybe the stressors feel too big to handle or things just don’t feel right & you aren’t sure why. Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your child’s behavior & mood. Loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, or issues related to adoption, foster care or abuse can leave your child (and you) feeling lost, hopeless, confused, & hurting. Life doesn’t have to feel so hard & you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to walk alongside you & your child with compassion and care as you navigate life’s twists & turns.
Hallie Henely
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50321
I also love using play therapy & sand tray with children.
My name is Hallie and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults with various emotional needs. I specialize in treating trauma and have experience working with all ages on processing and healing after trauma, however I also see adults and children for anxiety, depression, or difficulty in relationships. I tend to develop a teamwork approach with my clients. Developing a trusting, comfortable relationship is an important part of the therapy process. I enjoy using humor, games, art and music in my therapy sessions - whatever fits for you!
I also love using play therapy & sand tray with children.
My name is Hallie and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults with various emotional needs. I specialize in treating trauma and have experience working with all ages on processing and healing after trauma, however I also see adults and children for anxiety, depression, or difficulty in relationships. I tend to develop a teamwork approach with my clients. Developing a trusting, comfortable relationship is an important part of the therapy process. I enjoy using humor, games, art and music in my therapy sessions - whatever fits for you!
Heidi Valdez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
I also understand the role diet/nutrition and exercise play into our mental health and wellness and how important it is to look at clients holistically.
Are you feeling stuck in your life, school, career, sports performance and/or relationships? Could your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health be better? If so, I am here to help. In a supportive environment, we will work together to build whole health and wellness while integrating both mind and body approaches. We all need support and guidance throughout our lives and I am passionate about supporting athletes, teachers, children, parents, and families in being the best they can be no matter what struggles may come their way. I do have openings at this time.
I also understand the role diet/nutrition and exercise play into our mental health and wellness and how important it is to look at clients holistically.
Are you feeling stuck in your life, school, career, sports performance and/or relationships? Could your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health be better? If so, I am here to help. In a supportive environment, we will work together to build whole health and wellness while integrating both mind and body approaches. We all need support and guidance throughout our lives and I am passionate about supporting athletes, teachers, children, parents, and families in being the best they can be no matter what struggles may come their way. I do have openings at this time.
My passion is working with children, young adults and their families in dealing with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, self-esteem, grief, divorce, parenting concerns, and family conflict. I believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative journey that involves the entire family. As a therapist it is a privilege to witness this journey and to offer compassion, validation, support, and education along the way. I utilize a wide variety of approaches, including play therapy, when working with clients so that each client gets exactly what they need.
My passion is working with children, young adults and their families in dealing with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, self-esteem, grief, divorce, parenting concerns, and family conflict. I believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative journey that involves the entire family. As a therapist it is a privilege to witness this journey and to offer compassion, validation, support, and education along the way. I utilize a wide variety of approaches, including play therapy, when working with clients so that each client gets exactly what they need.
Alli Conrad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with kids using play-based interventions. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows children to use toys and other play materials to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a registered play therapist with many hours of specialized training in play therapy techniques. I am also trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with kids using play-based interventions. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows children to use toys and other play materials to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a registered play therapist with many hours of specialized training in play therapy techniques. I am also trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Humble Hearts Counseling Services LLC
Counselor, LCPC-S, LPC-S, LMHC, CPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50325
Is your child struggling at home, school or just in any social setting? Is your family in chaos during family events? Are you searching for answers and help to equip your child with the skills needed to maintain? Here at Humble Hearts Counseling we use attachment based therapy methods to help children and families sort things out and get back on track. Humble Hearts Counseling provides high quality therapy services. We practice Play Therapy and CBT Play therapy to help children express their emotions and communicate effectively.
Is your child struggling at home, school or just in any social setting? Is your family in chaos during family events? Are you searching for answers and help to equip your child with the skills needed to maintain? Here at Humble Hearts Counseling we use attachment based therapy methods to help children and families sort things out and get back on track. Humble Hearts Counseling provides high quality therapy services. We practice Play Therapy and CBT Play therapy to help children express their emotions and communicate effectively.
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Amber McKinney-Morgan
Real Connections Counseling, A Cotherapy company!
I have experience in working with children and adolescents (ages 4-17), 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 4-17), 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!
Megan Hasley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, CFLE, IMH-E
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50316
With children, I utilize play interventions, sand tray work, and art activities.
I believe people heal through relationship and healthy connections. Whether these relationships be a parent-child connection, romantic relationship, supportive friendship, or a healthy relationship with yourself. I offer a strengths based and trauma informed therapeutic approach to work with adults, children, and families to meet your unique needs.
With children, I utilize play interventions, sand tray work, and art activities.
I believe people heal through relationship and healthy connections. Whether these relationships be a parent-child connection, romantic relationship, supportive friendship, or a healthy relationship with yourself. I offer a strengths based and trauma informed therapeutic approach to work with adults, children, and families to meet your unique needs.
Rickelle Curtis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50310
Welcome! If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally, I respect you for taking a step toward enhancing your mental health! Life can be hard and when we as adults, or our children, experience challenges we respond to them from our perspective and with the tools we have access to. Through therapy, you will unravel your thoughts, using talk, play, art, or other modes, while integrating new tools to grow. With experience in mental health, I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities with clients managing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioral, and adjustment-related issues.
Welcome! If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally, I respect you for taking a step toward enhancing your mental health! Life can be hard and when we as adults, or our children, experience challenges we respond to them from our perspective and with the tools we have access to. Through therapy, you will unravel your thoughts, using talk, play, art, or other modes, while integrating new tools to grow. With experience in mental health, I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities with clients managing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioral, and adjustment-related issues.
My approach to therapy is integrative and strengths-based, drawing from CBT, solution-focused therapies, family systems, narrative, play therapy, and person-centered therapy.
Together, we will foster growth and resilience, guiding you on a towards greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. I focus my career on empowering individuals and couples to navigate the complexities of life's challenges. I offer treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues. I also help couples rediscover intimacy, communication, and trust. I have experience guiding couples and non-monogamous partners through crises, whether it's navigating infidelity, communication breakdowns, or life transitions that strain their bond.
My approach to therapy is integrative and strengths-based, drawing from CBT, solution-focused therapies, family systems, narrative, play therapy, and person-centered therapy.
Together, we will foster growth and resilience, guiding you on a towards greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. I focus my career on empowering individuals and couples to navigate the complexities of life's challenges. I offer treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues. I also help couples rediscover intimacy, communication, and trust. I have experience guiding couples and non-monogamous partners through crises, whether it's navigating infidelity, communication breakdowns, or life transitions that strain their bond.
Blaine Conrad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50310
I specialize in treating trauma through the use of EMDR, play therapy, and sand tray therapy.
Finding the right therapist for you is important. In order to know if I might be the right fit for you, here are a few things about me and my work with clients. I enjoy supporting clients on their healing journey. The types of clients I have the most experience working with would be individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I work with both children and adults. My main approach to treatment is EMDR therapy.
I specialize in treating trauma through the use of EMDR, play therapy, and sand tray therapy.
Finding the right therapist for you is important. In order to know if I might be the right fit for you, here are a few things about me and my work with clients. I enjoy supporting clients on their healing journey. The types of clients I have the most experience working with would be individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I work with both children and adults. My main approach to treatment is EMDR therapy.
At Healing Collective, we offer personalized therapy with specialties in play therapy, somatic therapy, and trauma-focused approaches.
Are you looking to better manage your anxiety, depression, or trauma? Our team of counselors have opening to help you recover from past trauma, improve coping strategies, and manage difficult life changes and adjustments. Here we utilize a variety of techniques but we focus on making sure you feel safe and comfortable in our office to share your story and to heal in the places you need to heal. We believe in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship that encourages open communication, emotional safety, trust, and mutual respect.
At Healing Collective, we offer personalized therapy with specialties in play therapy, somatic therapy, and trauma-focused approaches.
Are you looking to better manage your anxiety, depression, or trauma? Our team of counselors have opening to help you recover from past trauma, improve coping strategies, and manage difficult life changes and adjustments. Here we utilize a variety of techniques but we focus on making sure you feel safe and comfortable in our office to share your story and to heal in the places you need to heal. We believe in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship that encourages open communication, emotional safety, trust, and mutual respect.
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.
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.
Hello & welcome, friend. I am truly glad you are here. I enjoy working with all people but specialize in working with clients with trauma histories who feel disconnected from their bodies, have a hard time feeling their emotions, being vulnerable & are unable to 'disarm' & connect with others. Utilizing a person centered, queer feminist lens, I weave EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with somatic body experiencing, storytelling, parts work, imaginative play, guided imagery as well as expressive and mindfulness practices to promote internal growth within my clients.
Hello & welcome, friend. I am truly glad you are here. I enjoy working with all people but specialize in working with clients with trauma histories who feel disconnected from their bodies, have a hard time feeling their emotions, being vulnerable & are unable to 'disarm' & connect with others. Utilizing a person centered, queer feminist lens, I weave EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with somatic body experiencing, storytelling, parts work, imaginative play, guided imagery as well as expressive and mindfulness practices to promote internal growth within my clients.
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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.