Play Therapy in Aurora, IL
I am particularly passionate about utilizing play, sand tray, and EMDR therapies to treat youth with developmental/attachment trauma.
We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
I am particularly passionate about utilizing play, sand tray, and EMDR therapies to treat youth with developmental/attachment trauma.
We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
We offer a safe space to support every person's experience: we offer person-centered counseling, family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy, gender affirming care, support for individuals with autism.
East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. is a private practice with an emphasis on the hierarchy of needs. EAC strives to support mental and emotional health for the individual and the family. East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. aims to support people dealing with issues of poverty and immigration, family, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, and issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. EAC trabaja para promover y apoyar la salud mental y emocional de personas, parejas, familias y grupos. Ayudamos a quienes enfrentan estrés por pobreza e inmigración, familia, crianza, trauma, depresión, ansiedad, identidad de género y otros desafíos.
We offer a safe space to support every person's experience: we offer person-centered counseling, family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy, gender affirming care, support for individuals with autism.
East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. is a private practice with an emphasis on the hierarchy of needs. EAC strives to support mental and emotional health for the individual and the family. East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. aims to support people dealing with issues of poverty and immigration, family, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, and issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. EAC trabaja para promover y apoyar la salud mental y emocional de personas, parejas, familias y grupos. Ayudamos a quienes enfrentan estrés por pobreza e inmigración, familia, crianza, trauma, depresión, ansiedad, identidad de género y otros desafíos.
The goal of my work with clients is to hold up a mirror & to help you recognize the role you play in each of your relationships.
I envision ideal clients as individuals or couples seeking deeper understanding & connection, dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. At Graceful Therapy, my group practice I started almost 6 years ago, we cater to diverse needs. We provide grace-filled therapy to help clients achieve their unique goals. Seek out one of our amazing clinicians and see all the different specialties & therapy types we are able to offer at Graceful Therapy. Whether it be animal based therapy, art therapy, brainspotting, EMDR, we can meet you where you're at & provide the support you are looking for.
The goal of my work with clients is to hold up a mirror & to help you recognize the role you play in each of your relationships.
I envision ideal clients as individuals or couples seeking deeper understanding & connection, dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. At Graceful Therapy, my group practice I started almost 6 years ago, we cater to diverse needs. We provide grace-filled therapy to help clients achieve their unique goals. Seek out one of our amazing clinicians and see all the different specialties & therapy types we are able to offer at Graceful Therapy. Whether it be animal based therapy, art therapy, brainspotting, EMDR, we can meet you where you're at & provide the support you are looking for.
Christine Creighton
Art Therapist, LCPC, ATR-BC, ADHD-, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, IL 60502
I utilize a multi-sensory approach including art making, expressive play, movement, behavioral techniques, and developing coping strategies to help build communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
I utilize a multi-sensory approach including art making, expressive play, movement, behavioral techniques, and developing coping strategies to help build communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
I also help children, youth and families on many issues, incorporating mindfulness, art, play and creativity to ease stress and promote change.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
I also help children, youth and families on many issues, incorporating mindfulness, art, play and creativity to ease stress and promote change.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
In my work with children I use play therapy and have used EMDR with children as well.
I have worked as a counselor for over 20 years. I see people of all ages from 4 years old to 60 years of age. Much of my practice focuses on treating issues of trauma and anxiety. I enjoy seeing the transformation in many of my clients when I treat their trauma issues with EMDR. I also specialize in working with children and families. I treat many types of childhood issues, including behavior problems, depression, ADHD, and abuse issues.
In my work with children I use play therapy and have used EMDR with children as well.
I have worked as a counselor for over 20 years. I see people of all ages from 4 years old to 60 years of age. Much of my practice focuses on treating issues of trauma and anxiety. I enjoy seeing the transformation in many of my clients when I treat their trauma issues with EMDR. I also specialize in working with children and families. I treat many types of childhood issues, including behavior problems, depression, ADHD, and abuse issues.
As a therapist, I enjoy helping individuals and families reach their full potential and overcome obstacles. I encourage clients to learn new skills in therapy, gain insight and learn to collaborate with me, their families, and other important individuals in their lives. I have experience working with young children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and SPD. While working with parents, I respect them as the expert on their children, while providing insight based on experience and knowledge of current research. With young children, I use play therapy to help facilitate communication between the child and the therapist.
As a therapist, I enjoy helping individuals and families reach their full potential and overcome obstacles. I encourage clients to learn new skills in therapy, gain insight and learn to collaborate with me, their families, and other important individuals in their lives. I have experience working with young children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and SPD. While working with parents, I respect them as the expert on their children, while providing insight based on experience and knowledge of current research. With young children, I use play therapy to help facilitate communication between the child and the therapist.
I use modalities such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, Expressive Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Hello, I am devoted to empowering individuals by guiding them through the healing process. An impactful aspect of the therapeutic relationship is to provide you with tools you can use outside of the therapeutic space to improve your life and see change. The most important aspect of therapy for me involves building a trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I take great care to tailor each intervention to fit your goals and needs.
I use modalities such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, Expressive Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Hello, I am devoted to empowering individuals by guiding them through the healing process. An impactful aspect of the therapeutic relationship is to provide you with tools you can use outside of the therapeutic space to improve your life and see change. The most important aspect of therapy for me involves building a trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I take great care to tailor each intervention to fit your goals and needs.
I have experience utilizing play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and Person Centered therapy models.
Hello! My name is Rachel (she/her) and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I love working with children, adolescents and young adults. Focusing primarily on ages 8 through 40, I work best with those struggling with life transitions, trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. I have many years of professional experience working with those experiencing crisis, including clients struggling with suicidal ideation, self harm, homelessness and family and relational conflict. I provide individual, family and parenting counseling. Due to my age (28) adolescents and young adults tend to click well with me!
I have experience utilizing play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and Person Centered therapy models.
Hello! My name is Rachel (she/her) and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I love working with children, adolescents and young adults. Focusing primarily on ages 8 through 40, I work best with those struggling with life transitions, trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. I have many years of professional experience working with those experiencing crisis, including clients struggling with suicidal ideation, self harm, homelessness and family and relational conflict. I provide individual, family and parenting counseling. Due to my age (28) adolescents and young adults tend to click well with me!
I really enjoy working with all clients. I specialize in working with couples and children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. I like combining wellness and mental health. I will incorporate mind and body techniques in my sessions when I feel they would be beneficial. I help couples work on any relationship issues. I help couples effectively communicate with each other. I incorporate art therapy and play therapy when working with kids if needed. Counseling is my passion. I really enjoy helping clients through their struggles.of life. I believe everyone can benefit from counseling.
I really enjoy working with all clients. I specialize in working with couples and children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. I like combining wellness and mental health. I will incorporate mind and body techniques in my sessions when I feel they would be beneficial. I help couples work on any relationship issues. I help couples effectively communicate with each other. I incorporate art therapy and play therapy when working with kids if needed. Counseling is my passion. I really enjoy helping clients through their struggles.of life. I believe everyone can benefit from counseling.
Taking the first step to healing is difficult especially when you are unsure where to start and how to get where you would like, making your first appointment is a great start. Are there thing's that you have experienced that feel unresolved? Julia can help you unpack these experiences, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Julia also enjoys working with parents and children/teenagers to reconnect with one another and be that bridge of communication. Give Julia a call today for a free 15 min consultation to see if she is a good fit for you.
Taking the first step to healing is difficult especially when you are unsure where to start and how to get where you would like, making your first appointment is a great start. Are there thing's that you have experienced that feel unresolved? Julia can help you unpack these experiences, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Julia also enjoys working with parents and children/teenagers to reconnect with one another and be that bridge of communication. Give Julia a call today for a free 15 min consultation to see if she is a good fit for you.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPAIP
Verified Verified
Aurora, IL 60504
Waitlist for new clients
I strive to provide services to anyone feeling misunderstood, unheard, lost or struggling with the next stage in their life. Society can have a picture of what our lives should look like and how we should feel when certain events happen to us, it can get hard when we do not fit into that picture. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and to validate our emotions to be able to find ourselves.
I strive to provide services to anyone feeling misunderstood, unheard, lost or struggling with the next stage in their life. Society can have a picture of what our lives should look like and how we should feel when certain events happen to us, it can get hard when we do not fit into that picture. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and to validate our emotions to be able to find ourselves.
Brian Rzepczynski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DHS, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Aurora, IL 60505 (Online Only)
If you're looking for a therapist who is well-trained in relationships and sex, and you want to take your love-life to the next level, then look no further! I work with individuals and couples, single or partnered, on relationship issues and sexual concerns. I help men and women of all sexual orientations learn how to establish and maintain long-term, healthy, fulfilling, and thriving relationships. Whether you're looking for dating coaching, relationship enrichment, or healing a troubled partnership, my mission is to help you achieve the type of relationship you've always wanted!
If you're looking for a therapist who is well-trained in relationships and sex, and you want to take your love-life to the next level, then look no further! I work with individuals and couples, single or partnered, on relationship issues and sexual concerns. I help men and women of all sexual orientations learn how to establish and maintain long-term, healthy, fulfilling, and thriving relationships. Whether you're looking for dating coaching, relationship enrichment, or healing a troubled partnership, my mission is to help you achieve the type of relationship you've always wanted!
**MEDICAID PLANS ACCEPTED** It's a brave step to reach out for support, especially when parts of life have become unmanageable. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for us to begin the process of healing and working through the different obstacles that you may face. Together we will take the time to increase your level of self-awareness, and discuss how you can make the changes you want to see. Email is my preferred method of communication but feel free to call as well. I accept a number of insurance plans including Blue Cross Community Health, Meridian, and Molina.
**MEDICAID PLANS ACCEPTED** It's a brave step to reach out for support, especially when parts of life have become unmanageable. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for us to begin the process of healing and working through the different obstacles that you may face. Together we will take the time to increase your level of self-awareness, and discuss how you can make the changes you want to see. Email is my preferred method of communication but feel free to call as well. I accept a number of insurance plans including Blue Cross Community Health, Meridian, and Molina.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, stress, or other challenges, together we can work on learning positive coping skills and behaviors to help improve your thought process and mood. I can assist you in improving your communication, increasing your resilience, and identifying your personal strengths. I am here to help guide you towards understanding yourself and your needs while learning the tools that will assist you in reaching your treatment goals. I am bilingual and provide services in English and Spanish.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, stress, or other challenges, together we can work on learning positive coping skills and behaviors to help improve your thought process and mood. I can assist you in improving your communication, increasing your resilience, and identifying your personal strengths. I am here to help guide you towards understanding yourself and your needs while learning the tools that will assist you in reaching your treatment goals. I am bilingual and provide services in English and Spanish.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Aurora understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Aurora understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Are you chronically worried and/or unhappy -- and can't "snap out of it?" Maybe you're stuck. Perhaps you feel lonely and misunderstood. I'd like to give you personal attention, understand you, and provide you warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental support and guidance. Together, we can identify and understand the causes of your pain, reinstill hope, and find ways for you to cope and regain pleasure in the here-and-now. My research on loss and mother-daughter relationships strengthens my work with individuals; couples; gender issues; parenting; anxiety and depression; and adjustment to loss and overall life changes.
Are you chronically worried and/or unhappy -- and can't "snap out of it?" Maybe you're stuck. Perhaps you feel lonely and misunderstood. I'd like to give you personal attention, understand you, and provide you warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental support and guidance. Together, we can identify and understand the causes of your pain, reinstill hope, and find ways for you to cope and regain pleasure in the here-and-now. My research on loss and mother-daughter relationships strengthens my work with individuals; couples; gender issues; parenting; anxiety and depression; and adjustment to loss and overall life changes.
“My goal is to make a difference in a person’s life by providing a safe environment, advocating for social justice, actively engaging in my community, helping clients develop and utilize problem-solving techniques and positive coping mechanisms.”
“My goal is to make a difference in a person’s life by providing a safe environment, advocating for social justice, actively engaging in my community, helping clients develop and utilize problem-solving techniques and positive coping mechanisms.”
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Aurora, IL 60505
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, in a variety of mental health settings including: hospitals, private practice, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health. I specialize in the treatment of Mood, Personality, Trauma and Attachment disorder. My special interests include Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Issues regarding Divorce, Adoption Issues, Personality Disorders, Parent Education/Training, Post-Partum Depression and Transgender issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, in a variety of mental health settings including: hospitals, private practice, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health. I specialize in the treatment of Mood, Personality, Trauma and Attachment disorder. My special interests include Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Issues regarding Divorce, Adoption Issues, Personality Disorders, Parent Education/Training, Post-Partum Depression and Transgender issues.
See more therapy options for Aurora
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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.