Play Therapy in Chicago Ridge, IL
The Center for Psychological Services
Psychologist, MSN, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
The Center for Psychological Services is dedicated to assisting adults, adolescents, and children to achieve their goals and thrive at each stage of life. We view problems as opportunities for change. Our treatment approach is grounded in our respect for the strong link between mind and body, and proven therapeutic methodologies tailored to each person's unique needs, circumstances, and goals. We assist you in making desired changes in practical ways that will have lasting results. Due to the wide variety of therapists at our center, we cover about 90% of the specialties below.
The Center for Psychological Services is dedicated to assisting adults, adolescents, and children to achieve their goals and thrive at each stage of life. We view problems as opportunities for change. Our treatment approach is grounded in our respect for the strong link between mind and body, and proven therapeutic methodologies tailored to each person's unique needs, circumstances, and goals. We assist you in making desired changes in practical ways that will have lasting results. Due to the wide variety of therapists at our center, we cover about 90% of the specialties below.
More Therapists Nearby
Kathy O'Dwyer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, MC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Starting 10/19/24: Biweekly Saturday afternoon openings, some weekday evenings open. - Please see pictures below of the play therapy room. Do you have a child or teen struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, peer relationships, and/or depression? Is your child showing a lot of anger, refusing to go to school, or getting in trouble at school often? Is your child staying in their room all day, on their devices constantly, or rarely interacting with the family? Sometimes, allowing a child or teen to have an outlet to talk to someone other than family or friends, could help them tremendously. I am here to help!
Starting 10/19/24: Biweekly Saturday afternoon openings, some weekday evenings open. - Please see pictures below of the play therapy room. Do you have a child or teen struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, peer relationships, and/or depression? Is your child showing a lot of anger, refusing to go to school, or getting in trouble at school often? Is your child staying in their room all day, on their devices constantly, or rarely interacting with the family? Sometimes, allowing a child or teen to have an outlet to talk to someone other than family or friends, could help them tremendously. I am here to help!
Maria Potter Counseling Services
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
We play an active role in therapy and believe in gently challenging clients in both thoughts and behaviors.
We believe that the most important factor of successful treatment is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. We believe in focusing on what works to help our clients make progress and move toward a healthy and happy life. We are trained in several types of therapeutic interventions and find that using a mixture of these interventions work extremely well. I invite you to contact us if you find yourself in a place of needing guidance or support in overcoming obstacles that are holding you back from where you want to be in your life. We offer services in English, Polish and Spanish.
We play an active role in therapy and believe in gently challenging clients in both thoughts and behaviors.
We believe that the most important factor of successful treatment is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. We believe in focusing on what works to help our clients make progress and move toward a healthy and happy life. We are trained in several types of therapeutic interventions and find that using a mixture of these interventions work extremely well. I invite you to contact us if you find yourself in a place of needing guidance or support in overcoming obstacles that are holding you back from where you want to be in your life. We offer services in English, Polish and Spanish.
Susan Ryan-Michalak
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, LBSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palos Heights, IL 60463
I have training in: Play Therapy, children's anxieties, ABA Natural Pairing,and teaching parents how to help their child's behaviors at home,and socially.
Telehealth/ Video Counseling now offered. Are you in need to talk to someone right now? I'm here. I AM PASSIONATE about HELPING others with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, divorce, and life changing events. Are you going through something new, a life changing event that happened or something you have been struggling with for awhile? My goal is to facilitate clients to reach THEIR GOALS in a safe, respectful, non-judgmental environment. I believe everyone can achieve the success they want and feel better. You don't have to do it alone. I am fully trained with many techniques and experience to get you where you want to be.
I have training in: Play Therapy, children's anxieties, ABA Natural Pairing,and teaching parents how to help their child's behaviors at home,and socially.
Telehealth/ Video Counseling now offered. Are you in need to talk to someone right now? I'm here. I AM PASSIONATE about HELPING others with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, divorce, and life changing events. Are you going through something new, a life changing event that happened or something you have been struggling with for awhile? My goal is to facilitate clients to reach THEIR GOALS in a safe, respectful, non-judgmental environment. I believe everyone can achieve the success they want and feel better. You don't have to do it alone. I am fully trained with many techniques and experience to get you where you want to be.
Laurie Siegel
Counselor, LCPC, MA, CADC, MISAII, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palos Heights, IL 60463
I use a variety of clinical formats including; talk, play, puppetry and well as group therapy.
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." I believe I can assist you in your life's journey to achieve happiness! Through counseling, we can explore ways for you to achieve your personal vision of happiness. Together, we will create goals, develop strategies, and develop a life plan that works for you. I will assist you on building a balanced lifestyle, which would lead to emotional wellness. In addition, as part of your treatment plan, I will utilize relaxation training and cognitive behavioral treatment strategies.
I use a variety of clinical formats including; talk, play, puppetry and well as group therapy.
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." I believe I can assist you in your life's journey to achieve happiness! Through counseling, we can explore ways for you to achieve your personal vision of happiness. Together, we will create goals, develop strategies, and develop a life plan that works for you. I will assist you on building a balanced lifestyle, which would lead to emotional wellness. In addition, as part of your treatment plan, I will utilize relaxation training and cognitive behavioral treatment strategies.
Inas Abuhasna
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Not Verified Not Verified
Palos Heights, IL 60463
I, also, work with children individually using play and art therapy techniques to develop emotional understanding and increase their ability for regulation.
You won't hear "It's going to be okay, I know how you feel, you will get over it" when you come to me. I understand that the hour you pay for is your hour and you will get the chance to say whatever it is that you want to say guilt-free. Saying things out loud to a trained listener will help you understand your world view in a different way. In turn, you will develop insight and coping skills.
I, also, work with children individually using play and art therapy techniques to develop emotional understanding and increase their ability for regulation.
You won't hear "It's going to be okay, I know how you feel, you will get over it" when you come to me. I understand that the hour you pay for is your hour and you will get the chance to say whatever it is that you want to say guilt-free. Saying things out loud to a trained listener will help you understand your world view in a different way. In turn, you will develop insight and coping skills.
Marlee Elslager
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Life can be messy, and everyone's experience is unique. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to providing individualized care. I believe that each person is special, and their experiences should be celebrated and honored. My person-centered approach focuses on identifying and utilizing each individual's strengths, using evidence-based practices to guide our work together. Additionally, I am dedicated to being an empathetic support throughout any transitions and hardships that life may present such as pregnancy, parenthood, traumas, grief, career transitions and more.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Life can be messy, and everyone's experience is unique. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to providing individualized care. I believe that each person is special, and their experiences should be celebrated and honored. My person-centered approach focuses on identifying and utilizing each individual's strengths, using evidence-based practices to guide our work together. Additionally, I am dedicated to being an empathetic support throughout any transitions and hardships that life may present such as pregnancy, parenthood, traumas, grief, career transitions and more.
My passion lies in working together with clients to discover strengths and healthy alternatives to issues that hold them back from achieving their dreams and overall happiness. My experience working with adolescents, children and adults includes both teaching, coaching and counseling in schools and hospital outpatient treatment centers. I look forward to working together with teens, individuals, parents and family and feel confident in the benefits of a therapeutic relationship. Please call to schedule a mutually convenient time to talk. Make today a new beginning for you.
My passion lies in working together with clients to discover strengths and healthy alternatives to issues that hold them back from achieving their dreams and overall happiness. My experience working with adolescents, children and adults includes both teaching, coaching and counseling in schools and hospital outpatient treatment centers. I look forward to working together with teens, individuals, parents and family and feel confident in the benefits of a therapeutic relationship. Please call to schedule a mutually convenient time to talk. Make today a new beginning for you.
Sophia Papageorge-Karvelas
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LMT, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Palos Hills, IL 60465
Welcome! Looking for support, healing, and to make life changes?! Do you want to find out how your diet is affecting your mental health & your overall wellness?! Nutritional Psychotherapy is the way to go! What we eat either supports our wellbeing or hinders it! Mood follows Food! I am a multi-disciplinary licensed clinical psychotherapist. I use my knowledge of psychology, health, nutrition, & bodywork to help people reconnect with their best selves and flourish! I focus on a mind & body connection. My passion is to work with people on their therapeutic journey and help them overcome emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues.
Welcome! Looking for support, healing, and to make life changes?! Do you want to find out how your diet is affecting your mental health & your overall wellness?! Nutritional Psychotherapy is the way to go! What we eat either supports our wellbeing or hinders it! Mood follows Food! I am a multi-disciplinary licensed clinical psychotherapist. I use my knowledge of psychology, health, nutrition, & bodywork to help people reconnect with their best selves and flourish! I focus on a mind & body connection. My passion is to work with people on their therapeutic journey and help them overcome emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues.
In my work, I assist my clients to develop greater insight into and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressing situations in their life. I strive to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment and provide clinical insight to guide them through this process.
In my work, I assist my clients to develop greater insight into and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressing situations in their life. I strive to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment and provide clinical insight to guide them through this process.
Foundations Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing anxiety, stress, unexplained sadness, isolation, intrusive thoughts, relationship or marriage problems? Are you struggling with low self-esteem, low self-worth? Are you having challenges with navigating life transitions? Finding a therapist could seem difficult, but seeking help is the first step to overcoming life’s challenges. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have over 10 years of experience providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed counseling to individuals, couples, and families.
Are you experiencing anxiety, stress, unexplained sadness, isolation, intrusive thoughts, relationship or marriage problems? Are you struggling with low self-esteem, low self-worth? Are you having challenges with navigating life transitions? Finding a therapist could seem difficult, but seeking help is the first step to overcoming life’s challenges. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have over 10 years of experience providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed counseling to individuals, couples, and families.
I want to assist people in solving their own problems as well as empowering them to develop skills so that they can do it themselves. My inspiration to become a social worker stemmed from my desire to make a positive impact in people's lives. I have always been passionate about the wellbeing of people I come into contact with. My focus is to establish rapport & build relationships with clients. In addition to assessing clients' mental health needs. Researching mental health resources for clients such as substance abuse rehabilitation programs, domestic violence services, and suicide prevention resources.
I want to assist people in solving their own problems as well as empowering them to develop skills so that they can do it themselves. My inspiration to become a social worker stemmed from my desire to make a positive impact in people's lives. I have always been passionate about the wellbeing of people I come into contact with. My focus is to establish rapport & build relationships with clients. In addition to assessing clients' mental health needs. Researching mental health resources for clients such as substance abuse rehabilitation programs, domestic violence services, and suicide prevention resources.
As a dedicated clinician, my primary goal is to guide you through life's challenges and help you develop effective coping strategies. With extensive experience in implementing behavioral plans and designated interventions, I have worked with clients facing a range of intellectual disabilities, including autism. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that each client receives tailored and effective support.
As a dedicated clinician, my primary goal is to guide you through life's challenges and help you develop effective coping strategies. With extensive experience in implementing behavioral plans and designated interventions, I have worked with clients facing a range of intellectual disabilities, including autism. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that each client receives tailored and effective support.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I create a space of safety and trust. I listen and provide support to assist in the process of self-discovery, healing, growth and empowerment. I am committed to treating individuals, couples, and children and developing strategies that improve your mental and spiritual health. I am experienced in treating anxiety, anger management, depression, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress, racial trauma and healthy relationship management.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I create a space of safety and trust. I listen and provide support to assist in the process of self-discovery, healing, growth and empowerment. I am committed to treating individuals, couples, and children and developing strategies that improve your mental and spiritual health. I am experienced in treating anxiety, anger management, depression, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress, racial trauma and healthy relationship management.
Ashley Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Are you tired of dealing with your inner thoughts alone? Do you feel as if no one understands you, and you are alone in this world? Well, I am here to tell you, you are not! I provide a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can develop coping skills, enhance their self-awareness, and build resilience. I have assisted both adolescents and adults with overcoming trauma, suicidal ideations, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and complex relationships.
Are you tired of dealing with your inner thoughts alone? Do you feel as if no one understands you, and you are alone in this world? Well, I am here to tell you, you are not! I provide a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can develop coping skills, enhance their self-awareness, and build resilience. I have assisted both adolescents and adults with overcoming trauma, suicidal ideations, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and complex relationships.
Nicola Milton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (Online Only)
As a faith-based counselor, I am committed to integrating psychological principles with spiritual perspectives to facilitate mental and emotional healing, personal growth, and well-being. I strive to empower my clients and help individuals confront and shift their perspectives, allowing them to overcome their life's challenges.
As a faith-based counselor, I am committed to integrating psychological principles with spiritual perspectives to facilitate mental and emotional healing, personal growth, and well-being. I strive to empower my clients and help individuals confront and shift their perspectives, allowing them to overcome their life's challenges.
Are you going through a life transition, burnt out, insecure, anxious, depressed, feeling stuck, or experiencing grief and struggling with a loss? Are you ready for a change and unsure how to navigate a path forward? Throughout life, we can embark on many different journeys. Sometimes we are unsure if our next move will be the best move. We occasionally run into detours that knock us off our path, and sometimes life hits hard and stray us completely off course. The best part is that we can always get back on course to continue toward our desired destination.
Are you going through a life transition, burnt out, insecure, anxious, depressed, feeling stuck, or experiencing grief and struggling with a loss? Are you ready for a change and unsure how to navigate a path forward? Throughout life, we can embark on many different journeys. Sometimes we are unsure if our next move will be the best move. We occasionally run into detours that knock us off our path, and sometimes life hits hard and stray us completely off course. The best part is that we can always get back on course to continue toward our desired destination.
Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s in counseling from Saint Xavier University. Elizabeth received a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy from Oakland University and is also a registered handler through Pet Partners. Elizabeth has experience working with mild to severe mental illness, as well as children and adults with developmental disabilities in outpatient settings. Elizabeth has worked in Community Agencies as a Mental Health Counselor, providing individual, group, couples and family counseling. Elizabeth also has a background in animal training, enrichment and rescue.
Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s in counseling from Saint Xavier University. Elizabeth received a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy from Oakland University and is also a registered handler through Pet Partners. Elizabeth has experience working with mild to severe mental illness, as well as children and adults with developmental disabilities in outpatient settings. Elizabeth has worked in Community Agencies as a Mental Health Counselor, providing individual, group, couples and family counseling. Elizabeth also has a background in animal training, enrichment and rescue.
With 10+ years of experience, I have grown to believe that therapy is a personal journey involving self exploration, rediscovering one’s strengths, and learning new tools through transitional and difficult periods in life. I understand therapy as a process that is unique to the individual and therefore creates a focus on how therapy best fits the uniqueness of each client. I feel that therapy is a journey where the therapist and client identify a road map towards individual goals together, while working to establish the confidence and the resources so that the client may best continue their journey after therapy.
With 10+ years of experience, I have grown to believe that therapy is a personal journey involving self exploration, rediscovering one’s strengths, and learning new tools through transitional and difficult periods in life. I understand therapy as a process that is unique to the individual and therefore creates a focus on how therapy best fits the uniqueness of each client. I feel that therapy is a journey where the therapist and client identify a road map towards individual goals together, while working to establish the confidence and the resources so that the client may best continue their journey after therapy.
I believe therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist, working together to understand and shift patterns that may not be working for you anymore. I understand the strength it takes to face challenges and the sense of vulnerability that goes along with it. I believe the relationship that develops between client and therapist fosters a comfortable space where honest dialogue can happen. My approach is straightforward, encouraging and comes with a bit of humor as a way to remind ourselves that life is supposed to be enjoyed.
I believe therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist, working together to understand and shift patterns that may not be working for you anymore. I understand the strength it takes to face challenges and the sense of vulnerability that goes along with it. I believe the relationship that develops between client and therapist fosters a comfortable space where honest dialogue can happen. My approach is straightforward, encouraging and comes with a bit of humor as a way to remind ourselves that life is supposed to be enjoyed.
See more therapy options for Chicago Ridge
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Chicago Ridge
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Burr Ridge
- Evergreen Park
- La Grange
- Oak Forest
- Oak Lawn
- Orland Park
- Palos Heights
- Riverside
- Tinley Park
- Western Springs
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.