Play Therapy in Chicago, IL
I find it valuable to incorporate art, play, music, and other creative techniques in sessions to cultivate an engaging and personalized therapeutic environment.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.
I find it valuable to incorporate art, play, music, and other creative techniques in sessions to cultivate an engaging and personalized therapeutic environment.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.
Austin Knott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I utilize motivational interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, strengths-based approaches, and play therapy to support your journey.
I’m Austin, a dedicated therapist with a passion for supporting kids, teens, and adults through life’s challenges. My practice is rooted in creating a welcoming and warm space where humor and empathy are integral to our work together. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative and engaging process, and I strive to make every session a step toward meaningful growth and understanding. I specialize in addressing a range of issues including ADHD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, boundaries, relationship concerns, and self-confidence.
I utilize motivational interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, strengths-based approaches, and play therapy to support your journey.
I’m Austin, a dedicated therapist with a passion for supporting kids, teens, and adults through life’s challenges. My practice is rooted in creating a welcoming and warm space where humor and empathy are integral to our work together. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative and engaging process, and I strive to make every session a step toward meaningful growth and understanding. I specialize in addressing a range of issues including ADHD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, boundaries, relationship concerns, and self-confidence.
I am aware a single approach is not right for every individual, so I have been trained in a range of modalities including Trauma-focused CBT, Play therapy, EMDR, and parent coaching.
I help my clients including adults, adolescents, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe
I am aware a single approach is not right for every individual, so I have been trained in a range of modalities including Trauma-focused CBT, Play therapy, EMDR, and parent coaching.
I help my clients including adults, adolescents, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe
Rebecca Powers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60646
I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to reach each clients individual goals such as Relational Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Expressive Interventions.
I work with clients of all ages who are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other concerns that are impacting well-being or life functioning. Providing a safe and supportive environment is important to me as we work together to navigate stressors and build new insight and skills. In working with children, I work closely with parents as well to support families in improved communication and functioning. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to reach each clients individual goals such as Relational Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Expressive Interventions.
I work with clients of all ages who are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other concerns that are impacting well-being or life functioning. Providing a safe and supportive environment is important to me as we work together to navigate stressors and build new insight and skills. In working with children, I work closely with parents as well to support families in improved communication and functioning. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Currently accepting new clients. There are many issues that impact and pull at us in life. It can come in the form of pressures from the outside world, the inner criticisms we feel, or trauma and stress we have experienced. Some may have felt they’ve lost connections within themselves because of the chaos and devastation that life sometimes brings. All these factors can play a role in making someone feel unbalanced.
Currently accepting new clients. There are many issues that impact and pull at us in life. It can come in the form of pressures from the outside world, the inner criticisms we feel, or trauma and stress we have experienced. Some may have felt they’ve lost connections within themselves because of the chaos and devastation that life sometimes brings. All these factors can play a role in making someone feel unbalanced.
I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Art Therapy and am certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) which focuses on how trauma impacts the brain and teaches clinicians how to apply therapeutic methods specific to an individual’s neurological needs.
I help individuals of all ages navigate through past trauma, identify triggers through self-reflection, and find alternative methods to help address anxiety and depression.
I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Art Therapy and am certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) which focuses on how trauma impacts the brain and teaches clinicians how to apply therapeutic methods specific to an individual’s neurological needs.
I help individuals of all ages navigate through past trauma, identify triggers through self-reflection, and find alternative methods to help address anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I follow a relationship-focused approach, developing a strong, trusting, nonjudgmental and empathetic connection between myself and my clients. I incorporate a range of clinical tools, including narrative therapy, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. I know that starting therapy can feel intimidating, and that's why we will work collaboratively to ensure that we are working towards achieving the goals that are most important to you.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I follow a relationship-focused approach, developing a strong, trusting, nonjudgmental and empathetic connection between myself and my clients. I incorporate a range of clinical tools, including narrative therapy, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. I know that starting therapy can feel intimidating, and that's why we will work collaboratively to ensure that we are working towards achieving the goals that are most important to you.
I incorporate play-based concepts therapy sessions and believe in the power of games, art, and movement.
Every stage of life presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. From early childhood to the teenage years, I use a strength-based approach to empower children and families to manage stress, develop individualized coping skills, and improve communication. In partnership with parents and caregivers, I provide a safe space to help families navigate these challenges and make meaningful progress towards their goals.
I incorporate play-based concepts therapy sessions and believe in the power of games, art, and movement.
Every stage of life presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. From early childhood to the teenage years, I use a strength-based approach to empower children and families to manage stress, develop individualized coping skills, and improve communication. In partnership with parents and caregivers, I provide a safe space to help families navigate these challenges and make meaningful progress towards their goals.
I work closely with a team of skilled clinicians and our specialties range from neuropsychological evaluation, complex trauma and PTSD, play therapy, neurodiversity, and parent guidance, to relationship struggles, mood and anxiety disorders, inclusive and affirming care, and identity development.
As a licensed clinical psychologist grounded in the power of relationships and neuropsychology, my mission is to promote healthy development, healing, and emotional & relational wellbeing. I provide therapy and assessment from a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering stance that supports a genuine experience of connection along with learning, healing, and resilience building. I am also an experienced clinical supervisor who is devoted to supporting the clinical and leadership development of rising therapists and psychologists.
I work closely with a team of skilled clinicians and our specialties range from neuropsychological evaluation, complex trauma and PTSD, play therapy, neurodiversity, and parent guidance, to relationship struggles, mood and anxiety disorders, inclusive and affirming care, and identity development.
As a licensed clinical psychologist grounded in the power of relationships and neuropsychology, my mission is to promote healthy development, healing, and emotional & relational wellbeing. I provide therapy and assessment from a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering stance that supports a genuine experience of connection along with learning, healing, and resilience building. I am also an experienced clinical supervisor who is devoted to supporting the clinical and leadership development of rising therapists and psychologists.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Morgan Marchant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
In our sessions, you'll find unwavering support, no matter the challenges you or your child face. Whether it's navigating neurodiversity, regulating emotions, or dealing with anxiety and depression, I am there to help. My profound dedication lies in encouraging children to embrace their natural inclination to play freely. Within my practice, I cultivate a secure environment where clients can let go of inhibitions, learn from mistakes, and acquire essential life skills, ultimately strengthening their resilience.
In our sessions, you'll find unwavering support, no matter the challenges you or your child face. Whether it's navigating neurodiversity, regulating emotions, or dealing with anxiety and depression, I am there to help. My profound dedication lies in encouraging children to embrace their natural inclination to play freely. Within my practice, I cultivate a secure environment where clients can let go of inhibitions, learn from mistakes, and acquire essential life skills, ultimately strengthening their resilience.
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I believe therapy is the client’s personal space to develop new skills, persevere through obstacles, and heal their internal wounds as they navigate their journey of life. I use a multicultural lens during therapy and aim to help clients achieve the goals they bring with them. I like to utilize a mixture of theories and models to tailor to the clients’ needs, as I believe there is no “one way” or “right way” to achieve growth. This includes but is not limited to play therapy, DBT, emotion focused therapy, grief work, mindfulness practices, intergenerational theory, and many others. I work with children ages 5 – 12, teens & families.
I believe therapy is the client’s personal space to develop new skills, persevere through obstacles, and heal their internal wounds as they navigate their journey of life. I use a multicultural lens during therapy and aim to help clients achieve the goals they bring with them. I like to utilize a mixture of theories and models to tailor to the clients’ needs, as I believe there is no “one way” or “right way” to achieve growth. This includes but is not limited to play therapy, DBT, emotion focused therapy, grief work, mindfulness practices, intergenerational theory, and many others. I work with children ages 5 – 12, teens & families.
I incorporate elements of attachment, psychodynamic, mindfulness, play, and art based therapies in order to tailor therapy to each client's unique needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. I provide therapy that is collaborative, creative, and understanding. I have extensive experience helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Traumatic Stress, shame, grief and loss, job and academic stress, sexual trauma, relationship difficulties, self esteem, and adjustment to life changes.
I incorporate elements of attachment, psychodynamic, mindfulness, play, and art based therapies in order to tailor therapy to each client's unique needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. I provide therapy that is collaborative, creative, and understanding. I have extensive experience helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Traumatic Stress, shame, grief and loss, job and academic stress, sexual trauma, relationship difficulties, self esteem, and adjustment to life changes.
I use a holistic and strength based approach, taking into consideration not only you as an individual, but also the systems at play in your life.
I am the founder of Lincoln Park Psychology and I work with people of all ages. I am often sought out for high-risk adolescents, patients with low self-image, those managing emotional instability, and navigating relationship issues (peer or romantic). I work closely with you to identify triggers and patterns, and set realistic and collaborative goals for change. The bulk of my experience was helping youth and families find life success in therapeutic day school settings. As an inclusive psychologist, I welcome clients of all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and belief systems.
I use a holistic and strength based approach, taking into consideration not only you as an individual, but also the systems at play in your life.
I am the founder of Lincoln Park Psychology and I work with people of all ages. I am often sought out for high-risk adolescents, patients with low self-image, those managing emotional instability, and navigating relationship issues (peer or romantic). I work closely with you to identify triggers and patterns, and set realistic and collaborative goals for change. The bulk of my experience was helping youth and families find life success in therapeutic day school settings. As an inclusive psychologist, I welcome clients of all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and belief systems.
Anikó Blake
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I use play-based techniques and tools to support children in expressing themselves in developmentally feasible ways.
Therapy is the practice of finding opportunities for growth, while identifying the circumstances we can alter and finding peace with those we cannot. I use a systemic approach to help clients integrate their past experiences and relationships with where they are currently, in order to help them move forward with greater intention and well-being. This can be done through verbal expression, creative arts, play, movement, and writing. My approach is compassionate, curious, creative, affirming, and strength-based. I prioritize the therapist-client relationship in order to foster trust and safety, and help support change.
I use play-based techniques and tools to support children in expressing themselves in developmentally feasible ways.
Therapy is the practice of finding opportunities for growth, while identifying the circumstances we can alter and finding peace with those we cannot. I use a systemic approach to help clients integrate their past experiences and relationships with where they are currently, in order to help them move forward with greater intention and well-being. This can be done through verbal expression, creative arts, play, movement, and writing. My approach is compassionate, curious, creative, affirming, and strength-based. I prioritize the therapist-client relationship in order to foster trust and safety, and help support change.
Karli Bigler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
Waitlist for new clients
Karli currently is working towards their Association for Play Therapy (APT) license and has helped to create Transcend’s Gender Affirming Surgery Letter program.
Karli Bigler, LPC, NCC, is a licensed child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapist specializing in mental health support across the lifespan. Karli has one foot in the world of adulthood, engaging in talk therapy through a humanistic and psychodynamic lens, with the other planted firmly in the wondrous land of childhood, traversing children’s biggest hurdles through the world of play therapy. Karli describes their therapeutic approach as being in the passenger seat of the car that you are driving, helping to support taking new routes, and noting road bumps along the way.
Karli currently is working towards their Association for Play Therapy (APT) license and has helped to create Transcend’s Gender Affirming Surgery Letter program.
Karli Bigler, LPC, NCC, is a licensed child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapist specializing in mental health support across the lifespan. Karli has one foot in the world of adulthood, engaging in talk therapy through a humanistic and psychodynamic lens, with the other planted firmly in the wondrous land of childhood, traversing children’s biggest hurdles through the world of play therapy. Karli describes their therapeutic approach as being in the passenger seat of the car that you are driving, helping to support taking new routes, and noting road bumps along the way.
Michelle Cutler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I typically use Cognitive Behavioral and Play Therapy techniques, while tailoring my approach to what works best with your child through a trauma lens.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 3-18, with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. I specialize in working with children who have experienced trauma, particularly abuse and attachment trauma. I have a nurturing, yet directive style that helps children and families to feel at ease, as I believe that safety in the therapeutic relationship is most important. My passion lies in helping children emotionally heal, and helping parents to play an integral role in this process. I know that it is difficult to ask for help for your child, and feel privileged to do so.
I typically use Cognitive Behavioral and Play Therapy techniques, while tailoring my approach to what works best with your child through a trauma lens.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 3-18, with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. I specialize in working with children who have experienced trauma, particularly abuse and attachment trauma. I have a nurturing, yet directive style that helps children and families to feel at ease, as I believe that safety in the therapeutic relationship is most important. My passion lies in helping children emotionally heal, and helping parents to play an integral role in this process. I know that it is difficult to ask for help for your child, and feel privileged to do so.
In therapy, I take a holistic approach, blending creativity and play with evidence-based techniques to foster emotional exploration and healing.
I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. I am dedicated to offering trauma-informed care to both youth and adults navigating neurodivergence, OCD, anxiety, mood disorders, interpersonal relationships, and identity formation. I also provide tailored support for individuals experiencing PTSD, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, and affirming care for queer identities. If you're seeking growth and a greater sense of safety in your body, I am here to support you.
In therapy, I take a holistic approach, blending creativity and play with evidence-based techniques to foster emotional exploration and healing.
I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. I am dedicated to offering trauma-informed care to both youth and adults navigating neurodivergence, OCD, anxiety, mood disorders, interpersonal relationships, and identity formation. I also provide tailored support for individuals experiencing PTSD, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, and affirming care for queer identities. If you're seeking growth and a greater sense of safety in your body, I am here to support you.
Emily Brennan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60655
I also work from an attachment-based lens which puts an emphasis on how early connections and experiences play a role in daily life.
I have experience working with both children and adults seeking individual and/or family therapy to help address a variety of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, feelings of unworthiness, stress, ADHD, neuro-divergance, relational issues, codependency, emotional/behavioral concerns, and parent/caregiver support.
I also work from an attachment-based lens which puts an emphasis on how early connections and experiences play a role in daily life.
I have experience working with both children and adults seeking individual and/or family therapy to help address a variety of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, feelings of unworthiness, stress, ADHD, neuro-divergance, relational issues, codependency, emotional/behavioral concerns, and parent/caregiver support.
With children I use an integrative mindfulness and play therapy approach.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, non-judgmental, affirming space for all clients. I value the unique lived experiences and identities each of my clients bring to the therapy space and I want them to feel both seen and heard when they come to therapy. I have a passion to work with vulnerable and marginalized populations and absolutely love working with children.
With children I use an integrative mindfulness and play therapy approach.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, non-judgmental, affirming space for all clients. I value the unique lived experiences and identities each of my clients bring to the therapy space and I want them to feel both seen and heard when they come to therapy. I have a passion to work with vulnerable and marginalized populations and absolutely love working with children.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- North Riverside
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- Riverside
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.