Play Therapy in Elmhurst, IL
Julie Roubal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
I use cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and creative interventions with my clients.
"Your glass might feel half empty or half full, but what's important to remember is that your glass is refillable!" unkn. In life, there will be times where we face different obstacles, but we have the ability to overcome those obstacles and re-fill our own glass. This might feel difficult to overcome alone, and it's also hard to help your child without professional support. It's important to seek extra support, and to model to your child that it's ok to ask for help. My goal as your child's therapist is to provide your family unit with support by teaching coping and communication skills, and to build confidence implementing them.
I use cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and creative interventions with my clients.
"Your glass might feel half empty or half full, but what's important to remember is that your glass is refillable!" unkn. In life, there will be times where we face different obstacles, but we have the ability to overcome those obstacles and re-fill our own glass. This might feel difficult to overcome alone, and it's also hard to help your child without professional support. It's important to seek extra support, and to model to your child that it's ok to ask for help. My goal as your child's therapist is to provide your family unit with support by teaching coping and communication skills, and to build confidence implementing them.
Monica Lechowicz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Helping a client work through struggles might be achieved through role play, art expression, improvisational play, DBT skills, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral activities, or talk therapy.
My area of expertise is providing solution focused therapy by introducing evidence based strategies in a comfortable space where a client feels heard. My goal is to create a supportive space where a client feels confident to try a new strategy to use to regulate their emotions, further develop positive self-talk, and improve communication skills. The parent is an integral part of therapy and skills training when my client is a child.
Helping a client work through struggles might be achieved through role play, art expression, improvisational play, DBT skills, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral activities, or talk therapy.
My area of expertise is providing solution focused therapy by introducing evidence based strategies in a comfortable space where a client feels heard. My goal is to create a supportive space where a client feels confident to try a new strategy to use to regulate their emotions, further develop positive self-talk, and improve communication skills. The parent is an integral part of therapy and skills training when my client is a child.
I bring compassion, empathy, and curiosity to the table through individualized, person-centered care that uses CBT, creativity, and play to set your child up to accomplish their goals around their needs.
The human experience is full of highs and lows and everything in between. It makes sense that just like our physical bodies can benefit from care from time to time, so can our minds. You don’t have to do it by yourself or figure it all out at once. My goal is to create a space that provides safe, intentional, non-judgmental care as you or your child face some of those challenging moments. My role is to see, hear, and care about you and your family, to come alongside my clients and walk with them for a part of their journey. It’s my honor to be a part of that process.
I bring compassion, empathy, and curiosity to the table through individualized, person-centered care that uses CBT, creativity, and play to set your child up to accomplish their goals around their needs.
The human experience is full of highs and lows and everything in between. It makes sense that just like our physical bodies can benefit from care from time to time, so can our minds. You don’t have to do it by yourself or figure it all out at once. My goal is to create a space that provides safe, intentional, non-judgmental care as you or your child face some of those challenging moments. My role is to see, hear, and care about you and your family, to come alongside my clients and walk with them for a part of their journey. It’s my honor to be a part of that process.
Andrea H Hohf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSCD, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
For adults and teens, I offer psychodynamic talk therapy, exploring history, self-concept, and goals; for children, play therapy to help express emotions and put them into words and parent coaching to help parents understand what to expect from their child and how to help kids achieve their potential.
I am here to support humans - children, teens, adults, and families - as they navigate the complex world of human emotion and relationships. We are all good people. A good life can be hard, complicated, challenging, and even a difficult life can be rewarding, fulfilling, and well-lived. I seek to join with those who are struggling with that complexity to help them achieve the goals they have for themselves, to help them cope with inherent disappointments, losses, and stressors, and feel the joy of personal growth.
For adults and teens, I offer psychodynamic talk therapy, exploring history, self-concept, and goals; for children, play therapy to help express emotions and put them into words and parent coaching to help parents understand what to expect from their child and how to help kids achieve their potential.
I am here to support humans - children, teens, adults, and families - as they navigate the complex world of human emotion and relationships. We are all good people. A good life can be hard, complicated, challenging, and even a difficult life can be rewarding, fulfilling, and well-lived. I seek to join with those who are struggling with that complexity to help them achieve the goals they have for themselves, to help them cope with inherent disappointments, losses, and stressors, and feel the joy of personal growth.
My approach incorporates aspects of DBT, play-therapy, and other unique interventions to allow what is discussed in sessions to be applied in daily life.
As a therapist, it is important to me to create an environment where the child and family feel safe to share what is on their minds and in their hearts. In each session, I apply trauma-informed care for a deeper understanding of what the child or family have experienced. My goal is to work with youth ages 5 to 18-years-old to improve communication skills, expand their toolbox of safe coping skills, and build self-confidence. I support both the child and parent to find and use their strengths to work on their presenting issue(s). We are only humans, trying to do our best in life.
My approach incorporates aspects of DBT, play-therapy, and other unique interventions to allow what is discussed in sessions to be applied in daily life.
As a therapist, it is important to me to create an environment where the child and family feel safe to share what is on their minds and in their hearts. In each session, I apply trauma-informed care for a deeper understanding of what the child or family have experienced. My goal is to work with youth ages 5 to 18-years-old to improve communication skills, expand their toolbox of safe coping skills, and build self-confidence. I support both the child and parent to find and use their strengths to work on their presenting issue(s). We are only humans, trying to do our best in life.
Neelima D. Prabhala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
I value play and failure.
Therapy is hard work but it’s worth it because it starts with choosing yourself and being intentional about how you want to live your life. While we may come to therapy in a time of hardship, we all have strengths that we can use a foundation for growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach so I use a blend of approaches including DBT, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Play/Narrative therapies. I also understand how systemic forces shape our realities, and I help clients recognize these forces and develop skills to cope.
I value play and failure.
Therapy is hard work but it’s worth it because it starts with choosing yourself and being intentional about how you want to live your life. While we may come to therapy in a time of hardship, we all have strengths that we can use a foundation for growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach so I use a blend of approaches including DBT, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Play/Narrative therapies. I also understand how systemic forces shape our realities, and I help clients recognize these forces and develop skills to cope.
As a Latina therapist, I bring cultural sensitivity and understanding to our sessions, providing an environment where you can fully express yourself. I received a Master’s in Community Counseling from Loyola University. The foundation of my work is rooted in a person-centered approach: you get to take the lead in your sessions and I serve as your guide. Drawing from my expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I provide support in symptom reduction while fostering personal growth.
As a Latina therapist, I bring cultural sensitivity and understanding to our sessions, providing an environment where you can fully express yourself. I received a Master’s in Community Counseling from Loyola University. The foundation of my work is rooted in a person-centered approach: you get to take the lead in your sessions and I serve as your guide. Drawing from my expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I provide support in symptom reduction while fostering personal growth.
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.
I work with a variety of ages and stages, from children to young adults. My goal is to assist children and families in understanding how their mental health impacts their quality of life, and to provide them with the tools to make beneficial changes. Cultivating self confidence and resilience in individuals and their families is key to creating positive change in their lives. I offer parents proven parenting strategies for all ages, from newborns to young adults. I also guide parents in recognizing familial patterns that may have been overlooked. As a parent of four myself, I understand first hand how overwhelming it can be!
I work with a variety of ages and stages, from children to young adults. My goal is to assist children and families in understanding how their mental health impacts their quality of life, and to provide them with the tools to make beneficial changes. Cultivating self confidence and resilience in individuals and their families is key to creating positive change in their lives. I offer parents proven parenting strategies for all ages, from newborns to young adults. I also guide parents in recognizing familial patterns that may have been overlooked. As a parent of four myself, I understand first hand how overwhelming it can be!
My priority as a therapist is to foster a safe and inclusive environment for my clients and their families by building authentic and trusting therapeutic relationships. I am a strong advocate for mental health and have a passion for helping others improve their quality of life by building skills and feeling better about themselves. My goals as a therapist are to highlight people’s strengths, focus on their perspectives, and promote positive changes. I practice from an individualized, integrative approach, using various evidence-based treatments to support individuals.
My priority as a therapist is to foster a safe and inclusive environment for my clients and their families by building authentic and trusting therapeutic relationships. I am a strong advocate for mental health and have a passion for helping others improve their quality of life by building skills and feeling better about themselves. My goals as a therapist are to highlight people’s strengths, focus on their perspectives, and promote positive changes. I practice from an individualized, integrative approach, using various evidence-based treatments to support individuals.
All people deserve to enjoy each formative stage of their life and the joys that come with them. That is so hard to do when daily routines and responsibilities are clouded by obsessions, compulsions, perfectionistic behaviors, and rumination. Adults can have their daily functioning impacted in work, family life or socially by these thoughts and behaviors. Parents of children and teens can feel frustrated and helpless as their child’s behavior and moods become the family dictator – demanding its terms be met and controlling the events of the day. Navigating how to regain control from anxiety can feel far out of reach.
All people deserve to enjoy each formative stage of their life and the joys that come with them. That is so hard to do when daily routines and responsibilities are clouded by obsessions, compulsions, perfectionistic behaviors, and rumination. Adults can have their daily functioning impacted in work, family life or socially by these thoughts and behaviors. Parents of children and teens can feel frustrated and helpless as their child’s behavior and moods become the family dictator – demanding its terms be met and controlling the events of the day. Navigating how to regain control from anxiety can feel far out of reach.
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Detrall Dearbone
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, LSOTP, CADC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Elmhurst, IL 60126
My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).
My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).
"We repeat what we don’t repair." --Christine Langley-Obaug-- If you or your family member is having difficulty managing depression, anxiety, increased stress, mood changes, PTSD, or trauma, I am here for you. My focus is to assist clients in learning how to respond to challenging life events, build self-worth, improve communication, and manage emotions safely. We will work together to create a safe, therapeutic relationship, tailored to your specific concerns.
"We repeat what we don’t repair." --Christine Langley-Obaug-- If you or your family member is having difficulty managing depression, anxiety, increased stress, mood changes, PTSD, or trauma, I am here for you. My focus is to assist clients in learning how to respond to challenging life events, build self-worth, improve communication, and manage emotions safely. We will work together to create a safe, therapeutic relationship, tailored to your specific concerns.
My work is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to realize their self-worth and sense of empowerment. I am dedicated to supporting women and children, with a special place in my heart for immigrant women and children. I draw on my own experiences to empathize with and advocate for those navigating similar paths. My goal is to help individuals uncover their potential and achieve a sense of fulfillment, leveraging my education and personal background to make a tangible impact in their lives. I also can provide therapy sessions in Spanish. Born in Guatemala and moved to the US at the age of six,
My work is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to realize their self-worth and sense of empowerment. I am dedicated to supporting women and children, with a special place in my heart for immigrant women and children. I draw on my own experiences to empathize with and advocate for those navigating similar paths. My goal is to help individuals uncover their potential and achieve a sense of fulfillment, leveraging my education and personal background to make a tangible impact in their lives. I also can provide therapy sessions in Spanish. Born in Guatemala and moved to the US at the age of six,
Are you looking for a competent, accepting and genuine therapist for yourself or your child? Do you or your family need support in your relationships? Is your kid struggling at school or at home? My name is Mihaela Bernard but most clients call me Misha. I specialize in counseling children and adolescents who struggle with behavioral and emotional issues. In my practice, we work together to help you and/or your family modify the way in which you relate to each other, and to improve the quality of your relationships.
Are you looking for a competent, accepting and genuine therapist for yourself or your child? Do you or your family need support in your relationships? Is your kid struggling at school or at home? My name is Mihaela Bernard but most clients call me Misha. I specialize in counseling children and adolescents who struggle with behavioral and emotional issues. In my practice, we work together to help you and/or your family modify the way in which you relate to each other, and to improve the quality of your relationships.
Rose Mary Spizzirri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
Every family is fighting their own battle. Whether it is addiction, depression, or inability to get along, you are not alone. Sometimes those struggles become so overwhelming, that finding support is your best option. If you have decided to stop suffering alone, you are in the right place. I work with Mothers, Fathers and Families to address their individual and family struggles. Individuals who I help are often battling symptoms of: ADHD, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce, Sex and Porn Addiction or Life Transitions. See Personal Client Reviews at HealthGrades.com
Every family is fighting their own battle. Whether it is addiction, depression, or inability to get along, you are not alone. Sometimes those struggles become so overwhelming, that finding support is your best option. If you have decided to stop suffering alone, you are in the right place. I work with Mothers, Fathers and Families to address their individual and family struggles. Individuals who I help are often battling symptoms of: ADHD, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce, Sex and Porn Addiction or Life Transitions. See Personal Client Reviews at HealthGrades.com
Stephanie Petrey
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126 (Online Only)
I'm also trained in techniques of Thera play.
Seeking support when dealing with difficult and challenging times in life can be overwhelming. It is my commitment as you take this step, to help guide you toward reaching your personal treatment goals. I work collaboratively with clients as I believe that treatment should be tailored to each client's personal needs in order for the client to feel comfortable and confident in reaching their treatment goals
I'm also trained in techniques of Thera play.
Seeking support when dealing with difficult and challenging times in life can be overwhelming. It is my commitment as you take this step, to help guide you toward reaching your personal treatment goals. I work collaboratively with clients as I believe that treatment should be tailored to each client's personal needs in order for the client to feel comfortable and confident in reaching their treatment goals
Nicole Massey-Hastings
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
My goal is to help you build a more satisfying life by creating long-lasting change and resilience. I am results-oriented. Many clients and parents report significant change in 4-8 sessions.I work with clients from many different walks of life and provide comprehensive counseling services for adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative, understanding, and caring, as well as evidence-based. I use a state-of-the art outcome assessment to ensure that your counseling is effective and individualized. Please see my website regarding my exclusive approach for families: The Harmonizing Your Home Program.
My goal is to help you build a more satisfying life by creating long-lasting change and resilience. I am results-oriented. Many clients and parents report significant change in 4-8 sessions.I work with clients from many different walks of life and provide comprehensive counseling services for adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative, understanding, and caring, as well as evidence-based. I use a state-of-the art outcome assessment to ensure that your counseling is effective and individualized. Please see my website regarding my exclusive approach for families: The Harmonizing Your Home Program.
My name is Karen Dorner and I have been working as a counselor for over 11 years and I am so lucky to continue to love what I do all these years. My core passion is helping others improve the quality of their lives by overcoming and working through their pain, anxieties, and traumas and by navigating life's challenges. I am blessed that my clients trust me to walk with them on their respective journeys towards finding balance, peace and connectedness as individuals and also within their families.
My name is Karen Dorner and I have been working as a counselor for over 11 years and I am so lucky to continue to love what I do all these years. My core passion is helping others improve the quality of their lives by overcoming and working through their pain, anxieties, and traumas and by navigating life's challenges. I am blessed that my clients trust me to walk with them on their respective journeys towards finding balance, peace and connectedness as individuals and also within their families.
See more therapy options for Elmhurst
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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.